---
title: "Diesel Mechanic Salary in Kentucky: Pay & Jobs"
canonical: https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/kentucky/
description: "Diesel Mechanic pay in Kentucky: BLS average $57,370 (all experience levels), median $55,480, bottom 10% $38,250. 35 listed programs."
updated: 2026-11-03
wage_source: "BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates, released 2026-05-15"
---

1. [Home](https://highpayingtrades.com/)
2. [Trades](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/)
3. [Diesel Mechanic](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/)
4. Kentucky
 Kentucky

# Diesel Mechanic pay in *Kentucky*

What diesel mechanics earn in Kentucky: BLS OEWS May 2025 pay for the state and 9 metro areas, plus job counts and 35 listed training programs.

- **$57,370** Average pay (state)
- **$38,250** Entry-level / bottom 10%
- **$55,480** Median pay (state)
- **$80,500** Top 10% earn over

3,890 jobs in Kentucky · 35 listed programs. [Average pay across all experience levels (BLS OEWS May 2025)](https://highpayingtrades.com/methodology/).

Cities with listed programs

- [Cumberland 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/kentucky/cumberland/)
- [Elizabethtown 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/kentucky/elizabethtown/)
- [Florence 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/kentucky/florence/)
- [Hopkinsville 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/kentucky/hopkinsville/)
- [Lexington 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/kentucky/lexington/)
- [Madisonville 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/kentucky/madisonville/)
- [Owensboro 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/kentucky/owensboro/)
- [Ashland 2](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/kentucky/ashland/)

BLS wage data

## Diesel Mechanic pay in Kentucky

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 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Kentucky | $38,250 | $46,560 | $55,480 | $63,740 | $80,500 | $57,370 | 3,890 |
| 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 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Paducah, KY-IL | $45,760 | $53,010 | $78,900 | $102,210 | $102,330 | $76,290 | 190 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $45,780 | $52,190 | $62,400 | $73,620 | $79,810 | $63,250 | 2,300 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $43,680 | $50,900 | $61,310 | $71,690 | $82,370 | $62,180 | 1,480 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | $44,210 | $49,820 | $57,470 | $64,640 | $80,690 | $59,350 | 390 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $37,590 | $45,390 | $56,940 | $62,780 | $75,640 | $55,950 | 120 |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $37,960 | $47,470 | $53,290 | $56,610 | $62,780 | $52,040 | 130 |
| Owensboro, KY | $36,920 | $47,550 | $53,040 | $61,090 | $71,390 | $54,420 | 60 |
| Bowling Green, KY | $36,480 | $47,330 | $51,920 | $59,750 | $67,280 | $53,650 | 200 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $37,450 | $44,800 | $51,130 | $62,800 | $84,700 | $56,060 | 250 |
Metropolitan area estimates, BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates, released 2026-05-15. Only areas BLS published are shown.

Programs

## Listed programs in Kentucky

Every diesel mechanic program we matched in Kentucky. Schools with published tuition are listed first.

| Program / provider | Location | Type | Graduates 2023-24 | Tuition | Source |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Ashland Community and Technical College](https://ashland.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Ashland, KY | Certificate (1-2 years) | 17 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Ashland Community and Technical College](https://ashland.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Ashland, KY | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 88 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Big Sandy Community and Technical College](https://bigsandy.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Prestonsburg, KY | Certificate (1-2 years) | 2 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Big Sandy Community and Technical College](https://bigsandy.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Prestonsburg, KY | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 10 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Bluegrass Community and Technical College](https://bluegrass.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Lexington, KY | Certificate (1-2 years) | 3 | $4,952–$6,752 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Bluegrass Community and Technical College](https://bluegrass.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Lexington, KY | Associate degree | 2 | $4,952–$6,752 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Bluegrass Community and Technical College](https://bluegrass.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Lexington, KY | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 23 | $4,952–$6,752 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Elizabethtown Community and Technical College](https://elizabethtown.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Elizabethtown, KY | Certificate (1-2 years) | 14 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Elizabethtown Community and Technical College](https://elizabethtown.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Elizabethtown, KY | Associate degree | 11 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Elizabethtown Community and Technical College](https://elizabethtown.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Elizabethtown, KY | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 167 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Gateway Community and Technical College](https://gateway.kctcs.edu/index.aspx) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Florence, KY | Certificate (1-2 years) | 21 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Gateway Community and Technical College](https://gateway.kctcs.edu/index.aspx) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Florence, KY | Associate degree | 8 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Gateway Community and Technical College](https://gateway.kctcs.edu/index.aspx) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Florence, KY | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 161 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Hazard Community and Technical College](https://hazard.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Hazard, KY | Certificate (1-2 years) | 5 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Hazard Community and Technical College](https://hazard.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Hazard, KY | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 61 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Hopkinsville Community College](https://hopkinsville.kctcs.edu/index.aspx) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Hopkinsville, KY | Certificate (1-2 years) | 0 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Hopkinsville Community College](https://hopkinsville.kctcs.edu/index.aspx) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Hopkinsville, KY | Associate degree | 0 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Hopkinsville Community College](https://hopkinsville.kctcs.edu/index.aspx) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Hopkinsville, KY | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 0 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Madisonville Community College](https://madisonville.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Madisonville, KY | Certificate (1-2 years) | 0 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Madisonville Community College](https://madisonville.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Madisonville, KY | Associate degree | 0 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Madisonville Community College](https://madisonville.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Madisonville, KY | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 7 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Maysville Community and Technical College](https://maysville.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Maysville, KY | Certificate (1-2 years) | 5 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Maysville Community and Technical College](https://maysville.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Maysville, KY | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 102 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Owensboro Community and Technical College](https://owensboro.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Owensboro, KY | Certificate (1-2 years) | 6 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Owensboro Community and Technical College](https://owensboro.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Owensboro, KY | Associate degree | 5 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Owensboro Community and Technical College](https://owensboro.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Owensboro, KY | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 84 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Somerset Community College](https://somerset.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Somerset, KY | Certificate (1-2 years) | 33 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Somerset Community College](https://somerset.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Somerset, KY | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 190 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College](https://southcentral.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Bowling Green, KY | Certificate (1-2 years) | 3 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College](https://southcentral.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Bowling Green, KY | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 6 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College](https://southeast.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Cumberland, KY | Certificate (1-2 years) | 3 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College](https://southeast.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Cumberland, KY | Associate degree | 0 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College](https://southeast.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Cumberland, KY | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 58 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [West Kentucky Community and Technical College](https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Paducah, KY | Certificate (1-2 years) | 16 | $4,872–$6,672 Annual tuition & fees, in-state to out-of-state (institution-wide) | IPEDS 2023-24 · CIP 47.0605 |
| [West Kentucky Community and Technical College](https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/) Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician | Paducah, KY | Certificate (12 weeks to 1 year) | 87 | $4,872–$6,672 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

- [Cumberland 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/kentucky/cumberland/)
- [Elizabethtown 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/kentucky/elizabethtown/)
- [Florence 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/kentucky/florence/)
- [Hopkinsville 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/kentucky/hopkinsville/)
- [Lexington 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/kentucky/lexington/)
- [Madisonville 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/kentucky/madisonville/)
- [Owensboro 3](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/kentucky/owensboro/)
- [Ashland 2](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/kentucky/ashland/)
- [Bowling Green 2](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/kentucky/bowling-green/)
- [Hazard 2](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/kentucky/hazard/)
- [Maysville 2](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/kentucky/maysville/)
- [Paducah 2](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/kentucky/paducah/)
- [Prestonsburg 2](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/kentucky/prestonsburg/)
- [Somerset 2](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/kentucky/somerset/)

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.

---
Canonical HTML: https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/diesel-mechanic/kentucky/
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.