Diesel Tech vs Machinist
Side-by-side salary, job growth, and training comparison for 2026
Diesel Tech
$54,690
National Median Salary
Total Jobs300,000
Annual Openings28,100
Training1-2 yr certificate
Machinist
$51,720
National Median Salary
Total Jobs384,700
Annual Openings35,400
Training1-2 yr certificate or apprenticeship
Metric
Diesel Tech
Machinist
Median Salary National, BLS 2023 | $54,690* | $51,720 |
Total Jobs Current employment | 300,000 | 384,700* |
Annual Job Openings New + replacement | 28,100 | 35,400* |
Training Time | 1-2 yr certificate | 1-2 yr certificate or apprenticeship |
* indicates higher/better value. Source: BLS OES 2023.
Top States for Diesel Techs
Alaska$79,870
Washington$74,320
Connecticut$71,450
Wyoming$70,120
California$68,790
Top States for Machinists
Alaska$78,430
Connecticut$74,890
Washington$72,340
California$70,120
Massachusetts$68,450