Diesel Mechanic Jobs in Tucson, AZ
Tucson sits on I-10 with I-19 running south to Nogales, so trucks, transit buses and mine equipment all need diesel techs close by. Sun Tran, Penske, Empire Southwest and the City of Tucson post diesel pay from about $24 to $41 an hour. Current openings are below.
Current Diesel Mechanic Openings in Tucson, AZ
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Diesel Mechanic Work in Tucson
Diesel work in Tucson splits three ways. Truck dealers and lease fleets service the Class 6 to 8 trucks that move freight along I-10 and up I-19 from the Nogales border crossing. Public fleets keep buses, trucks and heavy equipment running, including Sun Tran's buses and the City of Tucson's trucks at the Thomas O. Price Service Center. And the copper mines south of town, such as Freeport-McMoRan's Sierrita operation near Green Valley, depend on heavy-equipment mechanics.
That mix gives Tucson diesel techs real choice: shop or field, public pension or private pay, trucks or mining iron. Field roles mean a service truck and a lot of time outdoors in summer heat, which is part of why they pay at the top of the range.
Top Tucson Employers for Diesel Mechanics
These Tucson employers hire diesel mechanics:
- Sun Tran - Tucson's transit system hires diesel mechanics to maintain its bus fleet, with a posted rate of $28.24 an hour.
- City of Tucson - Environmental and General Services hires heavy truck mechanics at the Thomas O. Price Service Center for the city's trucks and equipment.
- Empire Southwest - the Caterpillar dealer hires shop and field mechanics in Tucson for construction and mining equipment.
- Penske Truck Leasing - hires diesel technicians in Tucson to maintain lease and rental trucks, with shift premiums for nights and weekends.
- Rush Truck Centers - the commercial truck dealer hires diesel and mobile diesel mechanics at Corona de Tucson, southeast of the city.
Diesel Mechanic Salaries in Tucson
- Entry level (apprentice or PM tech): roughly $20 to $25 an hour.
- Experienced fleet or truck technician: roughly $26 to $34 an hour.
- Senior, field service or heavy-equipment specialist: roughly $34 to $45 an hour.
These are estimates that vary by employer and experience. Posted Tucson figures line up with those bands: Penske $26.75 an hour for a Diesel Technician II, Sun Tran $28.24, Empire Southwest $25.80 to $37.08 for a Tucson shop mechanic, and the City of Tucson $24.16 to $41.68 for a heavy truck mechanic, plus up to $4.56 an hour for ASE certifications. Shift premiums, field work and overtime push total pay higher.
How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Tucson
Arizona does not license diesel mechanics, so training, certification and experience get you hired. Many start with automotive fundamentals at Pima Community College's Automotive Technology and Innovation Center on the Downtown Campus, then move into trucks through an entry-level shop job. The credential employers ask about most is ASE certification in the Medium-Heavy Truck (T-series) tests. A CDL is often preferred so you can road-test what you repair, and mine-site work can require an MSHA safety card.
What the Job Involves
A diesel mechanic diagnoses and repairs engines, transmissions, brakes, and the hydraulic, air and electrical systems on trucks, buses and heavy equipment. Days mix preventive maintenance inspections, aftertreatment and engine diagnostics, and component rebuilds. Field mechanics drive a service truck to breakdowns at job sites, mines or the roadside.
Skills Employers Look For
- Engine, drivetrain and aftertreatment diagnostics
- Hydraulic, air brake and heavy electrical systems
- ASE Medium-Heavy Truck certifications
- A CDL, or the ability to get one, and a clean driving record
- Your own hand tools
- Stamina for heavy lifting and outdoor field work
Career Path and Advancement
Diesel techs in Tucson usually start on preventive maintenance and brakes, then move into engine and transmission diagnosis as they certify. The ladder runs to lead technician, shop foreman and fleet maintenance supervisor, or into field service and mining equipment with Empire Southwest. Public fleets at Sun Tran and the City of Tucson trade some top-end pay for steady schedules and benefits.
Related Careers in Tucson
These Tucson guides cover the closest alternatives for diesel mechanics:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a CDL to be a diesel mechanic in Tucson?
Not always. Many Tucson employers prefer one, and Rush Truck Centers lists a CDL as preferred, because it lets you road-test trucks and buses. Some shops help new hires earn one.
Do you need a license to be a diesel mechanic in Arizona?
No. Arizona does not license diesel mechanics. Employers look for ASE Medium-Heavy Truck certifications, experience and your own tools, and mine-site work can require an MSHA card.
How much do diesel mechanics make in Tucson?
Entry techs earn roughly $20 to $25 an hour, experienced fleet techs about $26 to $34, and senior or field specialists about $34 to $45. Posted Tucson rates include $26.75 at Penske, $28.24 at Sun Tran and up to $41.68 at the City of Tucson.
Which Tucson employers hire the most diesel mechanics?
Sun Tran and the City of Tucson run the largest public fleets, Penske and Rush Truck Centers service commercial trucks, and Empire Southwest hires shop and field mechanics for Caterpillar construction and mining equipment.
Can diesel mechanics work at the mines near Tucson?
Yes. The copper mines south of Tucson, including Freeport-McMoRan's Sierrita operation near Green Valley, run heavy mining equipment. Empire Southwest hires mining equipment field mechanics in Tucson, and mine-site work can require an MSHA safety card.
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