Overview of Earnings
Diesel technicians in California make an average hourly wage of $42.50, with a range from $30.10 to $60.02 per hour.
The average Diesel Technician III salary in California is $72,090, with the range typically falling between $64,290 and $79,190.
Entry-level diesel mechanic positions earn $48,689 a year, while the most senior employees earn up to $65,279 a year.
The estimated total pay for a Diesel Technician is $60,063 per year, with a base salary of $56,397 and additional pay possibly adding $3,666 per year.
Cummins Diesel Technician salary is typically $24 per hour, ranging from $15 to $40 per hour.
Factors Affecting Salaries
Location significantly affects salaries, as diesel technicians in urban areas typically earn higher wages compared to those in rural settings. Salaries can vary widely due to factors such as specialization, education, and experience.
Regional Comparisons
Diesel technicians earn the highest salaries in California, Alaska, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Washington, with California diesel mechanics expected to see an employment increase of 9 percent from 2016 to 2026.
The average salary for a diesel mechanic is $59,681 in California, ranging between $42,000 and $105,500. In the Los Angeles area, the estimated total pay for a Diesel Mechanic is $62,243 per year, with an average salary of $58,326 per year.
The average salary for a diesel mechanic in Fresno, California, is $53,790 per year. Meanwhile, the statewide average hourly wage is $25.59, with annual overtime pay averaging $5,634.
Education and Certification
Becoming a diesel mechanic takes varying amounts of time depending on the level of certification or degree. Basic certification can take three to nine months, associate degrees average two years, and internships or apprenticeships can add one to three years. The average hourly pay for a diesel mechanic in Los Angeles is $19.72 in 2023.