What does a diesel mechanic do?
- Diagnose engine, brake, electrical and fuel-system problems.
- Repair and rebuild diesel engines and components.
- Perform routine maintenance and inspections.
- Use computer diagnostics as well as hand and power tools.
Where do diesel mechanics work?
- Repair shops and dealerships
- Trucking, bus and delivery company fleets
- Roadside and on job sites for breakdowns
Is a career as a diesel mechanic right for you?
It could be a good fit if:
- You like figuring out why something won't run.
- You're comfortable with both computers and heavy tools.
- You want steady work that keeps goods moving.
How to become a diesel mechanic
Many diesel technicians learn on the job after high school, but employers increasingly prefer people who've completed a diesel repair program at a trade school or community college.
How much do diesel mechanics make?
The median pay for diesel mechanics in the U.S. was $61,770 a year in May 2025, and most earned between $44,530 to $88,740 a year. Median pay describes the whole trade, not a first-year wage: pay usually rises with experience, licenses and specialty.
Diesel mechanic pay by state
| State | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| United States | $61,770 |
| Massachusetts | $73,270 |
| New Hampshire | $71,390 |
Job outlook for diesel mechanics
U.S. employment of diesel mechanics is projected to change by +4% (as fast as average) from 2025 to 2035, with about 24,400 openings each year on average. There were 316,000 diesel mechanic jobs in the U.S. in 2025.
Things to know
- Median pay describes the whole trade, not a first-year wage. Pay rises with experience and skills.
- Some employers require industry certification, such as ASE.
- Shops can be noisy, and some technicians work more than 40 hours a week.
Diesel mechanic FAQ
What does a diesel mechanic do?
Diesel service technicians and mechanics inspect, repair and overhaul buses, trucks and any vehicle with a diesel engine. Typical work includes: diagnose engine, brake, electrical and fuel-system problems; repair and rebuild diesel engines and components; perform routine maintenance and inspections; use computer diagnostics as well as hand and power tools.
How do you become a diesel mechanic?
Many diesel technicians learn on the job after high school, but employers increasingly prefer people who've completed a diesel repair program at a trade school or community college.
How much do diesel mechanics make?
The median pay for diesel mechanics in the U.S. was $61,770 a year (May 2025, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics). Most earn between $44,530 to $88,740 a year. Pay varies by state, experience and specialty.
Are diesel mechanics in demand?
U.S. employment of diesel mechanics is projected to change by +4% (as fast as average) from 2025 to 2035, with about 24,400 job openings each year on average (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Which states pay diesel mechanics the most?
By median annual wage in May 2025, the highest-paying states for diesel mechanics were Massachusetts ($73,270), New Hampshire ($71,390), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Sources
Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wayforge is a career-planning tool, not an official licensing source; always confirm requirements with your state licensing board.