Diesel fitter salary: where does it sit against the national average?
There is no single published figure for a diesel fitter salary in Australia. The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not release median weekly earnings for six‑digit occupations such as Diesel Motor Mechanics (ANZSCO 321212). Jobs and Skills Australia also notes that median earnings are not produced for that level. However, we can compare related averages and discuss the factors that would move a diesel fitter’s pay above or below the national full‑time line.
National averages and medians
The line on this site is the national full‑time adult ordinary‑time average from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026: $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 a year (multiplied by 52). For context, the full‑time median (ABS Employee earnings, August 2025) is about $90,532, and the all‑employees median is about $74,100. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 an hour, $1,004.90 a week, or $52,255 a year on a 38‑hour week.
Technicians and Trades Workers: the closest published average
Diesel fitters fall under the occupation group Technicians and Trades Workers. According to the ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey for May 2025, the average weekly total cash earnings for all employees in that group was $1,756.90. That works out to roughly $91,359 a year. For full‑time non‑managerial adult workers in the same group, the average hourly total cash earnings was $46.50. On a standard 38‑hour week, that would be about $1,767 per week ($91,884 a year). Both figures are below the national full‑time average of $2,083.70.
What could push a diesel fitter’s pay above the average?
Overtime is the biggest factor. Jobs and Skills Australia reports that 93% of diesel motor mechanics work full‑time, and the average full‑time hours are 46 per week – two hours more than the all‑occupations average of 44. If a diesel fitter earns the Technicians and Trades hourly average of $46.50 and works 46 hours at ordinary time, weekly earnings would be about $2,139 – slightly above the national line. In practice, overtime is often paid at penalty rates, which would lift earnings further.
Location also matters. The on‑site state full‑time averages show Western Australia at $115,825 and the Australian Capital Territory at $119,090. Diesel fitters in mining‑heavy regions like WA can earn well above the national average, especially if they work in the resources sector. The ABS notes that the Mining industry has the highest average hourly earnings at $74.10.
Industry and employer type play a role. Diesel fitters in mining, oil and gas, or heavy construction typically earn more than those in transport, retail or government. Individual arrangement is the most common method of setting pay (38.5% of all employees), which can allow experienced workers to negotiate higher rates.
What could keep a diesel fitter’s pay below the average?
Working in lower‑paying states or industries will hold earnings down. Tasmania’s full‑time average is $96,008 and South Australia’s is $102,450. Diesel fitters in retail trade, hospitality or small workshops may earn closer to the award rate. The national minimum wage for award‑free employees is $52,255 a year, but most diesel fitters are covered by awards that rose 4.75% from 1 July 2026. Part‑time or casual work also reduces weekly earnings – the median for all part‑time employees is $769 per week.
How the site’s line works
The line on this site is the ABS Average Weekly Earnings for full‑time adult ordinary‑time employees, updated twice a year (May and November). It is not a median and it is not specific to any occupation. To see where a particular salary sits, you can place a salary on the line. For state‑by‑state comparisons, visit States and territories. For broader occupation and industry medians, see Job medians and Industry medians.
Summary
Without a published diesel fitter salary figure, the best reference is the Technicians and Trades Workers average of about $91,359 a year – below the national full‑time line. But overtime, location and industry can easily push a diesel fitter’s earnings above the average. The key is to consider the whole package: hours, penalties, and where the work is done.