Career comparison
Auto Body Technician vs. Diesel Mechanic
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Diesel mechanics earn more at the median ($61,770 vs. $54,890), while auto body technicians usually get to work faster (6 months–2 years of training). Auto body technicians repair and restore vehicles after collisions, from dents and frames to paint. Diesel mechanics diagnose and repair trucks, buses and diesel-powered equipment.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Auto Body Technician | Diesel Mechanic | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $54,890 ($26.39/hr) | $61,770 ($29.70/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $36,910 – $87,940 | $44,530 – $88,740 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +3.7% (about as fast as average) | +3.6% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 12,600 | 24,400 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 6 months–2 years | 6–24 months |
| Key credential | I-CAR training and Platinum recognition | ASE Medium-Heavy Truck (T-series) |
| Work setting | Technicians work in collision repair shops and dealerships with lifts, frame machines and paint booths. | Diesel mechanics work in fleet shops, dealerships, independent repair shops and on the road as field service techs. |
What each job does
Auto Body Technician
- Inspect damage and review repair estimates
- Remove and replace damaged panels and parts
- Repair dents and reshape metal
- Measure and straighten frames and unibodies
- Weld and bond steel and aluminum components
Diesel Mechanic
- Perform preventive maintenance inspections and services
- Diagnose problems using diagnostic software and test equipment
- Repair or rebuild engines, transmissions and drivetrains
- Inspect and repair air brakes, steering and suspension
- Service aftertreatment systems such as DPF, DEF and SCR
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, problem-solving, indoor work, and working independently. Both are part of the mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose auto body technician if…
- I like fixing things and seeing the results
- I have a good eye for shape and detail
- I don’t mind dust and noise
Choose diesel mechanic if…
- I love figuring out why engines and machines fail
- I don’t mind grease and heavy parts
- I’m comfortable using computers for diagnostics
Still torn? Take the Auto Body Technician fit quiz and the Diesel Mechanic fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, auto body technician or diesel mechanic?
Diesel Mechanics earn more at the median: $61,770 versus $54,890 for auto body technicians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Auto Body Technicians typically train faster (6 months–2 years) than diesel mechanics (6–24 months).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects auto body technicians to grow +3.7% from 2025–35, compared with +3.6% for diesel mechanics.