Diesel Mechanic in Colorado: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Colorado employs 4,600 diesel mechanics, with a statewide median of $70,480 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Colorado licensing picture, and where to train.
What Diesel mechanics Earn in Colorado (May 2025)
- Colorado median pay
- $70,480 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $47,450
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $79,780
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $96,450
- Employed in Colorado
- 4,600
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $60,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for diesel mechanics in major Colorado markets:
- Boulder
- $79,030 (150 employed)
- Denver
- $72,800 (2,770 employed)
- Fort Collins
- $64,160 (170 employed)
- Colorado Springs
- $63,910 (310 employed)
- Greeley
- $62,850 (350 employed)
- Grand Junction
- $60,310 (160 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Colorado
Prices in Colorado run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $70,480 median is worth closer to $68,361 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Colorado (2024–2034)
Colorado is projected to grow diesel mechanics employment +10.3%, faster than the +2.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 480 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Colorado License and Certification Requirements
No state license; ASE (Medium/Heavy Truck) certification — regulated by the No license required — ASE certification is the standard.
- Colorado does not license diesel technicians.
- Complete a diesel technology program or an employer apprenticeship.
- Earn ASE medium/heavy truck certifications as you gain experience.
Official requirements: No license required — ASE certification is the standard →
Training in Colorado
Trucking, construction equipment, and fleet maintenance all hire. Manufacturer/engine-specific training (e.g., Cummins, Cat) raises pay.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Colorado include:
- Aims Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Arapahoe Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Colorado Mesa University — Certificate / Associate
- Colorado Mountain College — Certificate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who like large, powerful machinery and want solid wages without a 4-year degree.
Think twice if: Grease, diesel exhaust, heavy components, and shop environments sound miserable rather than satisfying.
Why it's resilient: Diesel engines power trucks, buses, heavy equipment, and generators — hands-on diagnosis and repair that cannot be done remotely.
First Steps
Look for diesel technology programs at community colleges and vocational schools, or apply directly as a shop helper.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do diesel mechanics make in Colorado?
The median wage for diesel mechanics in Colorado is $70,480 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $47,450, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $96,450. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Diesel Mechanic in Colorado?
No state license; ASE (Medium/Heavy Truck) certification, overseen by the No license required — ASE certification is the standard. Colorado does not license diesel technicians.
Is being a Diesel Mechanic a good career in Colorado?
Diesel engines power trucks, buses, heavy equipment, and generators — hands-on diagnosis and repair that cannot be done remotely.
Which Colorado metros pay diesel mechanics the most?
Among Colorado metro areas, Boulder leads at $79,030, followed by Denver ($72,800), Fort Collins ($64,160). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Diesel Mechanic in Colorado?
Real Colorado options include Aims Community College, Arapahoe Community College, Colorado Mesa University. Most diesel mechanics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Diesel Mechanic a growing career in Colorado?
Colorado projects diesel mechanics employment to change +10.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 480 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Colorado statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-3031. Licensing summary compiled from the No license required — ASE certification is the standard (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Colorado wages · Colorado licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.