These Are The 10 States With The Highest Diesel Mechanic Salaries For 2026

Top 10 States with the Highest Diesel Mechanic Salaries in 2026

When considering a career as a diesel mechanic, understanding salary ranges is crucial. Salary remains the top priority for job seekers across demographics, and knowing how much diesel mechanics earn in your state can significantly influence your career decisions.

While individual salaries can vary based on factors like experience, certifications, and local market conditions, we compiled the most recent data on average diesel mechanic salaries by state, categorized by seniority level. While your specific city may differ from the state average, these figures provide a general expectation of what you might earn.

To gain deeper insights into salary variations across the country, we analyzed the latest information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics regarding diesel mechanic pay. Additionally, we factored in the cost of living in each state, as a higher salary in one location may not stretch as far as a lower salary in another. For instance, your earnings go further in North Carolina compared to California.

The state with the highest adjusted salary for diesel mechanics in 2026 is Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists, reflecting the ongoing demand in this field.

Here’s a snapshot of the top ten states for diesel mechanic salaries:

Let’s delve into how we derived these figures and provide a complete ranking of diesel mechanic salaries by state.

If you’re interested in exploring more about the job market, check out these articles:

How We Determined Pay by State

We utilized the latest annual salary data for diesel mechanics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, focusing on their ‘Occupational Employment Statistics’. To ensure that our salary comparisons are fair across states, we also considered the cost of living in each location.

To create a salary index, we divided the average wage for each state by its cost of living index. For example, if California has a cost of living index of 135.9 and an average pay of $52,780, our calculation would be as follows:

$52,780 * (100 / 135.9) = $38,837

This method allowed us to rank states based on the highest salary index for diesel mechanics.

Detailed List of Diesel Mechanic Salaries by State

Rank	State	Adjusted Salary	Average Wage	Cost Of Living
1	Wyoming	$60,076	$55,150	91.8
2	Nevada	$53,533	$55,300	103.3
3	North Dakota	$52,012	$51,700	99.4
4	Illinois	$51,849	$49,050	94.6
5	Utah	$51,139	$47,560	93.0
6	Washington	$50,570	$53,200	105.2
7	Texas	$50,429	$45,740	90.7
8	Georgia	$49,059	$44,840	91.4
9	Tennessee	$48,870	$43,690	89.4
10	Kansas	$48,820	$43,890	89.9
11	Missouri	$48,351	$43,710	90.4
12	Minnesota	$48,253	$48,640	100.8
13	Delaware	$48,205	$48,880	101.4
14	Michigan	$48,134	$42,840	89.0
15	Alaska	$47,833	$62,710	131.1
16	Colorado	$47,745	$49,560	103.8
17	Oklahoma	$47,645	$42,500	89.2
18	Indiana	$47,486	$42,500	89.5
19	Ohio	$47,398	$44,460	93.8
20	Nebraska	$47,325	$43,350	91.6
21	Louisiana	$46,983	$44,540	94.8
22	Wisconsin	$46,859	$45,360	96.8
23	Florida	$46,541	$45,750	98.3
24	North Carolina	$46,144	$43,330	93.9
25	Virginia	$45,664	$46,030	100.8
26	Iowa	$45,505	$41,410	91.0
27	Kentucky	$45,425	$41,110	90.5
28	Alabama	$45,076	$41,110	91.2
29	New Jersey	$44,708	$54,500	121.9
30	Arizona	$44,469	$43,580	98.0
31	Arkansas	$44,454	$38,720	87.1
32	New Mexico	$44,414	$42,860	96.5
33	Idaho	$44,071	$40,590	92.1
34	Pennsylvania	$43,727	$44,340	101.4
35	Mississippi	$43,399	$37,280	85.9
36	Montana	$43,253	$43,600	100.8
37	Connecticut	$42,607	$54,410	127.7
38	West Virginia	$41,370	$38,640	93.4
39	Massachusetts	$41,139	$54,880	133.4
40	Oregon	$40,769	$47,130	115.6
41	South Carolina	$40,756	$40,430	99.2
42	New York	$40,603	$53,190	131.0
43	South Dakota	$40,511	$42,010	103.7
44	New Hampshire	$39,991	$46,790	117.0
45	Maine	$38,971	$43,180	110.8
46	Maryland	$38,932	$48,860	125.5
47	California	$38,837	$52,780	135.9
48	Rhode Island	$38,003	$45,870	120.7
49	Vermont	$37,060	$44,880	121.1
50	Hawaii	$33,061	$55,510	167.9

In conclusion, understanding the salary landscape for diesel mechanics is essential for anyone considering this career path. With the right skills and training, opportunities abound in various states, allowing you to choose a location that aligns with both your professional goals and lifestyle preferences.

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

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