HAWAII CAREER DATA PROFILE

Diesel Mechanic Career Guide in Hawaii

Explore diesel mechanic salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Hawaii.

Last reviewed Reviewed by Career In Trades Editorial Team

Diesel Mechanic in Hawaii Snapshot
Median Salary $75,630
Hourly Wage $36.36
Job Growth +4.0% (2022–2032)
License Required

How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Hawaii

Technicians generally combine automotive or diesel education with documented work experience. State mechanic licensing, ASE credentials, commercial fleet training, and manufacturer instruction may apply.

Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Hawaii

The salary figure shown on this page represents the Hawaii median wage for diesel mechanic workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.

Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.

Hawaii Median $75,630
Hourly Wage $36.36
National Median $60,640

Compared with the national median of $60,640, the median wage in Hawaii is approximately $14,990 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.

OFFICIAL REGULATORY SOURCE

Licensing Authority for Diesel Mechanics in Hawaii

Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs – Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board

Official Website: https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/motorvehicle/

License Types:

  • Motor Vehicle Mechanic
  • Truck Mechanic specialty classification
  • Motor Vehicle Repair Dealer
  • Commercial Driver’s License
  • EPA Section 609 certification

Authority Notes:

Hawaii licenses motor vehicle mechanics by applicable repair classification. Applicants generally must document qualifying experience and pass an examination or meet an approved certification pathway.

Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.

CAREER PREPARATION

Diesel Mechanic Training Requirements in Hawaii

1Registered Apprenticeship
2Trade or Technical School
3Employer Training

Diesel mechanics in Hawaii must determine whether their work falls within the classifications regulated by the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board.

  • Complete diesel or automotive technical education and acquire qualifying supervised work experience.
  • Apply for the appropriate Hawaii motor vehicle mechanic classification when performing regulated repair work.
  • Pass the required examination or submit an accepted current ASE credential for the applicable specialty.
  • Obtain EPA Section 609 certification before servicing mobile air-conditioning equipment.
  • Meet federal commercial vehicle inspection and brake-service qualifications when assigned regulated fleet work.
EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Diesel Mechanic Training Providers in Hawaii

Provider City Program Website
Honolulu Community College – Diesel Mechanics Technology Honolulu View Program
Hawaii Community College – Diesel Mechanics Hilo View Program
Leeward Community College – Automotive Technology Pearl City View Program
Kauai Community College – Automotive Technology Lihue View Program

Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.

PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship Programs in Hawaii

Heavy-Duty Truck Mechanic Apprenticeship

Organization: Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

Program Website

Heavy Equipment Technician Training

Organization: Hawthorne Cat

Program Website

Diesel Technician Training

Organization: Servco Pacific

Program Website

Fleet Maintenance Technician Training

Organization: Roberts Hawaii

Program Website

STATE AND LOCAL RULES

Diesel Mechanic Licensing Requirements in Hawaii

Hawaii regulates motor vehicle mechanics through the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board. Diesel mechanics performing covered motor vehicle repairs may need the appropriate mechanic license or specialty classification.

EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS

Diesel Mechanic Job Outlook in Hawaii

+4.0% (2022–2032) Projected Employment Growth
2022 - 2032 Projection Period

Hawaii requires diesel technicians to maintain buses, trucks, construction machinery, port equipment, utility vehicles, and commercial fleets that support the islands’ economy.

Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.

CAREER QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the diesel mechanic salary in Hawaii?

The statewide median wage for diesel mechanics in Hawaii is approximately $75,630 per year, or $36.36 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.

Does Hawaii require diesel mechanic licensing?

Yes. Hawaii requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt diesel mechanic work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs – Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board.

How long does it take to become a diesel mechanic in Hawaii?

The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 1–2 Years, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.

Are diesel mechanics in demand in Hawaii?

Hawaii projects diesel mechanic employment to grow by approximately 4% from 2022 to 2032. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.

DATA TRANSPARENCY

Career Data Sources

State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.

  1. May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
  2. Hawaii Wages for Diesel Mechanic (SOC 49-3031) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Hawaii Diesel Mechanic Wages
  3. Hawaii Diesel Mechanic Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Hawaii Diesel Mechanic Employment Trends
  4. Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs – Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board — Licensing authority. Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs – Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board
CAREER DISCOVERY

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STATE CAREER GUIDES

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