Welder vs Diesel Tech
Side-by-side salary, job growth, and training comparison for 2026
Welder
$51,000
National Median Salary
Total Jobs457,300
Annual Openings47,600
Training7 mo - 2 yr certificate
Diesel Tech
$54,690
National Median Salary
Total Jobs300,000
Annual Openings28,100
Training1-2 yr certificate
Metric
Welder
Diesel Tech
Median Salary National, BLS 2023 | $51,000 | $54,690* |
Total Jobs Current employment | 457,300* | 300,000 |
Annual Job Openings New + replacement | 47,600* | 28,100 |
Training Time | 7 mo - 2 yr certificate | 1-2 yr certificate |
* indicates higher/better value. Source: BLS OES 2023.
Top States for Welders
Alaska$76,890
Wyoming$67,430
Washington$65,780
North Dakota$64,320
Louisiana$63,450
Top States for Diesel Techs
Alaska$79,870
Washington$74,320
Connecticut$71,450
Wyoming$70,120
California$68,790