As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Diesel Technician I in the United States is $49,890 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, a Diesel Technician I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2026 Compensation Trend
Recruit with AI
AI-Powered Talent
A Diesel Technician I'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 Technician I'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 Technician I | 0-1 years | $49,895 |
| Diesel Engine Mechanic II | 1-3 years | $56,077 |
| Diesel Engine Mechanic III | 3-5 years | $63,490 |
| Diesel Maintenance Supervisor | 5+ years | $76,954 |
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 Technician Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Diesel Technician I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $55,849. While startup companies pay approximate $47,247.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $47,247 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $49,969 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $53,932 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $55,849 |
For Diesel Technician I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Diesel Technician positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Diesel Technician I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $59,868 | $29.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $59,868 | $29.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $59,868 | $29.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $59,868 | $29.0 | 20% |
| Construction | $59,868 | $29.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Diesel Technician I'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.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Diesel Technician I, 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 Engine Mechanic II | $56,100 | 12% |
| Automotive Service Technician II | $55,200 | 11% |
Salaries for a Diesel Technician I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $43,895 in 2023 to around $43,801 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Diesel Technician I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $43,895 |
| 2024 | $44,039 |
| 2025 | $43,801 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Diesel Technician I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Diesel Technician I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Diesel Technician I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Many diesel technicians typically work a standard schedule of five days a week, eight hours per shift. However, some, like those at Schneider, may work 10-hour shifts for four days a week. The salary for diesel technicians ranges from $46,090 to $59,390, with a mid-range salary of $52,090, reflecting their skills and experience in a shop environment.
A diesel mechanic in the US typically earns an annual salary ranging from $46,090 to $59,390. This translates to a monthly pay between approximately $3,841 and $4,949. The average salary is around $52,090, equating to about $4,341 per month, making it a competitive field for skilled technicians.
Master Diesel Technician Certification is the highest level of certification from ASE. To achieve this, you must pass tests in all major areas of diesel repair and maintenance. This certification demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the field, with salaries ranging from $46,090 to $59,390, reflecting the expertise and value of certified professionals.
Diesel technicians can earn more than auto technicians, with salaries ranging from $46,090 to $59,390, depending on experience and location. The specialized knowledge required for diesel systems often leads to higher-paying job opportunities, especially in companies with large fleets of trucks and buses.
Diesel Mechanic School can be completed in two years. The Automotive and Diesel Technology program takes 80 weeks to finish. Upon graduation, you can expect a salary ranging from $46,090 to $59,390, with a median salary of $52,090, allowing you to join the workforce equipped with the skills to work on diesel engines.
Many diesel technicians typically work a standard schedule of five days a week, eight hours per shift. However, some, like those at Schneider, may work 10-hour shifts over four days. The salary for diesel technicians ranges from $46,090 to $59,390, with a mid-range salary of $52,090, reflecting their skills and experience in a shop environment.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
