Diesel fitter salary: what you can expect to earn in 2026–27

Diesel fitter salary: what you can expect to earn

If you are a diesel fitter (also called a diesel motor mechanic), your pay depends on the award that covers your workplace, your experience, and where you work. Official sources do not publish a single average figure for this occupation, so the best way to understand your earning potential is to look at award rates and compare them with national benchmarks.

How awards set your pay

Most diesel fitters are covered by the Vehicle Manufacturing, Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020 or a similar award. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for each award that list minimum hourly rates, allowances, and penalty rates. The Fair Work Commission publishes the Modern Awards Pay Database, which contains the calculated minimum rates for every classification. These are the legal minimums – many employers pay above the award rate to attract skilled workers.

Where your salary sits against benchmarks

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 an hour and $1,004.90 a week, or $52,255 a year. Full-time adult ordinary time earnings (excluding overtime and employer super) average $2,083.70 a week, or $108,352 a year, according to the ABS. Diesel fitter salaries typically fall between these two figures, but the exact amount varies. Use our Benchmarks page to see how any salary compares.

Take-home pay after tax and Medicare

Once you know your annual salary, you can estimate what reaches your bank account each fortnight. The 2026–27 tax rates apply: no tax on the first $18,200, then 15c per dollar up to $45,000, and so on. The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income for most full-time workers. The latest single-person Medicare thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013 – if your income is below the lower threshold you pay no levy, and between the thresholds you pay a reduced rate. Full-time salaries almost always pay the full 2%.

For example, if your annual salary is $80,000, your fortnightly take-home would be roughly $2,380 after tax and Medicare (before any salary sacrifice or HELP debt). Your actual amount depends on your exact pay cycle and any tax offsets like the Low Income Tax Offset. Try our Take-home pay calculator for a personalised estimate.

Superannuation

Employer super contributions are 12% from 1 July 2026, on earnings up to $270,830 a year. Most job ads for diesel fitters quote a base rate “plus super”, meaning the super amount is added on top and does not reduce your take-home pay. Super is paid at least quarterly and is not part of your after-tax salary.

Factors that affect your diesel fitter salary

• Award classification: Entry-level vs. tradesperson vs. advanced diesel fitter.
• Location: Remote or regional roles often pay more.
• Overtime and penalties: Weekend, public holiday, and shift penalties can boost your gross pay significantly.
• Experience and certifications: Specialised skills (e.g., diagnostics, air-conditioning) can command higher rates.

Because pay varies so much, the best approach is to check the relevant award pay guide on the Fair Work Ombudsman website and compare job ads in your area. Our Guides section has more information on understanding award rates and negotiating your salary.

Summary

Diesel fitter salary is not a fixed number – it depends on your award, employer, and experience. The national minimum wage and full-time ordinary time earnings provide useful reference points, but your actual pay will be set by the award that applies to you. Use the official sources mentioned above to find the minimum rates for your classification, and always check whether the advertised rate is plus super.