Diesel Mechanic in North Dakota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
North Dakota employs 1,790 diesel mechanics, with a statewide median of $66,110 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact North Dakota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Diesel mechanics Earn in North Dakota (May 2025)
- North Dakota median pay
- $66,110 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $46,790
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $81,100
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $91,520
- Employed in North Dakota
- 1,790
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $60,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for diesel mechanics in major North Dakota markets:
- Minot
- $72,800 (160 employed)
- Fargo
- $64,370 (500 employed)
- Grand Forks
- $64,220 (170 employed)
- Bismarck
- $63,950 (230 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in North Dakota
Prices in North Dakota run about 11% below the national average (cost-of-living index 89.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $66,110 median stretches to roughly $74,281 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in North Dakota (2024–2034)
North Dakota is projected to grow diesel mechanics employment +5.9%, faster than the +2.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 140 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
North Dakota License and Certification Requirements
No state license; ASE (Medium/Heavy Truck) certification — regulated by the No license required — ASE certification is the standard.
- North Dakota 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 North Dakota
Trucking, agriculture, and oil-field/heavy equipment drive strong demand. Engine-specific training (Cummins, Cat, John Deere) raises pay.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in North Dakota include:
- Bismarck State College — Certificate / Associate
- Dickinson State University — Associate
- Lake Region State College — Certificate / Associate
- North Dakota State College of Science — 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 North Dakota?
The median wage for diesel mechanics in North Dakota is $66,110 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $46,790, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $91,520. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Diesel Mechanic in North Dakota?
No state license; ASE (Medium/Heavy Truck) certification, overseen by the No license required — ASE certification is the standard. North Dakota does not license diesel technicians.
Is being a Diesel Mechanic a good career in North Dakota?
Diesel engines power trucks, buses, heavy equipment, and generators — hands-on diagnosis and repair that cannot be done remotely.
Which North Dakota metros pay diesel mechanics the most?
Among North Dakota metro areas, Minot leads at $72,800, followed by Fargo ($64,370), Grand Forks ($64,220). 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 North Dakota?
Real North Dakota options include Bismarck State College, Dickinson State University, Lake Region State 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 North Dakota?
North Dakota projects diesel mechanics employment to change +5.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 140 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), North Dakota 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 North Dakota wages · North Dakota 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.