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Diesel Mechanic I Salary in the United States

How much does a Diesel Mechanic I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Diesel Mechanic I in the United States is $49,897 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $59,304
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $45,176 to $54,821
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $40,878
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Diesel Mechanic I Salaries

A Diesel Mechanic 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.

How Experience Level Affects Diesel Mechanic I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Diesel Mechanic 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:

  • Diesel Mechanic I (0-1 years): $49,897
  • Diesel Mechanic II (1-3 years): $56,080
  • Diesel Mechanic III (3-5 years): $63,498
  • Diesel Mechanic Supervisor (5+ years): $76,211
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Diesel Mechanic I0-1 years$49,897
Diesel Mechanic II1-3 years$56,080
Diesel Mechanic III3-5 years$63,498
Diesel Mechanic Supervisor5+ years$76,211
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How Do Diesel Mechanic I 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 Mechanic Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $55,246.
  • California: $55,036.
  • Massachusetts: $54,303.

Top Paying Cities for Diesel Mechanic Is

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: $62,935
  • San Francisco: $62,246
  • Oakland: $60,934

Diesel Mechanic I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Diesel Mechanic I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $55,762. While startup companies pay approximate $47,169.

Diesel Mechanic I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $47,169
Growth Stage 51~500 $49,886
Established 501~5000 $53,845
Enterprise 5000+ $55,762

Diesel Mechanic I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Diesel Mechanic 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 Mechanic positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Diesel Mechanic I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Diesel Mechanic I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$59,876$29.020%
Biotechnology$59,876$29.020%
Business Services$59,876$29.020%
Chemicals$59,876$29.020%
Construction$59,876$29.020%

Diesel Mechanic I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Diesel Mechanic 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 September 01, 2026
$45,176
Average $49,897/year
$54,821
$3,765
Average $4,158/month
$4,568
$869
Average $960/week
$1,054
$22
Average $24/hour
$26
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $54,821 $4,568 $1,054 $26
Average $49,897 $4,158 $960 $24
25th Percentile $45,176 $3,765 $869 $22

Diesel Mechanic I Salary Growth & Career Path

Diesel Mechanic I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Diesel Mechanic 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 Mechanic II $56,080 12%
Automotive Mechanic II $55,181 11%

Most common benefits for Diesel Mechanic I

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

Common company salaries for Diesel Mechanic I

Here are companies hiring for Diesel Mechanic I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Diesel Mechanic I

1. Where can a Diesel Mechanic I earn the most?

A Diesel Mechanic I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Diesel Mechanic I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Diesel Mechanic I is $62,935.

2. What is the highest pay for Diesel Mechanic I?

The highest pay for Diesel Mechanic I is $59,304.

3. What is the lowest pay for Diesel Mechanic I?

The lowest pay for Diesel Mechanic I is $40,878.

4. What are the responsibilities of Diesel Mechanic I?

Performs inspection, maintenance, repairs, and overhauls of diesel engines. Troubleshoots and diagnoses problems. Utilizes computer electronics systems to interpret failure modes. Replaces and/or refurbishes parts. Maintains maintenance logs according to requirements. Ensures services provided follow all quality standards and safety procedures. May perform DOT annual inspections on vehicles. Typically requires a high school diploma. Typically requires Commercial Driver License (CDL) - Class A. Typically requires a Certificate in Automotive & Diesel Technology. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Diesel Mechanic I?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Diesel Mechanic I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

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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