Career comparison
Diesel Mechanic vs. Farm Equipment 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. $56,550), while diesel mechanics usually get to work faster (6–24 months of training). Diesel mechanics diagnose and repair trucks, buses and diesel-powered equipment. Farm equipment mechanics repair and maintain tractors, combines and precision farm equipment.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Diesel Mechanic | Farm Equipment Mechanic | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $61,770 ($29.70/hr) | $56,550 ($27.19/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $44,530 – $88,740 | $37,470 – $78,740 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +3.6% (about as fast as average) | +10.7% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 24,400 | 3,700 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 6–24 months | 1–2 years |
| Key credential | ASE Medium-Heavy Truck (T-series) | Dealer technician programs |
| Work setting | Diesel mechanics work in fleet shops, dealerships, independent repair shops and on the road as field service techs. | Mechanics work in dealer shops and in the field at farms, in all weather.. |
What each job does
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
Farm Equipment Mechanic
- Diagnose equipment problems
- Repair engines and drivetrains
- Repair hydraulic systems
- Troubleshoot electronics and GPS
- Perform preventive maintenance
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, problem-solving, indoor work, and working independently. They sit in different fields, mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing and agriculture, landscaping & animal care, but share transferable skills such as problem-solving and problem solving.
Which should you choose?
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
Choose farm equipment mechanic if…
- I love farm machinery
- I enjoy troubleshooting
- I like electronics and mechanics
Still torn? Take the Diesel Mechanic fit quiz and the Farm Equipment Mechanic fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, diesel mechanic or farm equipment mechanic?
Diesel Mechanics earn more at the median: $61,770 versus $56,550 for farm equipment mechanics, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Diesel Mechanics typically train faster (6–24 months) than farm equipment mechanics (1–2 years).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects farm equipment mechanics to grow +10.7% from 2025–35, compared with +3.6% for diesel mechanics.