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Job outlook for diesel technicians in the United States
Diesel technician job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected diesel technician job growth rate is 4% from 2018-2028.
About 12,600 new jobs for diesel technicians are projected over the next decade.
Diesel technician salaries have increased 11% for diesel technicians in the last 5 years.
There are over 52,288 diesel technicians currently employed in the United States.
There are 128,944 active diesel technician job openings in the US.
The average diesel technician salary is $46,868.
Are diesel technician jobs in demand?
Diesel technician job and salary trends over time
Diesel technician jobs over time
Diesel technician job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 52,288 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 50,606 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 53,270 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 52,976 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 52,080 | 0.02% |
Average diesel technician salary over time
Diesel technician salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $46,868 | $22.53 | +3.5% |
| 2025 | $45,281 | $21.77 | +2.4% |
| 2024 | $44,208 | $21.25 | +2.1% |
| 2023 | $43,283 | $20.81 | +2.6% |
| 2022 | $42,172 | $20.28 | +1.5% |
Diesel technician jobs by state
Most common states for diesel technicians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,305 | 41% |
| 2 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 541 | 28% |
| 3 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 297 | 28% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 204 | 28% |
| 5 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 365 | 27% |
| 6 | Vermont | 623,657 | 169 | 27% |
| 7 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 343 | 26% |
| 8 | Delaware | 961,939 | 237 | 25% |
| 9 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 189 | 25% |
| 10 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 207 | 24% |
| 11 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,298 | 23% |
| 12 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,491 | 22% |
| 13 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 1,093 | 22% |
| 14 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 2,220 | 21% |
| 15 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 1,382 | 21% |
| 16 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,172 | 21% |
| 17 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 864 | 21% |
| 18 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 119 | 21% |
| 19 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 877 | 20% |
| 20 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 627 | 20% |
Most common cities for diesel technicians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Sacramento | 12 | 23% | $57,417 |
| 2 | Sarasota | 11 | 19% | $43,007 |
| 3 | Davenport | 10 | 10% | $49,109 |
| 4 | West Valley City | 11 | 8% | $48,697 |
| 5 | Salt Lake City | 13 | 7% | $48,679 |
| 6 | Fontana | 13 | 6% | $56,295 |
| 7 | Tacoma | 10 | 5% | $56,285 |
| 8 | Atlanta | 17 | 4% | $46,880 |
| 9 | Orlando | 11 | 4% | $43,137 |
| 10 | Bakersfield | 11 | 3% | $57,045 |
| 11 | Indianapolis | 20 | 2% | $45,767 |
| 12 | Baltimore | 14 | 2% | $53,860 |
| 13 | Albuquerque | 9 | 2% | $48,222 |
| 14 | Phoenix | 20 | 1% | $47,369 |
| 15 | San Diego | 13 | 1% | $55,914 |
| 16 | Jacksonville | 11 | 1% | $43,845 |
| 17 | Seattle | 10 | 1% | $56,310 |
| 18 | Los Angeles | 14 | 0% | $56,528 |
Diesel Technician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of diesel technician experts
Skyline College
Julia Johnson
Professor, Automotive TechnologySkyline College
Vehicle Maintenance And Repair Technologies/Technicians
What general advice would you give to a Diesel Technician?
Julia Johnson: You will be starting out as a Lube Tech for your first job in the automotive industry. You will be expected to perform maintenance services accurately and within the industry standard timeframe. It may seem like it’s not challenging enough or too repetitive, but you will be expected to prove yourself at this level before you can advance.
What Diesel Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Julia Johnson: The skill that will be the most important in the next 3-5 years is electrical diagnosis and repair. Almost every system on modern vehicles has an electrical component, so gaining a solid understanding of electrical fundamentals is essential.
What will help Diesel Technicians increase their earning potential?
Julia Johnson: The fastest way to advance in your career is to begin earning your ASE Certifications. You should plan to earn your G-1 ASE certification within the first 6 months of your employment. There are 9 certificates in the A Series and if you earn them all, you will be an ASE certified Master Technician.