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Diesel Technician II Salary in the United States

How much does a Diesel Technician II make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Diesel Technician II in the United States is $56,090 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

However, a Diesel Technician II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $64,305
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $48,890 to $60,390
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $42,335
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Diesel Technician II Salaries

A Diesel Technician II's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Diesel Technician II Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $62,090.
  • California: $61,890.
  • Massachusetts: $61,090.

Top Paying Cities for Diesel Technician IIs

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:

  • San Jose: $70,790
  • San Francisco: $69,990
  • Oakland: $68,490

What Skills Can Increase a Diesel Technician II's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Dedication (Mentioned in 9.28% Job Postings): Dedication is the quality of being dedicated or committed to a task or purpose. It produce high-quality results for your company and it helps nurture your work ethic and can lead to success.
  • OEM (Mentioned in 4.1% Job Postings): Original Equipment Manufacturer or OEM is a company that manufactures and sells products or parts of a product that their buyer, another company, sells to its own customers while putting the products under its own branding.
  • Technical Services (Mentioned in 2.28% Job Postings): Technical services are services that an IT organization provides to support business services or IT operations. Employee provisioning, backup and recovery, storage, and self-service help desk are examples of technical services
Skills Demand Percentage
Dedication 9.28%
OEM 4.1%
Technical Services 2.28%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Diesel Technician II's salary.

  • Waste Management: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Safety Training: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Coordination: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Waste Management $61,138
9%
Safety Training $61,138
9%
Coordination $60,577
8%
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Diesel Technician II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Diesel Technician II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $62,619. While startup companies pay approximate $53,022.

Diesel Technician II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $53,022
Growth Stage 51~500 $56,064
Established 501~5000 $60,463
Enterprise 5000+ $62,619

Diesel Technician II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Diesel Technician II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Diesel Technician positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Diesel Technician II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Diesel Technician II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$72,917$35.030%
Biotechnology$70,112$34.025%
Energy & Utilities$67,308$32.020%
Aerospace & Defense$64,503$31.015%
Insurance$64,503$31.015%

Diesel Technician II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Diesel Technician II'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 October 01, 2026
$48,890
Average $56,090/year
$60,390
$4,074
Average $4,674/month
$5,033
$940
Average $1,079/week
$1,161
$24
Average $27/hour
$29
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $60,390 $5,033 $1,161 $29
Average $56,090 $4,674 $1,079 $27
25th Percentile $48,890 $4,074 $940 $24

Diesel Technician II Salary Growth & Career Path

Diesel Technician II

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Diesel Technician II, 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 III $63,600 13%
Automotive Service Technician III $61,700 10%

Most common benefits for Diesel Technician II

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Diesel Technician II

Here are companies hiring for Diesel Technician II and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Diesel Technician II

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Diesel Technician II?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Diesel Technician II roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. Can a mechanic make 200k a year?

While some automotive jobs can reach high salaries, diesel technicians typically earn between $54,590 and $67,990 annually, with a median salary of $61,190. Achieving a salary of $200,000 as a diesel technician is unlikely, as it exceeds the typical salary range for this profession.

3. Are diesel technicians in high demand?

Yes, diesel technicians are in high demand, with salaries ranging from $54,590 to $67,990, depending on experience and location. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights Texas and California as the top states for employment in this field, reflecting the growing need for skilled technicians in the industry.

4. What is a Level 2 diesel technician?

A Level 2 diesel technician, or diesel technician II, performs a broader range of maintenance tasks than entry-level technicians. Responsibilities include tire replacements, brake installations, safety inspections, and repairs of tractor systems. The salary for this role typically ranges from $54,590 to $67,990, with a mid-point of $61,190.

5. What is the highest paid mechanic?

The highest paid mechanic is a Diesel Technician, with a maximum salary of $67,990. The salary range for this position starts at a minimum of $54,590, with a mid-level salary of $61,190. This reflects the specialized skills and expertise required in diesel technology, making it a lucrative career choice in the automotive field.

6. How long is diesel tech school?

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 $54,590 to $67,990, with a median salary of $61,190, allowing you to join the workforce equipped with the skills to work on diesel engines.

7. Is diesel mechanic a dying trade?

The diesel mechanic trade is not dying; in fact, it remains essential due to the ongoing demand for diesel engines in various industries. With a salary range from $54,590 to $67,990, skilled technicians can find stable and rewarding careers. As technology evolves, opportunities for diesel mechanics continue to grow, ensuring the trade's relevance.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.

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