How much diesel mechanics make
Average pay $64,320, median $61,770, entry-level / bottom 10% $44,530 (BLS OEWS May 2025). Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists inspect, repair and maintain the diesel engines and systems in trucks, buses and heavy vehicles. Many start with a diesel technology certificate or associate degree; others learn on the job at fleets and dealerships.
- $64,320Average pay (U.S.)
- $44,530Entry-level / bottom 10%
- $61,770Median pay (U.S.)
- $88,740Top 10% earn over
289,960 jobs nationwide · 791 listed programs in 51 states. Average pay across all experience levels (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Job outlook: +3.6% projected employment change 2025–35 (all occupations: +3.5%), about 24,400 openings a year (BLS Employment Projections 2025–35, released 2026-08-27). See the outlook ↓
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates, released 2026-05-15. O*NET 49-3031.00.
Highest-paying states (BLS median)
BLS wage data
What diesel mechanics earn
As of the BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates, released 2026-05-15, diesel mechanics in the United States earned an average of $64,320 a year, with a median of $61,770; the entry-level / bottom 10% figure (10th percentile) was $44,530 and the top 10% earned more than $88,740.
Annual wages for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists (SOC 49-3031) from the BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates, released 2026-05-15. The national average is $64,320; the median is $61,770 and the entry-level / bottom 10% figure is $44,530 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
| Area | 10th pct | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | 90th pct | Mean | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $44,530 | $50,540 | $61,770 | $75,470 | $88,740 | $64,320 | 289,960 |
Job outlook
Diesel Mechanic job outlook, 2025–35
National employment projections from the BLS Employment Projections 2025–35, released 2026-08-27. Openings include jobs from growth plus workers who retire or change occupations. Across all occupations, employment is projected to change +3.5%.
| Occupation | Jobs 2025 | Projected 2035 | Change | Openings per year | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists (49-3031) | 316,000 | 327,400 | +3.6% | 24,400 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Driving as well as fixing?
Diesel mechanics who road-test or move trucks are often asked to hold a commercial driver's license. If that fits your plans, VerifiedCDLSchools.com lists CDL training providers and checks them against the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.
Training & tuition
What training costs
Tuition comes only from published College Scorecard figures. Apprenticeship sponsors do not publish tuition in federal files, so they show “Contact program.”
| Program group | Lowest | Middle | Highest | What the figure is |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schools with published tuition (775) | $544 | $4,770 | $58,300 | College Scorecard annual tuition & fees (in-state low end; out-of-state high end where they differ) |
| Registered apprenticeship sponsors (16) | Contact program | Not published in the DOL file. Registered apprenticeships are usually paid jobs with related classroom instruction. | ||
Occupation profile
| O*NET-SOC code | 49-3031.00 |
|---|---|
| O*NET title | Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists |
| BLS SOC | 49-3031 |
| Job zone | Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed |
| Sample job titles | Bus Mechanic, Diesel Mechanic, Diesel Technician (Diesel Tech), Fleet Mechanic, General Repair Mechanic, Heavy Truck Mechanic |
Typical tasks (O*NET)
- Use handtools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, pressure gauges, or precision instruments, as well as power tools, such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding equipment, or jacks and hoists.
- Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.
- Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
- Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.
- Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.
Programs
Featured diesel mechanic programs
12 of 791 listed programs, schools with published tuition first. Pick a state below for the full list.
| Program / provider | Location | Type | Graduates 2023-24 | Tuition | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Technology Institute Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician | Virginia Beach, VA | Certificate (1-2 years) | 25 | $14,960 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0613 |
| Advanced Technology Institute Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician | Virginia Beach, VA | Associate degree | 12 | $14,960 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0613 |
| Alaska Vocational Technical Center Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Seward, AK | Certificate (1-2 years) | 28 | $5,619 Tuition & fees, largest program (program-year school) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Albany Technical College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Albany, GA | Certificate (2-4 years) | 8 | $3,364–$5,932 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Albany Technical College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Albany, GA | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 12 | $3,364–$5,932 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Albany Technical College Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician | Albany, GA | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 19 | $3,364–$5,932 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0613 |
| Alexandria Technical & Community College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Alexandria, MN | Associate degree | 27 | $6,530 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Alexandria Technical & Community College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Alexandria, MN | Certificate (2-4 years) | 12 | $6,530 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Amarillo College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Amarillo, TX | Certificate (1-2 years) | 48 | $2,136–$4,704 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Amarillo College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Amarillo, TX | Associate degree | 11 | $2,136–$4,704 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| American River College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Sacramento, CA | Associate degree | 2 | $1,288–$12,472 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| American River College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Sacramento, CA | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 18 | $1,288–$12,472 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
By state
Diesel Mechanic pay and programs by state
Highest state medians:
| State | Listed programs | Median pay | 90th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 17 | $50,470 | $75,660 | 6,130 |
| Alaska | 4 | $75,580 | $98,610 | 860 |
| Arizona | 9 | $61,680 | $84,350 | 5,140 |
| Arkansas | 22 | $52,330 | $69,260 | 4,090 |
| California | 47 | $73,950 | $96,730 | 20,940 |
| Colorado | 13 | $70,480 | $96,450 | 4,600 |
| Connecticut | 2 | $67,300 | $97,220 | 2,860 |
| Delaware | 2 | $63,590 | $82,650 | 670 |
| District of Columbia | 0 | $65,200 | $93,040 | 110 |
| Florida | 49 | $60,490 | $79,210 | 14,900 |
| Georgia | 52 | $61,370 | $85,260 | 10,910 |
| Guam | 1 | $51,720 | $59,880 | 30 |
| Hawaii | 6 | $80,080 | $100,540 | 690 |
| Idaho | 16 | $59,230 | $77,800 | 1,930 |
| Illinois | 26 | $64,340 | $97,670 | 11,320 |
| Indiana | 10 | $60,610 | $79,730 | 8,840 |
| Iowa | 16 | $59,680 | $80,080 | 4,140 |
| Kansas | 14 | $59,460 | $81,000 | 3,300 |
| Kentucky | 35 | $55,480 | $80,500 | 3,890 |
| Louisiana | 12 | $58,680 | $79,160 | 3,270 |
| Maine | 3 | $60,850 | $79,450 | 1,380 |
| Maryland | 1 | $74,790 | $97,800 | 3,030 |
| Massachusetts | 2 | $73,270 | $99,460 | 4,870 |
| Michigan | 8 | $61,420 | $81,010 | 9,020 |
| Minnesota | 19 | $66,840 | $90,520 | 7,300 |
| Mississippi | 16 | $54,360 | $82,020 | 3,140 |
| Missouri | 19 | $59,360 | $82,480 | 6,780 |
| Montana | 8 | $59,990 | $77,700 | 1,230 |
| Nebraska | 11 | $59,140 | $79,400 | 2,720 |
| Nevada | 6 | $68,410 | $97,720 | 1,990 |
| New Hampshire | 3 | $71,390 | $99,590 | 1,040 |
| New Jersey | 6 | $72,340 | $94,150 | 8,160 |
| New Mexico | 4 | $55,910 | $83,260 | 1,740 |
| New York | 5 | $70,100 | $90,090 | 13,230 |
| North Carolina | 44 | $57,490 | $76,240 | 11,070 |
| North Dakota | 8 | $66,110 | $91,520 | 1,790 |
| Ohio | 16 | $60,470 | $78,120 | 14,240 |
| Oklahoma | 18 | $55,340 | $76,130 | 3,970 |
| Oregon | 15 | $63,970 | $90,700 | 3,770 |
| Pennsylvania | 23 | $61,740 | $80,440 | 12,630 |
| Puerto Rico | 5 | $40,110 | $73,710 | 930 |
| Rhode Island | 0 | $67,270 | $85,420 | 350 |
| South Carolina | 7 | $59,330 | $76,670 | 3,360 |
| South Dakota | 4 | $58,120 | $78,810 | 1,340 |
| Tennessee | 28 | $59,190 | $80,580 | 5,720 |
| Texas | 59 | $58,810 | $81,660 | 29,870 |
| Utah | 20 | $64,350 | $83,140 | 2,690 |
| Vermont | 2 | $59,390 | $84,060 | 550 |
| Virginia | 14 | $61,090 | $79,150 | 8,070 |
| Washington | 30 | $77,900 | $102,800 | 7,410 |
| West Virginia | 5 | $46,610 | $78,460 | 1,040 |
| Wisconsin | 18 | $62,450 | $82,210 | 6,750 |
| Wyoming | 11 | $61,580 | $80,400 | 1,100 |
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FAQ
Diesel Mechanic pay and training: quick answers
How much do diesel mechanics make?
As of the BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates, released 2026-05-15, diesel mechanics in the United States earned an average of $64,320 a year, with a median of $61,770; the entry-level / bottom 10% figure (10th percentile) was $44,530 and the top 10% earned more than $88,740.
What is entry-level pay for diesel mechanics?
BLS does not publish a starting wage. The closest federal figure is the 10th percentile, which we label entry-level / bottom 10%: $44,530 a year nationally in the BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates, released 2026-05-15. The median is $61,770.
Which states pay diesel mechanics the most?
By BLS average annual wage, the top states are Washington ($78,790), Hawaii ($76,730), Alaska ($74,580), in the BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates, released 2026-05-15.
How many diesel mechanic training programs are listed?
We list 791 in 51 states: 775 school programs from the NCES IPEDS 2023-24 completions file (11,932 graduates that year) and 16 registered apprenticeship sponsors from the DOL Office of Apprenticeship partner file. Listings are matched from public files and are not endorsements.
How much does diesel mechanic training cost?
For the 775 listed schools with published College Scorecard tuition and fees, the annual figure ranges from $544 to $58,300 (middle $4,770). Registered apprenticeships are usually paid jobs, and the DOL file does not list tuition.
Is diesel mechanic a growing field?
BLS projects employment of diesel mechanics to change +3.6% from 2025 to 2035, versus +3.5% for all occupations, with about 24,400 openings a year from growth and replacement. Source: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35, released 2026-08-27.
Sources
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates, released 2026-05-15 (news release USDL-26-0725; data tables). Cross-checked against the BLS Public Data API on 2026-11-03.
- Occupation: O*NET OnLine, 49-3031.00 Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists, retrieved 2026-11-03 (CC BY 4.0).
- Apprenticeship sponsors: U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship: partner sponsors file, retrieved 2026-10-29 (Partner Finder).
- Schools & graduates: U.S. Department of Education, NCES IPEDS Completions 2023-24 (C2024_A) and Institutional Characteristics (HD2024), award year 2023-24, matched by 6-digit CIP code (completions file; CIP-SOC crosswalk).
- Tuition: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard (Most Recent Cohorts: Institution + Field of Study), data updated 2026-10-15, matched by IPEDS unit ID (source).
Program listings are matched from public files by occupation code or organization name; they are not endorsements and we have not visited or tested any program. Confirm schedules, entry requirements and costs with the program. Compiled by the HighPayingTrades team; last refreshed 2026-11-03.