What is the starting pay range for a diesel mechanic?

As of 2015, the median annual starting salary for diesel mechanics in the United States is $41,561. The lowest-paying entry-level diesel mechanic positions have an annual salary of $39,356, while the highest-paid jobs for new diesel mechanics pay $44,322.

The region, industry and employer has a large impact on salaries for entry-level diesel mechanic positions. The states with the highest wages for this career include Hawaii, Alaska, Wyoming, Nevada and Connecticut. The government and commercial trucking industries are home to the highest-paid positions, while diesel mechanics employed in the general automotive repair industry make the least. Pay increases significantly after mechanics complete the Automotive Service Excellence exam, but doing so requires at least two years of on-the-job experience.