Automotive Technicians and Trades Workers

How to become a Diesel Technician

Also called: Diesel Motor Mechanic

Maintains, tests and repairs diesel motors, and the mechanical parts of trucks, buses and heavy and lightweight vehicles with diesel engines. These mechanical parts include transmissions, suspension, steering and brakes.

Main tasks

Inspects diesel motors in heavy and lightweight vehicles, and mechanical parts to identify faults and determine repair requirements
Tests and diagnoses faults in diesel motors and mechanical systems using electronic diagnostic equipment, and interprets findings
Dismantles and removes engine assemblies, transmissions, steering mechanisms and other components, and checks parts
Repairs or replaces worn and faulty parts by welding, bolting, riveting or soldering
Reassembles engine components and installs repaired engines in vehicles
Adjusts and repairs electrical and mechanical systems such as ignition, fuel injection, and cooling and lubrication systems
Tests and adjusts mechanical systems after repairs and servicing
Performs routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery

Ways in

Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Automotive Diesel Fuel Technology. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Automotive Diesel Engine Technology (AUR31520); Certificate III in Automotive Diesel Fuel Technology (AUR31420); Certificate III in Engineering - Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic (MEM31419); Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Trailer Technology (AUR31820); Diploma of Automotive Technology (AUR50216); Certificate III in Recreational Vehicle Service and Repair (MSM31022); Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR31120); Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology (AUR31220)
Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

Typical full-time pay: $84,344 a year
About 111,200 people work in this job group now, and about 119,500 are projected by 2035. (+7.5%)
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Questions people ask

How do I become a Diesel Technician?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Automotive Diesel Engine Technology; Certificate III in Automotive Diesel Fuel Technology; Certificate III in Automotive Diesel Fuel Technology.

How much does a Diesel Technician earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $84,344 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Diesel Technician a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2035, from about 111,200 to about 119,500 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Diesel Technician?

Usually not. Only 1% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Automotive Diesel Engine Technology; Certificate III in Automotive Diesel Fuel Technology; Certificate III in Automotive Diesel Fuel Technology.

Will AI change the work of a Diesel Technician?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04