Earnings

• According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, diesel technicians earn median hourly wages of $18.94 as of May 2008. Technicians on the lower end of the pay scale made less than $12.50 per hour while those who earned the most made more than $28.41 per hour. Experienced technicians employed by large fleet dealers often receive a commission for labor costs of repairs. Additional earnings are based on the amount of work completed.
  
  

Industry

• The highest number of diesel technicians are employed in the freight trucking industry. Within this industry, technicians earned an annual mean wage of $38,070 as of May 2009, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A high number of technicians are employed in the automotive repair and maintenance industry as well as in local governments. The highest-paid technicians work for motor vehicle manufacturing companies. Technicians within this industry make well above the national average, earning annual mean wages of $60,240.
  
  

Training

• Diesel technicians have formal training in automotive repair and diesel service. Beyond high school, technicians train in vocational schools or community colleges. Many schools offer programs in diesel engine repair that last from six months to two years. Within the training programs, technicians learn diesel technology and how to repair diesel equipment. Some technicians acquire skills on the job from more experienced workers. They may begin the job performing duties such as cleaning parts and fueling vehicles and advance to more service-oriented tasks.
  
  

Employment

• Job opportunities for diesel technicians are favorable. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the need to replace workers in the field will increase through 2018. Employment within the field is expected to grow by six percent through 2018. Technicians with advanced technical skills and formal training from community or vocational colleges will enjoy the best job prospects in the automotive repair and maintenance industries.