MARYLAND CAREER DATA PROFILE

Diesel Mechanic Career Guide in Maryland

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

Last reviewed Reviewed by Career In Trades Editorial Team

Diesel Mechanic in Maryland Snapshot
Median Salary $69,500
Hourly Wage $33.41
Job Growth +4.6% (2022–2032)
License Employer-Specific

How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Maryland

Diesel technicians typically complete technical education and receive paid training with truck dealers, transit systems, construction-equipment companies, government fleets, or logistics employers.

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 Maryland

The salary figure shown on this page represents the Maryland 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.

Maryland Median $69,500
Hourly Wage $33.41
National Median $60,640

Compared with the national median of $60,640, the median wage in Maryland is approximately $8,860 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.

OFFICIAL REGULATORY SOURCE

Licensing Authority for Diesel Mechanics in Maryland

Maryland State Police – Automotive Safety Enforcement Division

Official Website: https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Organization/Pages/SupportServicesBureau/AutomotiveSafetyEnforcementDivision.aspx

License Types:

  • No general diesel mechanic license
  • Authorized Inspection Mechanic
  • Licensed Maryland Inspection Station
  • Commercial Driver’s License
  • EPA Section 609 certification

Authority Notes:

A general diesel mechanic license is not required. Only approved inspection mechanics working through licensed stations may conduct official Maryland safety inspections.

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 Maryland

1Registered Apprenticeship
2Trade or Technical School
3Employer Training

Maryland diesel mechanics generally combine diesel technology education with supervised experience in truck, bus, equipment, or fleet maintenance.

  • Complete a diesel, medium/heavy truck, or heavy-equipment technology program.
  • Gain practical experience with diesel engines, air brakes, electrical systems, hydraulics, drivetrains, and electronic diagnostics.
  • Meet Maryland State Police requirements before performing official safety inspections.
  • Obtain EPA Section 609 certification for mobile air-conditioning service.
  • Meet federal annual-inspector and brake-inspector qualifications for regulated commercial vehicle work.
EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Diesel Mechanic Training Providers in Maryland

Provider City Program Website
Lincoln College of Technology – Diesel and Truck Technology Columbia View Program
Community College of Baltimore County – Diesel/Transportation Technology Catonsville View Program
North American Trade Schools – Diesel Technology Baltimore View Program
Allegany College of Maryland – Automotive Technology Cumberland 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 Maryland

Diesel Mechanic Registered Apprenticeship

Organization: Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program

Program Website

Diesel Technician Training

Organization: Johnson Truck Center

Program Website

Bus Maintenance Training

Organization: Maryland Transit Administration

Program Website

Technician Training Program

Organization: Penske Truck Leasing

Program Website

STATE AND LOCAL RULES

Diesel Mechanic Licensing Requirements in Maryland

Maryland does not require every diesel mechanic to hold a general occupational license. Technicians performing Maryland Safety Inspections must be approved inspection mechanics working at licensed inspection stations.

EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS

Diesel Mechanic Job Outlook in Maryland

+4.6% (2022–2032) Projected Employment Growth
2022 - 2032 Projection Period

Maryland’s freight corridors, port operations, public transportation, construction fleets, and government vehicles should support recurring demand for diesel mechanics.

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 Maryland?

The statewide median wage for diesel mechanics in Maryland is approximately $69,500 per year, or $33.41 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.

Does Maryland require diesel mechanic licensing?

Licensing or credential requirements for diesel mechanic workers in Maryland are primarily employer-specific. Employers may require particular certifications, training, driving credentials, or documented experience.

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

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 Maryland?

Maryland projects diesel mechanic employment to grow by approximately 4.6% 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. Maryland Wages for Diesel Mechanic (SOC 49-3031) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Maryland Diesel Mechanic Wages
  3. Maryland Diesel Mechanic Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Maryland Diesel Mechanic Employment Trends
  4. Maryland State Police – Automotive Safety Enforcement Division — Licensing authority. Maryland State Police – Automotive Safety Enforcement Division
CAREER DISCOVERY

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STATE CAREER GUIDES

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