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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Diesel Engine Mechanic III in California is $70,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.
However, a Diesel Engine Mechanic III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Diesel Engine Mechanic III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $75,700 | $6,308 | $1,456 | $36 |
| Average | $70,100 | $5,842 | $1,348 | $34 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,500 | $5,292 | $1,221 | $31 |
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A Diesel Engine Mechanic III's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Diesel Engine Mechanic III's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel Engine Mechanic I | 0-1 years | $55,034 |
| Diesel Engine Mechanic II | 1-3 years | $61,853 |
| Diesel Engine Mechanic III | 3-5 years | $70,029 |
| Diesel Maintenance Supervisor | 5+ years | $84,880 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Diesel Engine Mechanic IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Diesel Engine Mechanic III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $78,473. While startup companies pay approximate $66,386.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $66,386 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $70,211 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $75,780 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $78,473 |
For Diesel Engine Mechanic III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Diesel Engine Mechanic positions in Telecom or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Diesel Engine Mechanic III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $91,130 | $44.0 | 30% |
| Construction | $84,120 | $40.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $80,615 | $39.0 | 15% |
| Software & Networking | $80,615 | $39.0 | 15% |
| Transportation | $79,213 | $38.0 | 13% |
Understanding how a Diesel Engine Mechanic III's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $75,700 | $6,308 | $1,456 | $36 |
| Average | $70,100 | $5,842 | $1,348 | $34 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,500 | $5,292 | $1,221 | $31 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Diesel Engine Mechanic III, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel Maintenance Supervisor | $84,900 | 21% |
| Automotive Service Technician IV | $74,500 | 6% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Diesel Engine Mechanic III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Penske
Ceres, CA
Penske | Ceres, CA
Penske - 1960 Rockefeller Drive - Responsibilities: Perform preventative maintenance and minor repairs on fleet vehicles. Conduct basic diagnostics using P... more
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Technician. Ready to accelerate your career while helping our customers move forward. As a Technician at Penske, you'll do exactly that. Here, you'll do pr... more
6 Days Ago
Penske
Santa Rosa, CA
Penske | Santa Rosa, CA
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Penske
Fresno, CA
Penske | Fresno, CA
Technician. Ready to accelerate your career while helping our customers move forward. As a Technician at Penske, you'll do exactly that. Here, you'll do pr... more
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Sysco Corporation
Sacramento, CA
Sysco Corporation | Sacramento, CA
Sysco Corporation - - Responsibilities: Perform required inspections and preventive maintenance on vehicles and equipment within planned time tolerances. P... more
2 Days Ago
Amtrak
Los Angeles, CA
Amtrak | Los Angeles, CA
Machinist Journeyman(diesel/engine mechanic). Responsible for inspection, testing and maintenance of locomotives and rolling stock equipment in accordance ... more
4 Days Ago
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