Highest-Paying Diesel Mechanic Jobs and How to Get Hired

This skilled trade can often be pursued with little more than a high school diploma, but it can lead to a whole host of opportunities for advancement. As of 2019, there were 281,300 diesel technicians and mechanic jobs in the United States, and this number is expected to grow by 3% over the next decade.

In North America, diesel mechanics and technicians may work on anything with a diesel engine. This includes trucks, busses, bulldozers, cranes, farm equipment, and even boats or planes. Often, a mechanic specializes in a subset of such equipment and may work primarily on one type of equipment or location, for example, a heavy equipment mechanic or an airport mechanic.

Diesel mechanic job duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assessing problems or needs for maintenance, preventative maintenance, or repair
• Interpreting work orders and consulting with customers on what is expected of a job
• Inspecting, repairing, or replacing brakes, steering, transmissions, engines, and other vehicle parts, including mechanical and electrical components
• Performing diagnostics; reading and interpreting diagnostic results
• Test-driving vehicles to identify problems or ensure proper repair has been completed
• Ensuring vehicles comply with pollution regulations
• Using electronic equipment, including computers, power and hand tools, and machines
• Maintaining records and managing inventory

Success in this industry requires skilled training, as well as the ability to problem-solve and communicate effectively. The work environment can also be physically demanding, requiring extended periods of standing, bending, and lifting of heavy objects.

Diesel mechanic jobs fall into various subcategories, depending on which types of vehicles or equipment are worked on. The main subcategories are as follows:

• Automotive service technicians and mechanics. Those in this role may work on any diesel vehicle meant to travel on roads. This includes diesel pickups, busses, and semi-trucks. To be employed as a diesel automotive service technician or mechanic, you must be certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), which requires taking and passing a test.
• Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians. Heavy vehicles include those involved in construction, including cranes, bulldozers, and pavers. It also includes farm equipment, such as diesel tractors, sprayers, or harvesting equipment. Work on this type of machinery typically requires certification from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).
• Small engine mechanics. Diesel-powered motorcycles, motorboats, and ATVs are often serviced by small engine mechanics. This type of servicing work may be seasonal, as these vehicles are often used during vacation seasons when the weather is better.
• Commercial generator mechanics. Technicians work on commercial and industrial generators, providing repair and maintenance services. Large businesses, such as manufacturing plants, or critical service providers, such as hospitals, need reliable backup power. If generators are not serviced regularly, they won’t operate when needed.
• Nautical service technicians and mechanics. A certification from the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) can qualify you to work on diesel-powered boats of different sizes.
• Aviation service technicians and mechanics. Diesel engines are becoming more common in the aviation industry, creating a growing demand for diesel mechanics who specialize in plane engines.
• Diesel locomotive mechanics. As the name implies, these mechanics specialize in working on diesel-powered train engines.

The requirements for a diesel mechanic job can vary based on the type of equipment you will be working on and the level of independence with which you will be working. To start, you generally need at least a high school diploma or GED. Coursework in automotive repair or similar fields offered by some high schools is always a plus.

Next, you’ll need a standard driver’s license but you may also need a commercial driver’s license (CDL). If you plan on working on heavy-duty diesel equipment, like boats or planes, you may need to seek additional certifications as well, depending on employer requirements. However, some employers may be willing to train and pay for you to learn on the job.

Some employers may also require a pre-employment drug screen for full-time or part-time positions, in addition to a physical and mental physical exam. If this is required, the job posting should include this information and any other hiring requirements from the get-go.

In some instances, an employer will want you to come with certifications and/or a trade degree. For more job opportunities, you might look into programs available at your local trade school or community college. However, some employers are willing to train mechanics on the job. This usually involves starting with basic tasks, occasionally attending employer-sponsored classes, receiving direct instruction on the job, and a requirement that you take any industry-specific certification tests before promotion.

The most common industry certification is granted by the ASE. The ASE offers a variety of certifications for those working in the automotive services industry, including certifications to work on different vehicle types and perform different levels of repair. Earning certifications requires taking and passing the associated tests.

The military may be another route into this industry. When you join the military, you can choose the path of becoming a mechanic, where you’ll learn how to work on various diesel-powered military vehicles and equipment. When you leave the military, you will have years of qualified experience to take with you on your search for a civilian job.

The median diesel mechanic salary was $48,500 per year as of 2019. Those in the bottom 10% earned less than $31,990, and those in the top 10% earned more than $74,090. The highest pay generally went to those working for the local government, with lower pay being seen by those in trucking.

If we break things down based on types of diesel technician and mechanic jobs, we get the following pay from lowest to highest mean annual wage:

• Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics: $37,670
• Recreational vehicle service technicians: $41,660
• Motorboat mechanics and service technicians: $43,440
• Farm equipment mechanics and service technicians: $43,630
• Automotive technicians and mechanics: $44,890
• Bus and diesel truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists: of $49,150
• Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians and mechanics: $53,140
• Rail car repairers: $56,810
• Aircraft mechanics and service technicians: $67,110

Note that with more certifications and years’ experience, the better pay you can command. Management and supervisory roles come with greater pay, as well. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers earn a mean annual wage of $70,550, for example, with the top 10% earning over six figures.

The process of getting hired first involves preparing yourself and your resume. If you already have qualifications and are looking for an entry-level position, you can get started on crafting a resume right away. Otherwise, you may want to begin by taking classes and acquiring certifications.

After you have a detailed resume, you can begin searching for available positions that you’re qualified for. If you attended a training program or school, you may be able to find prospective job contacts through program advisers. You may also ask around at local shops or places in your area that you’d specifically like to work at and see if they have openings.

An internet search for a diesel mechanic or technician is a common starting point, as well. If you make use of a search aggregating site like Joblist, you can find personalized matches from multiple sources all in one place.

Once you narrow your search, you are ready to begin applying. This usually involves sending your resume, cover letter, and filling out various forms. You may also be asked for proof of any education credentials or certifications, as well as references or recommendations from former teachers or employers. By submitting a strong application, you are more likely to be selected for an interview.

If you’re ready to get started, Joblist can help. By answering a few short questions, we can create personalized matches that go well beyond simple keyword searches. Save jobs you like and return to your list when you’re ready to apply. You can also find multiple resources on our blog to help you along the way!