- The most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics information shows that the average median pay for a diesel mechanic is $18.94 an hour with an annual salary of $39,390. The entire average range is $12.50 to $28.41 per hour and $26,000 to $59,090 per year.
- Motor vehicle parts manufacturing is the industry in which diesel mechanics average the most pay, with an hourly median wage of $29.25 and yearly rate of $60,840, putting the members of the industry above the national average. Other industries with significantly higher pay rates include scheduled air transportation and electric power.
- In terms of median salary, diesel mechanics in Alaska average the highest pay with a median hourly rate of $25.07 and an annual salary of $52,140. New Jersey, Connecticut and Nevada are also among the highest-paying states for diesel mechanics.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also ranked metropolitan areas in terms of the highest salaries for diesel mechanics, with Napa, California, topping the list at $28.84 per hour and $59,980 per year. Runners-up were Fairbanks, Alaska; Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, California; Hanford-Corcoran, California; and Kokomo, Indiana.
- Beginners typically earn 50 percent to 75 percent of what their more experienced peers bring in. Additionally, some mechanics receive bonuses or commission for the amount of work they perform in a given amount of time.
- 23 percent of all diesel mechanics belong to labor unions, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unions workers often provide high wages and additional benefits packets to their members.
