California
Diesel Mechanic pay in California
What diesel mechanics earn in California: BLS OEWS May 2025 pay for the state and 25 metro areas, plus job counts and 47 listed training programs.
- $72,690Average pay (state)
- $47,180Entry-level / bottom 10%
- $73,950Median pay (state)
- $96,730Top 10% earn over
20,940 jobs in California · 47 listed programs. Average pay across all experience levels (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Cities with listed programs
BLS wage data
Diesel Mechanic pay in California
Annual wages from the BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates, released 2026-05-15.
| Area | 10th pct | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | 90th pct | Mean | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $47,180 | $60,110 | $73,950 | $84,740 | $96,730 | $72,690 | 20,940 |
| United States | $44,530 | $50,540 | $61,770 | $75,470 | $88,740 | $64,320 | 289,960 |
Metro areas
| Area | 10th pct | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | 90th pct | Mean | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $56,550 | $74,400 | $88,980 | $96,430 | $113,440 | $85,960 | 720 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $48,900 | $62,610 | $82,100 | $98,060 | $105,550 | $81,180 | 1,730 |
| Napa, CA | $51,160 | $63,270 | $78,070 | $92,750 | $103,950 | $79,120 | 60 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $48,550 | $62,160 | $77,380 | $85,280 | $95,760 | $74,620 | 6,520 |
| Modesto, CA | $47,740 | $61,080 | $76,640 | $87,420 | $97,980 | $74,740 | 420 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $56,510 | $63,790 | $75,670 | $87,290 | $99,330 | $76,790 | 90 |
| Vallejo, CA | $49,490 | $62,240 | $75,500 | $84,540 | $100,300 | $75,080 | 200 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $51,370 | $62,280 | $75,070 | $83,350 | $95,520 | $74,200 | 1,430 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $51,440 | $61,480 | $74,730 | $81,260 | $97,160 | $72,340 | 350 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $47,090 | $59,680 | $74,620 | $82,480 | $91,320 | $72,260 | 120 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $48,710 | $59,950 | $72,660 | $81,630 | $94,410 | $72,520 | 1,190 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $46,890 | $57,970 | $71,300 | $78,210 | $89,570 | $68,590 | 3,400 |
Programs
Listed programs in California
Every diesel mechanic program we matched in California. Schools with published tuition are listed first.
| Program / provider | Location | Type | Graduates 2023-24 | Tuition | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Barstow Community College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Barstow, CA | Associate degree | 6 | $1,104–$9,600 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Barstow Community College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Barstow, CA | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 13 | $1,104–$9,600 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Butte College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Oroville, CA | Certificate (1-2 years) | 5 | $1,374–$9,534 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Butte College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Oroville, CA | Associate degree | 1 | $1,374–$9,534 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Citrus College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Glendora, CA | Certificate (1-2 years) | 11 | $1,254–$11,334 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Citrus College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Glendora, CA | Associate degree | 6 | $1,254–$11,334 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Citrus College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Glendora, CA | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 14 | $1,254–$11,334 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| College of Alameda Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Alameda, CA | Certificate (1-2 years) | 8 | $1,258–$10,138 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| College of Alameda Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Alameda, CA | Associate degree | 2 | $1,258–$10,138 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Fresno City College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Fresno, CA | Certificate (1-2 years) | 0 | $1,334–$10,714 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Fresno City College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Fresno, CA | Associate degree | 0 | $1,334–$10,714 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Fresno City College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Fresno, CA | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 1 | $1,334–$10,714 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Hartnell College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Salinas, CA | Associate degree | 0 | $1,404–$10,398 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Imperial Valley College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Imperial, CA | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 9 | $1,148–$8,972 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Las Positas College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Livermore, CA | Certificate (1-2 years) | 3 | $1,348–$10,420 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Las Positas College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Livermore, CA | Associate degree | 1 | $1,348–$10,420 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Long Beach City College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Long Beach, CA | Certificate (1-2 years) | 0 | $1,560–$13,336 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Long Beach City College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Long Beach, CA | Associate degree | 0 | $1,560–$13,336 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Los Angeles Trade Technical College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Los Angeles, CA | Certificate (1-2 years) | 32 | $1,238–$11,040 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Los Angeles Trade Technical College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Los Angeles, CA | Associate degree | 9 | $1,238–$11,040 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Los Angeles Trade Technical College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Los Angeles, CA | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 29 | $1,238–$11,040 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Palomar College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | San Marcos, CA | Certificate (1-2 years) | 7 | $1,356–$11,688 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Palomar College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | San Marcos, CA | Associate degree | 1 | $1,356–$11,688 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| San Bernardino Valley College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | San Bernardino, CA | Associate degree | 1 | $1,185–$11,121 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| San Bernardino Valley College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | San Bernardino, CA | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 14 | $1,185–$11,121 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| San Bernardino Valley College Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician | San Bernardino, CA | Associate degree | 0 | $1,185–$11,121 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0613 |
| San Bernardino Valley College Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician | San Bernardino, CA | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 0 | $1,185–$11,121 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0613 |
| San Diego Miramar College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | San Diego, CA | Certificate (1-2 years) | 0 | $1,154–$10,010 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| San Diego Miramar College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | San Diego, CA | Associate degree | 0 | $1,154–$10,010 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| San Diego Miramar College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | San Diego, CA | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 18 | $1,154–$10,010 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| San Joaquin Delta College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Stockton, CA | Certificate (1-2 years) | 0 | $1,180–$9,772 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| San Joaquin Delta College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Stockton, CA | Associate degree | 3 | $1,180–$9,772 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| San Joaquin Delta College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Stockton, CA | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 8 | $1,180–$9,772 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Santa Ana College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Santa Ana, CA | Associate degree | 3 | $1,188–$11,076 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Santa Ana College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Santa Ana, CA | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 19 | $1,188–$11,076 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Santa Rosa Junior College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Santa Rosa, CA | Certificate (1-2 years) | 0 | $1,318–$10,930 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Santa Rosa Junior College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Santa Rosa, CA | Associate degree | 0 | $1,318–$10,930 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Santa Rosa Junior College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Santa Rosa, CA | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 33 | $1,318–$10,930 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Shasta College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Redding, CA | Certificate (1-2 years) | 1 | $1,199–$8,927 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Shasta College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Redding, CA | Associate degree | 6 | $1,199–$8,927 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Universal Technical Institute of California Inc Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Rancho Cucamonga, CA | Certificate (1-2 years) | 115 | $58,300 Tuition & fees, largest program (program-year school) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Universal Technical Institute of Northern California Inc Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Sacramento, CA | Certificate (1-2 years) | 133 | $45,390 Tuition & fees, largest program (program-year school) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Universal Technical Institute-Southern California Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Long Beach, CA | Certificate (1-2 years) | 82 | $45,800 Tuition & fees, largest program (program-year school) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Ventura College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Ventura, CA | Associate degree | 3 | $1,416–$11,598 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| Ventura College Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Ventura, CA | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 2 | $1,416–$11,598 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
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Related resources
Keep researching
Verified CDL schools, if you also want to driveMany fleet and diesel shop jobs prefer a CDL; compare FMCSA-registered training. · VerifiedCDLSchools.comGI Bill-approved diesel mechanic programsSchools that accept VA education benefits. · VeteranTradeSchools.comAutomotive and diesel apprenticeshipsThe apprenticeship route and sponsors. · RegisteredTradeSchools.com
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.