Diesel Mechanic Salary Guide

When a person earns a diesel mechanic salary, they make a yearly salary that is close to the average yearly salary for families in most area. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage in this industry in 2008 was $18.94. The top wage earners in this field earned over $23.00 per hour that year.

The bottom ten percent earned about half of that figure making $12.50 per hour. The middle fifty percent of workers made between $15.00 and $23.00 per hour.

Employers

These professionals are employed across a number of different industries, and the employer that a person works for has an impact on their hourly salary. Diesel mechanics who worked in the following areas made the following average hourly salaries:

  • Auto renting and leasing $19.25
  • Auto parts and supplies wholesalers $19.04
  • Generalized Freight Trucking $18.00
  • Auto Repair and Preventative Maintenance $17.83
  • Specialized Freight Trucking $16.99

Other Factors Affecting Diesel Mechanic Salary

The industry in which an individual works is not the only thing that has an impact on the salary of these professionals. Many mechanics who work for fleet dealers or repair garages also receive some commission. That commission is based upon how much labor costs are charged to the customer. Thus, mechanics make more money on a busy week than on a slow week.

The amount of experience that the diesel mechanic has also affects their wages. The more experienced a worker is in this industry, the more he or she will earn. Mechanics who are experienced with more types of vehicles will typically earn 50 to 75 percent more money than individuals who are just starting their career. As they learn more skills, they also earn more money.

Unions

Many workers in this industry join unions, and this too can have a positive effect on their final income. Many union members also earn benefits. In fact, 23 percent of diesel mechanics are part of a labor union. The most popular unions for diesel mechanics include the following organizations:diesel mechanic salary

  • International Association of Machine Workers
  • Amalgamated Transit Union
  • International Union
  • United Auto
  • Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America
  • Transport Worker Union of America
  • Sheet Metal Workers Association
  • Teamsters

 

Job Prospects

People who work on diesel engines face fairly good job prospects. This industry is growing slightly slower than most other industries. According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, there will be an eight percent increase in the number of diesel mechanics between the years 2008 and 2018. The opportunities are best for people who have received formal training. However, some other applicants without formal education may be able to work in this field as well.

 

Reasons for Growth in This Industry

There are a few different factors that will affect the projected growth in this industry. Because the diesel engine is so durable and efficient, it is the best engine for most large trucks, busses, and other vehicles that are responsible for moving heavy loads. As an increasing amount of freight is shipped around the country, these trucks will need even more servicing and repair work to be done on them. Thus, most new jobs in this industry will be for repair work and maintenance work. As environmental standards change, additional mechanics will also be needed to retrofit engines on certain vehicles. Also as consumers and manufacturers realize the full impact of the efficiency of diesel engines, they will begin to include them in more and more cars and lighter trucks. These new engines will also require mechanics to work on them.

 

How to Become a Diesel Mechanic

People who are interested in earning a diesel mechanic salary must first complete some training for their field. They can take classes at their high school, or they can study at community colleges or vocational schools. Most employers want to hire people who have completed some formal education as well as people who have a natural aptitude for engine repair. Programs at community colleges usually last between six months and two years. They involve hands on learning experiences as well as classroom instruction. Students learn how to understand manuals and how to effectively communicate with their coworkers and customers.

People who have completed formal training will be more likely to find work than those who do not have formal training. However, experience in the industry is sometimes as useful as formal training. To earn a diesel mechanic salary, interested applicants can apply at a local business or they can start their own service shop.