Diesel Mechanics Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Diesel Mechanics Technology is a specialized training program designed to equip students with the advanced technical expertise required to diagnose, repair, and maintain high-performance diesel engines across diverse industrial and transportation applications. This hands-on curriculum emphasizes precision, safety, and efficiency in servicing complex diesel systems used in heavy-duty vehicles, marine vessels, rail transport, construction machinery, and stationary power generation units.
- Diesel Engine Systems: In-depth study of diesel engine architecture, including fuel injection systems, combustion processes, and thermal management, enabling accurate troubleshooting and performance optimization.
- Electrical and Electronic Controls: Training in modern diesel engine management systems, including sensors, actuators, diagnostic tools, and computerized control modules used in engine performance regulation.
- Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems: Exploration of fluid power systems integral to transmission, braking, and auxiliary functions in heavy equipment and commercial vehicles.
- Preventive Maintenance and Diagnostics: Development of systematic approaches to scheduled servicing, fault detection, and predictive maintenance strategies to extend equipment lifespan and ensure operational reliability.
- Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Equipment Repair: Practical instruction in servicing trucks, buses, locomotives, construction machinery, and marine propulsion systems using industry-standard tools and safety protocols.
- Stationary Engine Applications: Focus on diesel-powered electrical generators and industrial compressors, covering installation, testing, and maintenance procedures in fixed-power environments.
Diesel Mechanics Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Diesel Mechanics Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Diesel Mechanics Technology degrees, including Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 287,230 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists 49-3031 | $60,640 | $41,670 - $85,980 | 287,230 | $29.15 |
Diesel Mechanics Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $49,060 in Alabama to $79,010 in Hawaii—a 61% difference. The highest-paying states include Hawaii, Washington, and Alaska. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 287,230 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Diesel Mechanics Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 99 institutions offering Diesel Mechanics Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Diesel Mechanics Technology is found at WyoTech (473 graduates), Texas State Technical College (TSTC) (321 graduates), Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc (UTI) (262 graduates), Somerset Community College (SCC) (223 graduates), and Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (ECTC) (192 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 7,473 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WyoTech |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
473 | Laramie, Wyoming | Private | wyotech.edu |
| Texas State Technical College (TSTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
321 | Waco, Texas | Public | tstc.edu |
| Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc (UTI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
262 | Avondale, Arizona | Private | uti.edu |
| Somerset Community College (SCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
223 | Somerset, Kentucky | Public | somerset.kctcs.edu |
| Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (ECTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
192 | Elizabethtown, Kentucky | Public | elizabethtown.kctcs.edu |
| Gateway Community and Technical College (GCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
190 | Florence, Kentucky | Public | gateway.kctcs.edu |
| St Philip's College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
185 | San Antonio, Texas | Public | alamo.edu |
| University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
183 | Lima, Ohio | Private | unoh.edu |
| Universal Technical Institute (UTI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
161 | Irving, Texas | Private | uti.edu |
| Universal Technical Institute of Texas Inc. (UTI) |
Associate's
|
157 | Houston, Texas | Private | uti.edu |
| Bates Technical College |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
147 | Tacoma, Washington | Public | batestech.edu |
| Central Community College (CCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
140 | Grand Island, Nebraska | Public | cccneb.edu |
| Universal Technical Institute of Illinois Inc (UTI) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
133 | Lisle, Illinois | Private | uti.edu |
| Universal Technical Institute of Northern California Inc (UTI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
133 | Sacramento, California | Private | uti.edu |
| Hinds Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
123 | Raymond, Mississippi | Public | hindscc.edu |
| Universal Technical Institute of California Inc (UTI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
115 | Rancho Cucamonga, California | Private | uti.edu |
| Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania Inc (UTI) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
115 | Exton, Pennsylvania | Private | uti.edu |
| Universal Technical Institute-Auto Motorcycle & Marine Mechanics Institute Division (MMI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
114 | Orlando, Florida | Private | uti.edu |
| Maysville Community and Technical College (MCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
107 | Maysville, Kentucky | Public | maysville.kctcs.edu |
| Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
105 | Ashland, Kentucky | Public | ashland.kctcs.edu |
| Mech-Tech College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
104 | Caguas, Puerto Rico | Private | mechtech.edu |
| West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
103 | Paducah, Kentucky | Public | westkentucky.kctcs.edu |
| Lone Star College System (LSC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
102 | The Woodlands, Texas | Public | lonestar.edu |
| Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
|
96 | Appleton, Wisconsin | Public | fvtc.edu |
| Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
95 | Owensboro, Kentucky | Public | owensboro.kctcs.edu |
| Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
94 | Reno, Nevada | Public | tmcc.edu |
| Lake Area Technical College (LATC) |
Associate's
|
92 | Watertown, South Dakota | Public | lakeareatech.edu |
| Western Technical College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
90 | El Paso, Texas | Private | westerntech.edu |
| Universal Technical Institute (UTI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
82 | Long Beach, California | Private | uti.edu |
| Wiregrass Georgia Technical College |
Other Award
|
78 | Valdosta, Georgia | Public | wiregrass.edu |
| South Texas College (STC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
76 | McAllen, Texas | Public | southtexascollege.edu |
| Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
70 | Los Angeles, California | Public | lattc.edu |
| Odessa College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
70 | Odessa, Texas | Public | odessa.edu |
| Hazard Community and Technical College (HCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
66 | Hazard, Kentucky | Public | hazard.kctcs.edu |
| Jones Technical Institute (J-Tech) |
Associate's
|
63 | Jacksonville, Florida | Private | jtech.org |
| George C Wallace State Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
62 | Hanceville, Alabama | Public | wallacestate.edu |
| Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College (SKCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
61 | Cumberland, Kentucky | Public | southeast.kctcs.edu |
| Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT) |
Associate's
|
61 | Okmulgee, Oklahoma | Public | osuit.edu |
| Snow College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
61 | Ephraim, Utah | Public | snow.edu |
| North American Trade Schools (NATS) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
59 | Baltimore, Maryland | Private | natradeschools.edu |
| State Technical College of Missouri (State Tech) |
Associate's
|
59 | Linn, Missouri | Public | statetechmo.edu |
| North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
59 | Wahpeton, North Dakota | Public | ndscs.edu |
| Amarillo College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
59 | Amarillo, Texas | Public | actx.edu |
| Fletcher Technical Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
58 | Schriever, Louisiana | Public | fletcher.edu |
| New York Automotive and Diesel Institute (NYADI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
58 | Jamaica, New York | Private | nyadi.edu |
| Idaho State University (ISU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
56 | Pocatello, Idaho | Public | isu.edu |
| Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
53 | Springfield, Missouri | Public | otc.edu |
| Northern Wyoming Community College District (NWCCD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
53 | Sheridan, Wyoming | Public | sheridan.edu |
| Northwest Mississippi Community College (NWCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51 | Senatobia, Mississippi | Public | northwestms.edu |
| Lanier Technical College (Lanier Tech) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Other Award
|
50 | Gainesville, Georgia | Public | laniertech.edu |
| Mountainland Technical College (MTECH) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
49 | Lehi, Utah | Public | mtec.edu |
| Miller-Motte College-STVT |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
49 | San Antonio, Texas | Private | stvt.edu |
| Minnesota West Community and Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
48 | Granite Falls, Minnesota | Public | mnwest.edu |
| Vincennes University (VU) |
Associate's
|
47 | Vincennes, Indiana | Public | vinu.edu |
| Pennco Tech |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
46 | Blackwood, New Jersey | Private | penncotech.edu |
| Bellingham Technical College (BTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
45 | Bellingham, Washington | Public | btc.edu |
| Universal Technical Institute (UTI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
42 | Bloomfield, New Jersey | Private | uti.edu |
| Universal Technical Institute (UTI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
42 | Austin, Texas | Private | uti.edu |
| South Louisiana Community College (SLCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
41 | Lafayette, Louisiana | Public | solacc.edu |
| South Plains College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
40 | Levelland, Texas | Public | southplainscollege.edu |
| Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Other Award
|
39 | Griffin, Georgia | Public | sctech.edu |
| Alexandria Technical & Community College (ATCC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
39 | Alexandria, Minnesota | Public | alextech.edu |
| Miller-Motte College (AAI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
38 | Glendale, Arizona | Private | aai.edu |
| El Paso Community College (EPCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
38 | El Paso, Texas | Public | epcc.edu |
| Southwest Texas Junior College (SWTJC) |
Other Award
|
38 | Uvalde, Texas | Public | swtjc.edu |
| Dixie Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
38 | Saint George, Utah | Public | dixietech.edu |
| San Juan College (SJC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
37 | Farmington, New Mexico | Public | sanjuancollege.edu |
| Midland College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
37 | Midland, Texas | Public | midland.edu |
| Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
36 | Beaumont, Texas | Public | lit.edu |
| Crowder College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
35 | Neosho, Missouri | Public | crowder.edu |
| Montana State University |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
35 | Havre, Montana | Public | msun.edu |
| University of Arkansas (UAHT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
34 | Hope, Arkansas | Public | uaht.edu |
| Atlanta Technical College (Atlanta Tech) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Other Award
|
34 | Atlanta, Georgia | Public | atlantatech.edu |
| Automotive Training Center (ATC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
34 | Exton, Pennsylvania | Private | autotraining.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Other Award
|
34 | Elizabethton, Tennessee | Public | tcatelizabethton.edu |
| Davis Technical College (DATC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
34 | Kaysville, Utah | Public | davistech.edu |
| Automeca Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
34 | Bayamon, Puerto Rico | Private | automeca.com |
| Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) |
Other Award
|
33 | Santa Rosa, California | Public | santarosa.edu |
| Chattahoochee Technical College |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Other Award
|
33 | Marietta, Georgia | Public | chattahoocheetech.edu |
| SUNY College of Technology (Alfred State) |
Associate's
|
33 | Alfred, New York | Public | alfredstate.edu |
| Universal Technical Institute (UTI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
33 | Miramar, Florida | Private | uti.edu |
| Citrus College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
31 | Glendora, California | Public | citruscollege.edu |
| San Jacinto Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
31 | Pasadena, Texas | Public | sanjac.edu |
| Athens Technical College (Athens Tech) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Other Award
|
31 | Athens, Georgia | Public | athenstech.edu |
| Rosedale Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
30 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | rosedaletech.org |
| H Councill Trenholm State Community College (TSCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
29 | Montgomery, Alabama | Public | trenholmstate.edu |
| Broward College (BC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
29 | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Public | broward.edu |
| Honolulu Community College (HCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
29 | Honolulu, Hawaii | Public | honolulu.hawaii.edu |
| Richland Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Residency
Other Award
|
29 | Decatur, Illinois | Public | richland.edu |
| Oconee Fall Line Technical College (OFTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Other Award
|
29 | Sandersville, Georgia | Public | oftc.edu |
| Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
28 | Seward, Alaska | Public | avtec.edu |
| Arkansas State University (ASU-Beebe) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
28 | Beebe, Arkansas | Public | asub.edu |
| West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Other Award
|
28 | Waco, Georgia | Public | westgatech.edu |
| Iowa Western Community College (IWCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
28 | Council Bluffs, Iowa | Public | iwcc.edu |
| Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
28 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | bluegrass.kctcs.edu |
| Angelina College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
28 | Lufkin, Texas | Public | angelina.edu |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology |
Associate's
|
28 | Williamsport, Pennsylvania | Public | pct.edu |
| Automotive Training Center (ATC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
28 | Warminster, Pennsylvania | Private | autotraining.edu |
| Iowa Central Community College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
27 | Fort Dodge, Iowa | Public | iowacentral.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Diesel Mechanics Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Diesel Mechanics Technology degree?
Salaries for Diesel Mechanics Technology graduates vary by role and location. Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists earn a median of $60,640 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Hawaii average $79,010 compared to $49,060 in Alabama. Approximately 287,230 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Diesel Mechanics Technology programs?
Currently 303 accredited institutions offer Diesel Mechanics Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include WyoTech (473 graduates), Texas State Technical College (TSTC) (321 graduates), and Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc (UTI) (262 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Diesel Mechanics Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 8,953 in 2010 to 9,859 in 2023-24. This represents a 10% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Diesel Mechanics Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists. Related occupations employ approximately 287,230 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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