Diesel Mechanic vs Machinist
Which trade pays more? Side-by-side salary comparison using 2025 BLS data.
Higher Pay
Diesel Mechanic
Automotive · 3yr apprenticeship
Median Salary$58,284
Salary Range$47,316 – $73,710
5yr Growth+9%
Trade Pay ScoreC (59/100)
Total Employment143,565
Cities Tracked30
Machinist
Metalwork · 4yr apprenticeship
Median Salary$52,141
Salary Range$43,717 – $66,698
5yr Growth+6%
Trade Pay ScoreD (51/100)
Total Employment123,979
Cities Tracked30
City-by-City Comparison
| City | Diesel Mechanic | Machinist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $73,710 | $66,698 | +$7,012 |
| New York, NY | $72,771 | $61,662 | +$11,109 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $68,978 | $59,339 | +$9,639 |
| Chicago, IL | $67,940 | $57,619 | +$10,321 |
| Seattle, WA | $67,005 | $65,465 | +$1,540 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $66,424 | $64,169 | +$2,255 |
| Boston, MA | $65,267 | $65,491 | -$224 |
| Denver, CO | $62,846 | $51,848 | +$10,998 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $61,255 | $52,117 | +$9,138 |
| Houston, TX | $61,184 | $53,304 | +$7,880 |
| Portland, OR | $60,373 | $57,987 | +$2,386 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $58,507 | $47,196 | +$11,311 |
| Atlanta, GA | $58,416 | $50,744 | +$7,672 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $56,933 | $50,078 | +$6,855 |
| Nashville, TN | $56,573 | $47,887 | +$8,686 |
| Milwaukee, WI | $56,188 | $53,383 | +$2,805 |
| New Orleans, LA | $55,843 | $48,371 | +$7,472 |
| Detroit, MI | $55,569 | $52,203 | +$3,366 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $55,247 | $45,745 | +$9,502 |
| Kansas City, MO | $54,335 | $47,317 | +$7,018 |
| Dallas, TX | $53,970 | $49,483 | +$4,487 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $53,610 | $45,510 | +$8,100 |
| St. Louis, MO | $52,947 | $48,863 | +$4,084 |
| Columbus, OH | $52,810 | $43,891 | +$8,919 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $52,367 | $44,848 | +$7,519 |
| Raleigh, NC | $51,277 | $46,215 | +$5,062 |
| Miami, FL | $50,711 | $47,774 | +$2,937 |
| Charlotte, NC | $49,453 | $47,451 | +$2,002 |
| Tampa, FL | $48,707 | $43,717 | +$4,990 |
| San Antonio, TX | $47,316 | $47,841 | -$525 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Diesel Mechanics or Machinists make more money?
Diesel Mechanics earn more on average, with a national median salary of $58,284 compared to $52,141 — a difference of $6,143 per year.
Which trade has better job growth — Diesel Mechanic or Machinist?
Diesel Mechanic has stronger 5-year wage growth at 9% vs 6%.
How long is the apprenticeship for each trade?
Diesel Mechanic requires 3 years of apprenticeship, while Machinist requires 4 years.
Diesel Mechanic salary by city →
Machinist salary by city →
All trades ranked by pay →
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