verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Diesel Mechanic Salary in California

Median Annual in California
$73,950/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$35.55/hr
▲ 20% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in California

groups Employed in CA
20,940
public U.S. Median
$61,770
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$66,790 #12 of 51

Diesel Mechanic pay in California, explained

Diesel mechanics in California earn a median of $73,950 per year ($35.55 per hour), which is 20% above the national median of $61,770. Entry-level workers earn around $47,180, while the most experienced diesel mechanics reach about $96,730. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within California.

Is $73,950 good pay in California?

Adjusted for California's cost of living (which runs 111% of the U.S. average), that $73,950 is worth about $66,790 in national buying power — ranking California #12 for real pay (vs #5 on the sticker number).

See the full Diesel Mechanic Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Diesel Mechanic pay by experience in California

Entry level (10th pct)
$47,180
$22.68/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$73,950
$35.55/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$96,730
$46.50/hr

Diesel Mechanic pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs CA
California (here) $73,950 $66,790
Nevada $68,410 $68,424 +$5,540
Oregon $63,970 $61,890 +$9,980
Arizona $61,680 $61,265 +$12,270

Diesel Mechanic in California: FAQ

How much do diesel mechanics make in California?

Diesel mechanics in California earn a median of $73,950 per year ($35.55 per hour), compared with $61,770 nationally.

Does California pay diesel mechanics well?

At $73,950, California pays 20% above the national median for diesel mechanics. An estimated 20,940 work in the state.

Diesel Mechanic salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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