Diesel Mechanic Salary: Where It Sits on the Australian Salary Index
Wondering about a diesel mechanic salary in Australia? We explain where the pay sits on the national salary index, what awards cover the role, and what factors influence earnings.
A precise diesel mechanic salary figure is uncertain because published median earnings are not available for this occupation, but award rates and industry benchmarks suggest full-time pay typically sits between the national minimum wage index (48.2) and the all-occupations average (100), with experienced mechanics in mining or remote areas potentially reaching above 100.
What is a diesel mechanic salary in Australia?
If you are researching a diesel mechanic salary in Australia, you have probably noticed that official pay figures are hard to pin down. Unlike some occupations where the Australian Bureau of Statistics publishes median weekly earnings, the data for Diesel Motor Mechanics (ANZSCO 321212) is marked as not available. That does not mean no one knows what diesel mechanics earn — it means the survey sample was too small or the data did not meet reliability thresholds. So we have to piece together the picture from award rates, industry benchmarks, and employment patterns.
The award floor: Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020
Most diesel mechanics are covered by the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020. This award sets minimum hourly rates for classifications like Level 1 (tradesperson) through to Level 4 (advanced). From 1 July 2026, all award rates rose by 4.75% following the Annual Wage Review. The national minimum wage is now $26.44 per hour, which annualises to $52,255 (index 48.2). An entry-level award classification might be around $25.74 per hour (the entry-level award floor), giving an annual salary of roughly $50,000 to $53,000 depending on hours. That sits below the national line of 100.
But award rates are minimums. Many diesel mechanics are paid above award, especially those working in mining, remote areas, or for large transport companies. The industries page shows that Mining has an index of 154.7 — meaning the typical mining worker earns about 55% more than the national average. A diesel mechanic in the mining sector could easily earn $110,000 to $130,000 (index 102–120).
Where the pay sits on the salary index
The Salary Index compares gross annual ordinary-time earnings to the national line of 100, which is $108,352 per year (full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, May 2026). For a diesel mechanic, the index can range from below 50 (if paid at the national minimum wage) to over 120 (if working in mining or a high-paying state like Western Australia, index 106.9). The states page shows that WA has a state index of 106.9, meaning the typical full-time worker there earns about 7% more than the national average. A diesel mechanic in WA might earn $115,000 or more.
Full-time hours and overtime
Jobs and Skills Australia reports that 93% of diesel mechanics work full-time, and the average full-time hours are 46 per week — two hours above the all-occupations average of 44. Those extra hours can add around $5,000–$6,000 to annual pay if paid at ordinary time, or more if overtime rates apply. The pay guides section explains how overtime and penalty rates affect take-home pay.
Super guarantee and tax
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary-time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. So a diesel mechanic earning $80,000 would have $9,600 paid into super annually. On the tax side, the 2026–27 resident rates (excluding Medicare) are: nil up to $18,200; 15% from $18,201 to $45,000; 30% from $45,001 to $135,000; 37% from $135,001 to $190,000; and 45% above $190,000. Plus a 2% Medicare levy. A mechanic earning $80,000 would pay about $13,000 in tax plus $1,600 Medicare levy, leaving around $65,400 take-home.
Why the median is not published
The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours does not produce median figures for 6-digit ANZSCO occupations like Diesel Motor Mechanics. The data is considered too unreliable at that fine level. That is why Jobs and Skills Australia says "N/A" for median weekly earnings. The how the index works page explains that the index uses broader data to give a reliable benchmark.
What influences a diesel mechanic salary?
- Industry: Mining, oil and gas, and remote infrastructure projects pay more than retail or service centres.
- Location: Western Australia, Queensland (mining regions), and the Northern Territory often have higher wages.
- Experience and qualifications: A qualified heavy vehicle diesel mechanic with diagnostic skills can command a premium.
- Enterprise agreements: Many large employers have EAs that pay above award.
Summary
A precise diesel mechanic salary figure is not available from official sources, but the range is wide. At the low end, award rates give around $50,000–$55,000 (index 46–51). At the high end, experienced mechanics in mining or remote areas can earn $110,000–$130,000 (index 102–120). The national line of 100 ($108,352) is a useful reference point. If you are negotiating a salary, compare it to the index for your state and industry. For more context, see the Salary Index and topics pages.
Questions people ask
What is the average diesel mechanic salary in Australia?
There is no published average or median salary for diesel mechanics at the 6-digit occupation level. Jobs and Skills Australia reports median weekly earnings as N/A. However, award minimums under the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020 start around $25–$27 per hour for entry-level classifications, which annualises to roughly $50,000–$55,000 (index 46–51). Experienced mechanics in mining or remote areas can earn $100,000 or more (index above 90). The wide range depends on location, industry, and experience.
Which award covers diesel mechanics?
Diesel mechanics are covered by the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020 (MA000089). This award sets minimum pay rates, allowances, and penalty rates. From 1 July 2026, award rates increased by 4.75% following the Annual Wage Review. The award includes classifications from Level 1 (entry) to Level 4 (advanced). Many diesel mechanics are also covered by enterprise agreements that pay above the award.
How does the salary index work for a diesel mechanic?
The Salary Index compares gross annual ordinary-time earnings to the national line of 100, which equals $108,352 per year (full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, May 2026). For example, if a diesel mechanic earns $60,000 per year, their index is 55.4 (60,000 / 108,352 × 100). If they earn $120,000, the index is 110.7. The index helps you see where a pay figure sits relative to the Australian average, across states and industries.