Diesel Mechanic in Kansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Kansas employs 3,300 diesel mechanics, with a statewide median of $59,460 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Kansas licensing picture, and where to train.
What Diesel mechanics Earn in Kansas (May 2025)
- Kansas median pay
- $59,460 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $43,610
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $71,430
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $81,000
- Employed in Kansas
- 3,300
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $60,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for diesel mechanics in major Kansas markets:
- Topeka
- $66,500 (290 employed)
- Kansas City
- $62,570 (2,890 employed)
- St. Joseph
- $58,440 (110 employed)
- Wichita
- $57,080 (610 employed)
- Joplin
- $56,580 (360 employed)
- Manhattan
- $54,010 (70 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Kansas
Prices in Kansas run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 90.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $59,460 median stretches to roughly $65,993 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Kansas (2024–2034)
Kansas is projected to grow diesel mechanics employment +2.0%, about in line with the +2.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 340 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Kansas License and Certification Requirements
No state license; ASE (Medium/Heavy Truck) certification — regulated by the No license required — ASE certification is the standard.
- Kansas 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 Kansas
Trucking, agriculture, and ag-equipment drive demand. Engine-specific training (Cummins, Cat, John Deere) raises pay.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Kansas include:
- Barton County Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Butler Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Coffeyville Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Cowley County Community College — Certificate / Associate
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 Kansas?
The median wage for diesel mechanics in Kansas is $59,460 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $43,610, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $81,000. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Diesel Mechanic in Kansas?
No state license; ASE (Medium/Heavy Truck) certification, overseen by the No license required — ASE certification is the standard. Kansas does not license diesel technicians.
Is being a Diesel Mechanic a good career in Kansas?
Diesel engines power trucks, buses, heavy equipment, and generators — hands-on diagnosis and repair that cannot be done remotely.
Which Kansas metros pay diesel mechanics the most?
Among Kansas metro areas, Topeka leads at $66,500, followed by Kansas City ($62,570), St. Joseph ($58,440). 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 Kansas?
Real Kansas options include Barton County Community College, Butler Community College, Coffeyville Community College. Most diesel mechanics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Diesel Mechanic a growing career in Kansas?
Kansas projects diesel mechanics employment to change +2.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 340 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), Kansas 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 Kansas wages · Kansas 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.