Heavy diesel mechanic salary: what you actually take home after tax and Medicare

Heavy diesel mechanic salary: gross, package, and take-home

If you are a heavy diesel mechanic or considering the trade, you have probably seen job ads quoting a "salary" or "package". But what actually lands in your bank account after tax and the Medicare levy? This guide explains the mix-ups between gross salary, total package, and take-home pay, using official Australian data.

What the official data shows

Jobs and Skills Australia tracks diesel motor mechanics (ANZSCO 321212). Their latest profile shows 7,400 people employed, 93% working full-time, and average full-time hours of 46 per week. However, no median weekly earnings figure is published for this specific occupation. That means there is no single "heavy diesel mechanic salary" from the Australian Bureau of Statistics or Jobs and Skills Australia. Pay varies by state, experience, employer, and whether you work overtime.

Fair Work’s Modern Awards Pay Database contains minimum rates for relevant awards, but those rates depend on your classification level. Without a specific award or agreement, it is impossible to give a one-size-fits-all figure.

National benchmarks to compare

Even without a dedicated salary figure, you can use national benchmarks to gauge where your pay sits:

• National minimum wage: $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week (from 1 July 2026). This is the legal minimum for all employees.
• All employees average weekly total earnings: $1,579.20 per week (ABS, May 2026, includes part-time).
• Full-time adult ordinary time earnings: $2,083.70 per week (ABS, May 2026, excludes overtime and employer super).

Most heavy diesel mechanics earn above the minimum wage, but your actual rate depends on your award, enterprise agreement, or individual contract. Check your pay slip against the relevant award classification.

From gross to take-home

Your gross salary is the amount before any deductions. Your take-home pay is what remains after:

• Income tax (using 2026–27 resident rates)
• Medicare levy (2% for full-time workers; single thresholds $28,011 and $35,013)
• Salary sacrifice (if you use it for cars, super, or other benefits)
• HELP/HECS repayments (if applicable)

Superannuation (12% from 1 July 2026) is usually paid on top of your salary, not deducted from it. So a job advertised as "$90,000 plus super" means your gross salary is $90,000, and your employer adds $10,800 to your super fund. Your take-home is calculated from the $90,000.

Example calculation (hypothetical)

Suppose you earn $90,000 gross. Using 2026–27 tax rates:

• Tax-free threshold: $18,200
• 15c per $1 from $18,201 to $45,000: tax on $26,800 = $4,020
• 30c per $1 from $45,001 to $90,000: tax on $45,000 = $13,500
• Total tax before offsets: $17,520
• Less Low Income Tax Offset (LITO): $325 (since your income is above $45,000, LITO reduces)
• Medicare levy: 2% of $90,000 = $1,800
• Total deductions: $17,520 - $325 + $1,800 = $18,995
• Take-home: $90,000 - $18,995 = $71,005 per year, or about $2,731 per fortnight.

This is a guide only. Your actual take-home may differ due to rounding, HELP repayments, or salary sacrifice.

Common mix-ups

1. Gross salary vs total package: A "$100,000 package" often includes super. If super is 12%, the gross salary is about $89,286. Always ask: "Is super included or on top?"

2. Salary sacrificing: Arrangements like novated leases reduce your taxable income but also lower your take-home. The trade-off can be worthwhile, but you need to model the numbers.

3. Overtime and penalties: Heavy diesel mechanics often work overtime. These hours are taxed at your marginal rate, so the net benefit is less than the gross rate. Use our Tax and Medicare guide to understand how extra income is taxed.

Using our tools

To get a personalised estimate, use our Take-home pay calculator. You can enter your gross salary, choose your pay frequency, and see the fortnightly amount after tax and Medicare. Compare your pay against the Minimum wage and Average pay benchmarks.

Remember: the heavy diesel mechanic salary you see in ads is rarely the amount you take home. Always convert to net pay before making decisions.