Diesel Mechanic in Tennessee: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Tennessee employs 5,720 diesel mechanics, with a statewide median of $59,190 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Tennessee licensing picture, and where to train.
What Diesel mechanics Earn in Tennessee (May 2025)
- Tennessee median pay
- $59,190 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $40,450
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $71,610
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $80,580
- Employed in Tennessee
- 5,720
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $60,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for diesel mechanics in major Tennessee markets:
- Memphis
- $61,360 (1,240 employed)
- Nashville
- $60,760 (1,780 employed)
- Knoxville
- $58,010 (910 employed)
- Chattanooga
- $57,450 (480 employed)
- Clarksville
- $56,940 (120 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Tennessee
Prices in Tennessee run about 8% below the national average (cost-of-living index 91.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $59,190 median stretches to roughly $64,407 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Tennessee (2024–2034)
Tennessee is projected to grow diesel mechanics employment +7.9%, faster than the +2.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 640 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Tennessee License and Certification Requirements
None required — ASE Medium/Heavy Truck certifications are the industry standard — regulated by the No Tennessee state license required for diesel mechanics.
- Tennessee does not require a state license for diesel mechanics. The entry path is completing a diesel technology program at a TCAT campus, Lincoln Memorial University, or employer OJT.
- Earn ASE Medium/Heavy Truck certifications (T1–T8 series). Automotive dealership diesel technician roles — particularly for Navistar/International, Kenworth, and Peterbilt — require ASE credentials.
- Apply to trucking fleets (Memphis is a major logistics hub — FedEx, UPS, Amazon), MATA/Nashville MTA transit agencies, automotive manufacturer logistics, mining/construction equipment dealers, and agricultural equipment operators.
Official requirements: No Tennessee state license required for diesel mechanics →
Training in Tennessee
Memphis is the nation's 2nd-largest trucking hub (by volume), making it one of the best diesel mechanic markets in the country. TCAT campuses statewide offer diesel programs. Tennessee's automotive manufacturing sector also creates demand for factory maintenance diesel and heavy equipment mechanics.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Tennessee include:
- Chattanooga State Community College — Certificate
- Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga — Certificate
- Nashville Auto-Diesel College — Certificate / Associate
- North Central Institute — 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 Tennessee?
The median wage for diesel mechanics in Tennessee is $59,190 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $40,450, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $80,580. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Diesel Mechanic in Tennessee?
None required — ASE Medium/Heavy Truck certifications are the industry standard, overseen by the No Tennessee state license required for diesel mechanics. Tennessee does not require a state license for diesel mechanics. The entry path is completing a diesel technology program at a TCAT campus, Lincoln Memorial University, or employer OJT.
Is being a Diesel Mechanic a good career in Tennessee?
Diesel engines power trucks, buses, heavy equipment, and generators — hands-on diagnosis and repair that cannot be done remotely.
Which Tennessee metros pay diesel mechanics the most?
Among Tennessee metro areas, Memphis leads at $61,360, followed by Nashville ($60,760), Knoxville ($58,010). 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 Tennessee?
Real Tennessee options include Chattanooga State Community College, Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga, Nashville Auto-Diesel 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 Tennessee?
Tennessee projects diesel mechanics employment to change +7.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 640 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), Tennessee statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-3031. Licensing summary compiled from the No Tennessee state license required for diesel mechanics (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 Tennessee wages · Tennessee 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.