As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for a Diesel Mechanic III in the United States is $63,421 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Diesel Mechanic III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Diesel 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 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Diesel Mechanic III | $62,532 |
| Intermediate Level Diesel Mechanic III | $62,795 |
| Senior Level Diesel Mechanic III | $63,793 |
| Specialist Level Diesel Mechanic III | $64,721 |
| Expert Level Diesel Mechanic III | $65,107 |
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 Mechanic IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Understanding how a Diesel 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.
Last Updated on November 01, 2025Salaries for a Diesel Mechanic III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $52,606 in 2023 to around $51,946 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Diesel Mechanic III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $52,606 |
| 2024 | $52,338 |
| 2025 | $51,946 |
| 2026 |
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|
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $63,421 | 61.2% |
| Bonus | $8,970 | 8.7% |
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | $5,538 | 5.3% |
| 401K/403B | $3,040 | 2.9% |
| Disability | $1,448 | 1.4% |
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 8.1% |
| Pension | $3,909 | 3.8% |
| Time Off | $8,910 | 8.6% |
| Total Compensation | $103,588 | 100% |
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A Diesel Mechanic III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Diesel Mechanic III is $79,993.
The highest pay for Diesel Mechanic III is $73,204.
The lowest pay for Diesel Mechanic III is $52,037.
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 or manager. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
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.)
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