---
title: "Diesel Mechanic Salary in California: Pay & Jobs"
canonical: https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/
description: "Diesel Mechanic pay in California: BLS average $72,690 (all experience levels), median $73,950, bottom 10% $47,180. 47 listed programs."
updated: 2026-11-03
wage_source: "BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates, released 2026-05-15"
---

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4. California
 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.

- **$72,690** Average pay (state)
- **$47,180** Entry-level / bottom 10%
- **$73,950** Median pay (state)
- **$96,730** Top 10% earn over

20,940 jobs in California · 47 listed programs. [Average pay across all experience levels (BLS OEWS May 2025)](https://highpayingtrades.com/methodology/).

Cities with listed programs

- [San Bernardino 4](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/san-bernardino/)
- [Fresno 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/fresno/)
- [Glendora 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/glendora/)
- [Long Beach 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/long-beach/)
- [Los Angeles 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/los-angeles/)
- [Sacramento 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/sacramento/)
- [San Diego 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/san-diego/)
- [Santa Rosa 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/santa-rosa/)

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 |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates, released 2026-05-15.

### 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 |
Metropolitan area estimates, BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates, released 2026-05-15. Only areas BLS published are shown.

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](https://www.arc.losrios.edu/) 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](https://www.arc.losrios.edu/) 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](https://www.barstow.edu/) 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](https://www.barstow.edu/) 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](https://www.butte.edu/) 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](https://www.butte.edu/) 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](https://www.citruscollege.edu/) 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](https://www.citruscollege.edu/) 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](https://www.citruscollege.edu/) 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](https://alameda.edu/) 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](https://alameda.edu/) 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](https://www.fresnocitycollege.edu/) 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](https://www.fresnocitycollege.edu/) 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](https://www.fresnocitycollege.edu/) 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](https://www.hartnell.edu/) 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](https://www.imperial.edu/) 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](https://www.laspositascollege.edu/) 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](https://www.laspositascollege.edu/) 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](https://www.lbcc.edu/) 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](https://www.lbcc.edu/) 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](https://www.lattc.edu/) 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](https://www.lattc.edu/) 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](https://www.lattc.edu/) 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](https://www2.palomar.edu/) 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](https://www2.palomar.edu/) 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](https://www.valleycollege.edu/) 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](https://www.valleycollege.edu/) 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](https://www.valleycollege.edu/) 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](https://www.valleycollege.edu/) 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](https://www.sdmiramar.edu/) 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](https://www.sdmiramar.edu/) 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](https://www.sdmiramar.edu/) 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](https://www.deltacollege.edu/) 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](https://www.deltacollege.edu/) 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](https://www.deltacollege.edu/) 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](https://www.sac.edu/) 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](https://www.sac.edu/) 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](https://www.santarosa.edu/) 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](https://www.santarosa.edu/) 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](https://www.santarosa.edu/) 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](https://www.shastacollege.edu/) 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](https://www.shastacollege.edu/) 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](https://www.uti.edu/) 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](https://www.uti.edu/) 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](https://www.uti.edu/) 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](https://www.venturacollege.edu/) 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](https://www.venturacollege.edu/) 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 |
Schools: NCES IPEDS Completions 2023-24, matched by 6-digit CIP code; “Graduates 2023-24” is the number of first-major certificates or associate degrees the school awarded in that program from July 2023 to June 2024 (IPEDS). Tuition: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (updated 2026-10-15), matched by IPEDS unit ID; it is the published figure, not a quote. Apprenticeship sponsors: DOL Office of Apprenticeship partner file (retrieved 2026-10-29); apprenticeships are typically paid, so no tuition is listed — contact the program.

### Browse by city

- [San Bernardino 4](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/san-bernardino/)
- [Fresno 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/fresno/)
- [Glendora 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/glendora/)
- [Long Beach 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/long-beach/)
- [Los Angeles 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/los-angeles/)
- [Sacramento 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/sacramento/)
- [San Diego 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/san-diego/)
- [Santa Rosa 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/santa-rosa/)
- [Stockton 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/stockton/)
- [Alameda 2](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/alameda/)
- [Barstow 2](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/barstow/)
- [Livermore 2](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/livermore/)
- [Oroville 2](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/oroville/)
- [Redding 2](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/redding/)
- [San Marcos 2](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/san-marcos/)
- [Santa Ana 2](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/santa-ana/)
- [Ventura 2](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/ventura/)
- [Imperial 1](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/imperial/)
- [Rancho Cucamonga 1](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/rancho-cucamonga/)
- [Salinas 1](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/california/salinas/)

Related resources

## Keep researching

[**Verified CDL schools, if you also want to drive** Many fleet and diesel shop jobs prefer a CDL; compare FMCSA-registered training. · VerifiedCDLSchools.com](https://verifiedcdlschools.com/) [**GI Bill-approved diesel mechanic programs** Schools that accept VA education benefits. · VeteranTradeSchools.com](https://veterantradeschools.com/diesel-mechanic/) [**Automotive and diesel apprenticeships** The apprenticeship route and sponsors. · RegisteredTradeSchools.com](https://registeredtradeschools.com/trades/automotive/)

## 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](https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/ocwage_05152026.htm); [data tables](https://www.bls.gov/oes/tables.htm)). 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](https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-3031.00), 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](https://www.apprenticeship.gov/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](https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/data/C2024_A.zip); [CIP-SOC crosswalk](https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cipcode/Files/CIP2020_SOC2018_Crosswalk.xlsx)).
- **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](https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/)).

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.

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Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates, released 2026-05-15 (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/ocwage_05152026.htm). Programs: NCES IPEDS 2023-24 completions; DOL Office of Apprenticeship. Tuition: College Scorecard.