Diesel fitter salary: state and industry differences explained

What is a diesel fitter salary?

A diesel fitter salary refers to the earnings of diesel motor mechanics who maintain, test, and repair diesel engines and the mechanical parts of heavy vehicles such as trucks, buses, and earthmoving equipment. In Australia, the official occupation is Diesel Motor Mechanic (ANZSCO 321212). According to Jobs and Skills Australia, there are about 7,400 people employed in this role, with 93% working full-time and an average of 46 hours per week. However, no median weekly earnings figure is published, making it difficult to pin down a precise diesel fitter salary.

State differences in diesel fitter pay

Where you work as a diesel fitter can significantly affect your take-home pay. The Salary Index uses state benchmarks based on full-time adult ordinary-time earnings. For example, Western Australia has an index of 106.9 (annualised $115,825), while Tasmania sits at 88.6 ($96,008). Diesel fitters in WA may benefit from the state's strong mining and resources sector, which often pays above-award rates. In contrast, a diesel fitter in Tasmania or South Australia (index 94.6) may earn closer to the national average or below.

Jobs and Skills Australia data shows the state distribution of diesel fitters: Victoria employs the most (29.0%), followed by New South Wales (25.4%), Queensland (20.5%), South Australia (11.0%), Western Australia (9.2%), Tasmania (2.9%), and the ACT (0.6%). The Northern Territory is not separately reported. While this tells us where the jobs are, it doesn't reveal pay differences. For a more detailed breakdown of state pay patterns, see our states page.

Industry differences

Diesel fitters work across several industries. The top three are Other Services (which includes automotive repair and maintenance), Transport/Postal/Warehousing, and Wholesale Trade. Industry can heavily influence a diesel fitter salary. For instance, the mining industry has a Salary Index of 154.7, meaning average earnings are about 55% above the national line. A diesel fitter maintaining mining haul trucks in remote WA could earn well over $100,000, especially with overtime and site allowances. In contrast, the retail trade index is 75.9, and accommodation/food services is 72.5 – industries where diesel fitters are less common but may earn less.

The industries page provides more context on how different sectors compare. For diesel fitters, the key is to look at the specific award or enterprise agreement covering your workplace.

How the Salary Index works for diesel fitters

The Salary Index compares your yearly gross ordinary-time earnings to the national benchmark of $108,352 (index 100). This benchmark comes from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Average Weekly Earnings for May 2026: $2,083.70 per week. If you know your annual salary, divide it by $108,352 and multiply by 100. For example, a diesel fitter earning $85,000 would have an index of 78.5. That means they earn about 21.5% below the national full-time adult average.

Because no official median exists for diesel fitters, you can use the national minimum wage as a floor. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, annualised $52,255, index 48.2. Most diesel fitters earn significantly more than that. Award rates for skilled trades under the likely Vehicle Manufacturing, Repair, Services and Retail Award would be higher, but exact figures depend on the classification level. The Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides can help you find the correct minimum rates for your award.

What about overtime and allowances?

Diesel fitters often work overtime – the average full-time hours are 46 per week, two hours above the standard 38. Overtime is typically paid at time-and-a-half or double time, which can boost gross earnings considerably. However, the Salary Index uses ordinary-time earnings only, so overtime is not reflected in the index. If you regularly work overtime, your actual take-home pay will be higher than the index suggests.

Allowances also matter. A diesel fitter working in a remote area or on a mine site may receive a site allowance, living-away-from-home allowance, or travel allowance. These are not captured in the ordinary-time benchmark but can add thousands to annual income.

Tax and super considerations

For the 2026–27 financial year, resident tax rates are: nil on the first $18,200, 15% on income up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above that. The Medicare levy is 2%. Superannuation guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, with a maximum contribution base of $270,830. A diesel fitter earning $85,000 would pay about $17,238 in tax plus $1,700 Medicare levy, leaving a take-home of around $66,062 before any HELP or salary sacrifice. Super contributions of $10,200 would be paid on top by the employer.

Where to find more information

To get a clearer picture of your own diesel fitter salary, start with the Salary Index to see how your pay compares nationally. Use the pay guides from Fair Work Ombudsman to check minimum award rates. The topics page covers related occupations and pay trends. Remember that the figures here are guides only – your actual pay depends on your employer, experience, and location.