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Diesel Technician III Salary in the United States

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

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Diesel Technician III in the United States is $63,590 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $73,333
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $57,590 to $68,690
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $52,127
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Diesel Technician III Salaries

A Diesel Technician III'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 III 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $70,390.
  • California: $70,090.
  • Massachusetts: $69,190.

Top Paying Cities for Diesel Technician IIIs

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: $80,190
  • San Francisco: $79,290
  • Oakland: $77,590

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Dedication (Mentioned in 10.5% 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.
  • Technical Services (Mentioned in 2.53% 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
  • Visual Inspection (Mentioned in 2.07% Job Postings): Visual Inspection (VI), or visual testing (VT), is the oldest and most basic method of inspection. In its simplest form, visual inspection is the process of examining a component or piece of equipment using one's naked eye to look for flaws.
Skills Demand Percentage
Dedication 10.5%
Technical Services 2.53%
Visual Inspection 2.07%
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 III's salary.

  • Honesty and Integrity: Can increase your salary by up to 21%.
  • Dedication: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Honesty and Integrity $76,944
21%
Dedication $67,405
6%
Presentation $67,405
6%
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Diesel Technician III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Diesel Technician III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $70,992. While startup companies pay approximate $60,112.

Diesel Technician III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $60,112
Growth Stage 51~500 $63,561
Established 501~5000 $68,548
Enterprise 5000+ $70,992

Diesel Technician III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Diesel Technician 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 Technician positions in Telecom or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Diesel Technician III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Diesel Technician III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet$82,667$40.030%
Construction$76,308$37.020%
Energy & Utilities$73,128$35.015%
Software & Networking$73,128$35.015%
Transportation$71,857$35.013%

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

Understanding how a Diesel Technician 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.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$57,590
Average $63,590/year
$68,690
$4,799
Average $5,299/month
$5,724
$1,108
Average $1,223/week
$1,321
$28
Average $31/hour
$33
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $68,690 $5,724 $1,321 $33
Average $63,590 $5,299 $1,223 $31
25th Percentile $57,590 $4,799 $1,108 $28

Diesel Technician III Salary Growth & Career Path

Diesel Technician III

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Diesel Technician 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 $76,200 20%
Automotive Service Technician IV $67,500 6%

Most common benefits for Diesel Technician III

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

Common company salaries for Diesel Technician III

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

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FAQ about Diesel Technician III

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

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

2. 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 $61,790 to $75,790, skilled diesel technicians are well-compensated for their expertise. The need for maintenance and repair of diesel vehicles ensures a stable job market for these professionals.

3. How much does a diesel mechanic earn in the US per month?

A diesel technician in the US earns an annual salary ranging from $61,790 to $75,790. On average, this translates to a monthly pay of approximately $5,157 to $6,316. The midpoint salary is around $68,790, which equates to about $5,732 per month.

4. Do you need a CDL to be a diesel tech?

While diesel technicians work on Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs) that require drivers to have a Class A or Class B CDL, most diesel technicians do not need a CDL themselves. The salary for diesel technicians ranges from $61,790 to $75,790, with a median salary of $68,790, reflecting the skills and expertise required in this field.

5. What is a Level 3 diesel technician?

A Level 3 Diesel Technician is skilled in using computer electronic systems to diagnose issues and repair or refurbish parts. They maintain detailed maintenance logs and ensure that all services adhere to quality standards and safety protocols. The salary for this role typically ranges from $61,790 to $75,790, with a mid-point of $68,790.

6. What trade makes the most money?

The trade of a Diesel Technician offers competitive salaries, with a minimum salary of $61,790, a mid-range salary of $68,790, and a maximum salary of $75,790. This makes it a lucrative option for those skilled in diesel mechanics, reflecting the demand for expertise in this field.

7. Can you get wealthy being a diesel mechanic?

Diesel Mechanics Are Paid Well If you're wondering how much diesel mechanics make, they are actually compensated quite well. The salary for a diesel technician ranges from a minimum of $61,790 to a mid-range of $68,790, with the potential to earn up to $75,790. This competitive pay can contribute significantly to financial stability and wealth over time.

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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