How to hire a diesel technician

How to hire a diesel technician, step by step

Here's a step-by-step diesel technician hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a diesel technician job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new diesel technician
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a diesel technician do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the diesel technician you need to hire. Certain diesel technician roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a diesel technician to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a diesel technician that fits the bill.

   Here's a comparison of diesel technician salaries for various roles:

   Type of Diesel Technician	Description	Hourly rate
   Diesel Technician	Diesel service technicians and mechanics inspect, repair, and overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engine.	$15-31
   Mechanic Helper	The job of a mechanic helper is to support lead mechanics and perform a variety of duties and responsibilities. You will be assisting in the maintenance of cars, such as changing tires and oils, replacing brakes, and diagnosing vehicle issues... Show more	$11-19
   Truck Mechanic	Also known as diesel services technicians, truck mechanics perform various heavy-duty truck tasks. The technicians work on large vehicles, tractor-trailers, and buses... Show more	$17-32

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CDL
   • Customer Service
   • Preventative Maintenance
   • Diagnosis
   • Hand Tools
   • DOT
   • Perform Routine Maintenance
   • Diesel Engines
   • Electrical Systems
   • Defective Equipment
   • Routine Maintenance
   • PTO
   • Maintenance Services
   • Construction Equipment

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Maintain, diagnose, troubleshoot and repair all systems pertaining to diesel trucks, refrigerate trailers and flatb trailers.
   • Obtain class b air brakes cdl
   • Acquire ASE certifications while working here.
   • Install PTO's and fabricate wet kits.
   • Help train new drivers to get their cdl licences.
   • Study and are enrolled in the chrysler academy learning program.

   More diesel technician duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your diesel technician job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A diesel technician salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, diesel technicians' average salary in mississippi is 31% less than in district of columbia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level diesel technicians earn 49% less than senior-level diesel technicians.
   • Certifications. A diesel technician with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a diesel technician's salary.

   Average diesel technician salary

   $46,868yearly

   $22.53 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level diesel technician salary

   $33,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 9, 2026

   Average diesel technician salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$56,528	$27
   2	Washington	$56,310	$27
   3	New Hampshire	$55,383	$27
   4	New York	$55,259	$27
   5	Maryland	$53,860	$26
   6	Nevada	$51,765	$25
   7	Texas	$51,421	$25
   8	Oklahoma	$49,870	$24
   9	Virginia	$49,866	$24
   10	Oregon	$49,790	$24
   11	Pennsylvania	$49,383	$24
   12	Illinois	$49,025	$24
   13	Iowa	$48,812	$23
   14	Utah	$48,679	$23
   15	Ohio	$48,640	$23
   16	Minnesota	$48,598	$23
   17	Colorado	$48,287	$23
   18	New Mexico	$48,222	$23
   19	Missouri	$47,518	$23
   20	Arizona	$47,369	$23

   Average diesel technician salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Cummins	$65,849	$31.66	98
   2	Eversource Energy	$60,081	$28.89	1
   3	Freightliner Trucks	$58,342	$28.05	3
   4	PACCAR	$57,544	$27.67	8
   5	A. Duie Pyle	$56,910	$27.36	47
   6	Oak Harbor Freight Lines	$56,661	$27.24	5
   7	Dayton Freight	$56,593	$27.21	33
   8	R+L Carriers	$56,573	$27.20	53
   9	UPS	$56,412	$27.12	158
   10	All American Group	$56,237	$27.04	12
   11	YRC Freight	$55,927	$26.89
   12	XPO Logistics	$55,776	$26.82
   13	Rude Transportation	$55,739	$26.80	1
   14	Carnival Cruise Line	$54,913	$26.40
   15	Everett Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac	$54,656	$26.28
   16	GPAC	$54,500	$26.20
   17	PITT OHIO	$53,618	$25.78	9
   18	H-E-B	$53,600	$25.77	4
   19	Bobcat Company	$53,579	$25.76	5
   20	Steel Dynamics	$52,985	$25.47	8

4. Writing a diesel technician job description

   A diesel technician job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a diesel technician job description:

   Diesel technician job description example

   THE COMPANY: Since 1980, Stevens Transport has remained the primary choice of the Fortune 500 for delivery of perishable items and is the largest family-owned and operated climate-controlled freight company in Texas. Family is a top priority at Stevens and those values are integrated into everything we do, every day. Our award-winning service and reputation paired with state-of-the-art equipment has made us the pioneer of the industry.
   
   Stevens Transport Corporate offices as well as it's many departments and family of companies, reside on a massive 75-acre campus just East of Dallas. As a debt free, multimodal logistics conglomerate, Stevens Transport injects unmatched integrity into a corporate business model that reflects a track record of consistent growth and success. As “America's Trucking Family” and one of the nation's premier employers, we understand that our biggest “assets” are our people that support the continuous growth.
   
   If you are looking to continue with a rewarding career in Transportation & Logistics, come join the over 750 corporate family members with an exciting opportunity waiting for you!!
   
   THE ROLE: We are currently seeking a Diesel Technician that would love to work on the newest Peterbilt, Kenworth, and Freightliners on the road. This role is perfect for a Diesel Technician with experience wanting to expand their skillset.
   Multiple shifts available.
   QUALIFICATIONS:Ability to read and understand operating manuals, service manuals and written instruction Ability to clearly read, write and speak EnglishBasic math calculations
   ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Performing scheduled and non-routine repairs to company/contractor fleet to meet DOT standards Diesel and gas engine diagnostics and repair Suspension and steering systems diagnostics and repair Air and hydraulic braking systems diagnostics and repair Electrical and lighting diagnostics and repair Changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery Maintaining a clean and neat shop Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned
   REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:1+ years of general heavy-duty diesel trailer mechanic experience Working knowledge of telematics systems and diagnostic software. Basic computer skills required Valid Class C driver's license
   HIGHLY BENEFICIAL QUALIFICATIONS:Reefer experience is ideal but not a must
   PHYSICAL DEMANDS INCLUDE:Maneuvering around, in, on, and under trucks/tight spaces to properly inspect and diagnose problems Standing, bending, squatting, kneeling, crawling, pushing, and pulling with a full range of body movements Using hands to handle, control or feel Climbing ladders, stairs and platforms Lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds
   If you love turning wrenching and are looking for a great culture come start a career with a industry leading organization, come make Stevens Transport's Paragon Leasing your new home.
   
   Medical, Vision, Dental, Supplemental, and Life Insurances available + 401(k) retirement plan and quarterly match.
   
   #LI-EH1

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right diesel technician for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your diesel technician job on Zippia to find and recruit diesel technician candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with diesel technician candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new diesel technician

   Once you've selected the best diesel technician candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new diesel technician. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a diesel technician?