MASSACHUSETTS CAREER DATA PROFILE

Diesel Mechanic Career Guide in Massachusetts

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

Last reviewed Reviewed by Career In Trades Editorial Team

Diesel Mechanic in Massachusetts Snapshot
Median Salary $73,580
Hourly Wage $35.38
Job Growth +3.8% (2022–2032)
License Requirements Vary

How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Massachusetts

Diesel mechanics commonly complete technical-school or college instruction and continue with paid training through truck dealers, transit agencies, fleet operators, or equipment companies.

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 Massachusetts

The salary figure shown on this page represents the Massachusetts 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.

Massachusetts Median $73,580
Hourly Wage $35.38
National Median $60,640

Compared with the national median of $60,640, the median wage in Massachusetts is approximately $12,940 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.

OFFICIAL REGULATORY SOURCE

Licensing Authority for Diesel Mechanics in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles – Vehicle Safety and Compliance Services

Official Website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-registry-of-motor-vehicles

License Types:

  • No general diesel mechanic license
  • Motor Vehicle Inspector License
  • Commercial Driver’s License
  • EPA Section 609 certification
  • Federal commercial vehicle inspector qualification

Authority Notes:

General diesel repair does not require an individual state license. RMV qualification is required for official inspectors, while federal standards apply to regulated commercial-vehicle inspection and brake duties.

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 Massachusetts

1Registered Apprenticeship
2Trade or Technical School
3Employer Training

Massachusetts diesel mechanics generally complete formal technical education and supervised shop training, with separate qualification required for official vehicle inspections.

  • Complete a diesel, truck, heavy-equipment, or automotive technology program.
  • Develop competency in diesel engines, air brakes, electrical systems, hydraulics, drivetrains, diagnostics, and emissions aftertreatment.
  • Complete Massachusetts Vehicle Check training and testing before performing official inspections.
  • Obtain EPA Section 609 certification for mobile air-conditioning service.
  • Meet federal commercial vehicle annual-inspector and brake-inspector qualifications when applicable.
EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Diesel Mechanic Training Providers in Massachusetts

Provider City Program Website
Universal Technical Institute – Diesel Technology Norwood View Program
Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology – Automotive Technology Boston View Program
Massachusetts Bay Community College – Automotive Technology Ashland View Program
Springfield Technical Community College – Diesel/Automotive Technology Springfield 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 Massachusetts

Diesel Mechanic Registered Apprenticeship

Organization: Massachusetts Division of Apprentice Standards

Program Website

Diesel Technician Training

Organization: Advantage Truck Group

Program Website

Bus Maintenance Training

Organization: Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

Program Website

Equipment Technician Training

Organization: Milton CAT

Program Website

STATE AND LOCAL RULES

Diesel Mechanic Licensing Requirements in Massachusetts

Massachusetts does not issue a general occupational license to all diesel mechanics. Technicians conducting official safety or emissions inspections must qualify through the Registry of Motor Vehicles inspection program.

EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS

Diesel Mechanic Job Outlook in Massachusetts

+3.8% (2022–2032) Projected Employment Growth
2022 - 2032 Projection Period

Public transit, freight distribution, municipal fleets, construction equipment, and advanced diesel emissions systems should support continuing demand for trained technicians.

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 Massachusetts?

The statewide median wage for diesel mechanics in Massachusetts is approximately $73,580 per year, or $35.38 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.

Does Massachusetts require diesel mechanic licensing?

Licensing requirements for diesel mechanic workers in Massachusetts vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles – Vehicle Safety and Compliance Services before beginning work or applying for an examination.

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

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 Massachusetts?

Massachusetts projects diesel mechanic employment to grow by approximately 3.8% 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. Massachusetts Wages for Diesel Mechanic (SOC 49-3031) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Massachusetts Diesel Mechanic Wages
  3. Massachusetts Diesel Mechanic Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Massachusetts Diesel Mechanic Employment Trends
  4. Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles – Vehicle Safety and Compliance Services — Licensing authority. Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles – Vehicle Safety and Compliance Services
CAREER DISCOVERY

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STATE CAREER GUIDES

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