Diesel Mechanic Career Guide in Mississippi
Explore diesel mechanic salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Mississippi.
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How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Mississippi
Diesel mechanics commonly complete a technical-college diesel program and continue with paid training at trucking companies, equipment dealerships, transit agencies, or fleet maintenance facilities.
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 Mississippi
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Mississippi 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.
Compared with the national median of $60,640, the median wage in Mississippi is approximately $5,000 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Diesel Mechanics in Mississippi
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 PREPARATIONDiesel Mechanic Training Requirements in Mississippi
Diesel mechanics in Mississippi typically complete technical education and gain supervised experience in a truck, equipment, or fleet maintenance facility.
- Complete a certificate, diploma, or associate degree in diesel equipment technology, or obtain equivalent employer-sponsored training.
- Study diesel engines, electrical systems, brakes, steering, suspension, hydraulics, preventive maintenance, and electronic diagnostics.
- Obtain EPA Section 609 certification when servicing mobile air-conditioning systems.
- Meet federal brake-inspector and annual-inspector qualification standards when performing regulated commercial vehicle inspections.
- Consider ASE Medium/Heavy Truck certifications after meeting the applicable work-experience requirements.
Diesel Mechanic Training Providers in Mississippi
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Hinds Community College – Diesel Equipment Technology | Raymond | View Program |
| East Mississippi Community College – Diesel Equipment Technology | Mayhew | View Program |
| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College – Diesel Equipment Technology | Lucedale | View Program |
| Northwest Mississippi Community College – Diesel Technology | Senatobia | 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 OPPORTUNITIESDiesel Mechanic Apprenticeship Programs in Mississippi
Diesel Mechanic Licensing Requirements in Mississippi
Mississippi does not require a statewide occupational license for general diesel mechanics. A commercial driver’s license may be required when technicians test-drive certain vehicles, while federal credentials apply to refrigerant service and regulated commercial-vehicle inspections.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSDiesel Mechanic Job Outlook in Mississippi
Freight transportation, agriculture, construction, public fleets, and replacement of experienced mechanics are expected to sustain demand for diesel technicians in Mississippi.
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 QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the diesel mechanic salary in Mississippi?
The statewide median wage for diesel mechanics in Mississippi is approximately $55,640 per year, or $26.75 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Mississippi require diesel mechanic licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for diesel mechanic workers in Mississippi. Local jurisdictions, employers, or specific work scopes may still impose requirements, so applicants should verify current rules before beginning work.
How long does it take to become a diesel mechanic in Mississippi?
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 Mississippi?
Mississippi projects diesel mechanic employment to grow by approximately 3.7% from 2022 to 2032. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
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.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Mississippi Wages for Diesel Mechanic (SOC 49-3031) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Mississippi Diesel Mechanic Wages
- Mississippi Diesel Mechanic Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Mississippi Diesel Mechanic Employment Trends
- Mississippi Department of Public Safety – Driver Service Bureau — Licensing authority. Mississippi Department of Public Safety – Driver Service Bureau