Diesel Technician
Shortage Now
States / territories with a shortage signal
Why this shortage: Long training gap
Snapshot
Median salary
A$81,200
Full-time annual
People employed
7,400
Estimated workforce
Shortage signal
Shortage (national)
Categories identify where a shortage occurs; they are not a severity score.
What you actually do
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.
Alternative titles
Diesel Motor Mechanic
Specialisations
Scope note: Small diesel marine motor technicians are excluded from this occupation. Small diesel marine motor technicians are included in Occupation 351435 Marine Technician.
Read official OSCA descriptionSkills & main tasks
Official 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
Where people work
State / territory distribution
Highest education
Share of workers
Education & work pattern
Part-time
7%
Female rate
1%
Median age
32
2030 & 2035 employment outlook
to 2030
+3%
2,965 projected jobs
to 2035
+8%
8,346 projected jobs
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OSCA skill level 3
A classification attribute describing the occupation; it is not a personal eligibility or qualification decision.
Registration or licensing
Registration or licensing may be required.
Official VET pathways
Certificate III in Automotive Diesel Fuel Technology
Occupation ready
Certificate III in Automotive Diesel Engine Technology
Occupation ready
Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Trailer Technology
Occupation ready
Certificate III in Engineering - Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic
Occupation ready
Certificate III in Recreational Vehicle Service and Repair
Progression pathway
Diploma of Automotive Technology
Specialised training
Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Transferable skills
Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology
Transferable skills
Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis
Transferable skills
Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Overhauling
Transferable skills
Real jobs right now
Live signal from SEEK, Indeed & moreCurrent vacancy signal
QLD · May 2026
830
ACT · May 2026
42
VIC · May 2026
660
NT · May 2026
63
SA · May 2026
251
NSW · May 2026
824
Where could this career take you?
Compare state-level shortage signals, salary context, study options and visa information for Diesel Technician.
Regional demand
Largest employment base
#1 Melbourne - South East
4,774 estimated employed
- 1
Melbourne - South East
4,774 employed
VIC
-2.69%
year on year
- 2
Melbourne - West
4,092 employed
VIC
-6.98%
year on year
- 3
Perth - South East
3,308 employed
WA
+3.38%
year on year
- 4
Gold Coast
3,179 employed
QLD
+0.28%
year on year
- 5
Perth - North West
3,027 employed
WA
+8.53%
year on year
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Ranked by current shortage signal and projected employment growth.
Workers in this occupation
39,175
Moved in from another occupation
4,050
Moved to another occupation
2,545
Recommendation score: shortage = 2 points, no shortage = 1 point, plus 1 point for each 10% of projected growth to 2035.
- 1
3
points
- 2
3
points
- 3
3
points
- 4
3
points
- 5
3
points
Data status
- Classification
- OSCA 351433
- Last updated
- Refresh pending
- Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia OSL · Jobs and Skills Australia DOM · ABS OSCA · OSCA 2024 — Jobs and Skills Australia
Labour-market data coverage
- Shortage signal and drivers: JSA Occupation Shortage List (ANZSCO unit group where applicable).
- Work profile, state distribution and education: JSA Occupation Profiles (ANZSCO mapped).
- Regional employment: JSA NERO, June 2026.
- Career-move observations: JSA DOM, last available 2020–21. Observed Australian worker transitions are not personalised recommendations; many contractors and sole traders are excluded, as are transitions below 10 workers.
- Vacancy signal: JSA Internet Vacancy Index, 3-month average (ANZSCO unit group).
- Employment outlook: JSA employment projections (ANZSCO unit group).
- Training pathways: JSA Training Occupation Pathways.
Data confidence: estimate.