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Diesel Instructor Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Diesel Instructor information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$12.5K

$65.2K

$90.5K

How much do diesel instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for diesel instructor in Seattle, WA is $65,213.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,200.00 and $76,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can diesel techs make 100k?

Diesel technicians can potentially earn $100,000 or more annually with experience, specialized skills, certifications, and working in high-demand environments such as fleet maintenance or heavy equipment repair. However, typical salaries vary based on location, employer, and level of expertise, with many earning between $40,000 and $70,000 per year initially.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Diesel Instructor?

A diesel instructor is involved in the training of students who want to learn the diesel mechanic trade. In this career, your duties may include offering hands-on instruction in an engine lab or auto shop or teaching the principles of diesel engine repair and maintenance in a classroom setting. In addition to working to teach students and apprentices, your responsibilities may include designing a curriculum for your course. During this process, you need to make sure your curriculum meets professional requirements for training or certification.

What is the difference between Diesel Instructor vs Heavy Equipment Instructor?

AspectDiesel InstructorHeavy Equipment Instructor
CertificationsDiesel mechanic certifications, instructor licensesHeavy equipment operation licenses, instructor certifications
Work EnvironmentClassrooms, workshops, diesel repair shopsConstruction sites, training centers, outdoor environments
Industry UsageAutomotive, transportation, diesel engine repairConstruction, mining, heavy machinery operation

Diesel Instructors primarily focus on teaching diesel engine repair and maintenance, often working in automotive or repair shop settings. Heavy Equipment Instructors specialize in training students to operate large machinery like bulldozers and cranes, typically in construction or industrial environments. While both roles require technical certifications and involve hands-on training, their work environments and industry applications differ significantly.

What are Diesel Instructors?

Diesel Instructors are professionals who teach students or trainees about diesel engines, their components, maintenance, and repair techniques. They typically work in technical schools, community colleges, or specialized training centers, delivering both classroom instruction and hands-on training. Diesel Instructors are usually experienced diesel mechanics or technicians who have transitioned into teaching roles. Their responsibilities include developing lesson plans, demonstrating repair procedures, and preparing students for certification exams. They play a crucial role in equipping the next generation of diesel technicians with the skills needed in the automotive and heavy equipment industries.

What are some common challenges Diesel Instructors face when teaching students new technologies in diesel engine systems?

Diesel Instructors often encounter the challenge of keeping up with rapidly evolving diesel engine technologies and emissions standards. Teaching students to work with both traditional mechanical systems and newer computer-controlled engines requires continuous learning and curriculum updates. Additionally, instructors must tailor their teaching methods to accommodate varying levels of student experience and learning styles, ensuring that both hands-on and theoretical concepts are effectively communicated. Collaborating with industry partners and staying connected to current trends can help instructors offer students the most relevant and up-to-date training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Diesel Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Diesel Instructor, you need in-depth knowledge of diesel engine systems, repair techniques, and industry safety standards, usually backed by relevant certifications and experience in diesel technology. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, shop equipment, and training platforms such as learning management systems is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and mentorship abilities are vital soft skills for effectively teaching and motivating students. These skills ensure instructors can deliver high-quality education, foster student engagement, and prepare future diesel technicians for real-world challenges.

Can you make 6 figures as a diesel technician?

Experienced diesel technicians can earn six-figure salaries, especially with specialized skills, certifications, and years of experience. High-paying opportunities are often found in fleet management, heavy equipment, or supervisory roles, and working in certain regions or industries can also influence earnings.

How much do diesel mechanics make?

Diesel mechanics typically earn an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, certifications, and location. In some regions, salaries can be higher for those with specialized skills or working in commercial or heavy-duty vehicle maintenance environments.

What is the highest paying diesel technician job?

The highest paying diesel technician jobs are often in supervisory or specialized roles such as diesel shop managers, fleet maintenance directors, or technicians with advanced certifications in engine diagnostics and electronic systems. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes additional certifications, leading to higher salaries within the industry.
More about Diesel Instructor jobs
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What job categories do people searching Diesel Instructor jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Diesel Instructor jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Diesel Instructor jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Diesel Instructor job openings:
Diesel Instructor jobs near you
DIESEL & HEAVY EQUIPMENT TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR

DIESEL & HEAVY EQUIPMENT TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR

Bates Technical College

Tacoma, WA • On-site

$82K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Salary: $82,050.00 Annually
Location : South Campus - 2201 South 78th Street, Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-015
Department: Instruction
Opening Date: 04/27/2026
Closing Date: 6/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
SUMMARY
The Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology Program Instructor position is responsible for providing competency-based training to students in a manner that prepares successful program graduates for employment as diesel technician, filling positions that encounter in this rapidly evolving fields. After six quarter program including Electrical Systems, Engines and Brakes, Powertrains, and Hydraulics and Steering and Suspensions, students are exposed to advanced application and vehicle services courses and prepare students with opportunities for internship, apprenticeships and other diesel industry-specific needs career pathways.
No teaching degree required, if you have diesel industry experience, you may already qualify. Bring your hands-on knowledge to the classroom and help train the next generation of diesel technicians at Bates.
This is a non-tenure-track position. Annual salary is based on a schedule of 214 days a year, 7 hours a day.
This position will be open until filled.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & OTHER DUTIES
Essential Functions
  • Use effective classroom and laboratory instructional practices to prepare students for current Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology industry standards
  • Apply appropriate media support to conduct classroom lectures/virtual, course work and laboratory projects to prepare students with skills required for entry-level Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology employment
  • Mentor, encourage, counsel and guide students towards the completion of program requirements, while promoting and modeling effective employment competencies, including interpersonal communication and responsible work habits
  • Respond to student input, concerns or challenges in a timely manner, in accordance with college procedures
  • Manage a blended classroom environment with both high school age and adult learners.
  • Monitor student progress to support retention and program completion, referring students to available support services as necessary
  • Maintain an effective, safe and respectful learning environment
  • Ensure that appropriate safety practices are used at all times, students are knowledgeable of safety techniques and personal protective equipment, and that all equipment and machines are in safe working order
  • In coordination with other faculty and dean, monitor equipment, supplies and consumable needs, using appropriate planning to make timely requests for replacements and repairs
  • Evaluate and document students' competency attainment, course progress, attendance, work based learning experiences and workplace behaviors at least quarterly and in accordance with college policy and/or procedures
  • Maintain records of all "shop job" instructional projects
  • Develop and maintain full program curriculum documentation in accordance with the approved college format and ensure that instruction is consistent with current industry or business standards, technologies, procedures, equipment and materials
  • Annually validate and review course competencies and skills required for industry entry level employment in the industry or profession and adapt curriculum to match those skills when needed
  • Coordinate with other instructors, support services staff and advisory committee members to ensure a cohesive learning environment dedicated to providing industry with qualified entry level employees
  • Identify, develop and maintain an advisory committee appropriate to the specific area of Instruction
  • Maintain friendly and cooperative relationships with respective industry partners
  • Participate actively and collaboratively in student recruitment
  • Develop and/or maintain industry-based program accreditation, and ensure students are prepared for and have the opportunity to obtain relevant industry credentials and certifications.
  • Deliver classroom management to maintain suitable learning environment by responding appropriately to student conduct/problems and provide assistance in solving them in accordance with college procedures.
Non-Essential/Other Functions
  • Represent Bates Technical High School in a variety of outreach or informational session activities.
  • Actively contribute to and participate in college-wide activities in support of regional accreditation and state and federal requirements.
  • Support College student achievement practices to ensure student retention, completion, and progression.
  • Participate actively and collaboratively with College Student Services and program advisory committees to support access to employment opportunities for students, and maintain student job placement records.
  • Accountable for keeping personal development up-to-date; adding to skills and knowledge through courses that may be available through the Bates Technical College courses, professional development committees, etc.
  • Participate actively and collaboratively on committees for college as needed including but not limited to staff recruitment, college councils, etc.
  • Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Additional activities, duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice to meet college needs.
Supervisory Responsibilities
  • This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Conditions of Employment
  • Once offer of employment is made, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not preclude employment but will be contingent in determining the employee's suitability and competence to continue to perform in the position.
  • This position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by Bates Technical College local union.
  • Following date of hire, must obtain Professional-Technical Education Certificate within 30 working days.
  • Certifications (e.g. Maintain first aid/CPR certification).
  • Accreditation standards
  • WAC standards
  • Licenses (e.g. Valid Washington State Driver's License and reliable vehicle for reimbursable travel)

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications
  • Five (5) years of work experience in the Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology Program Instructor industry
  • A high school diploma or equivalent
Allowable Substitution
If necessary, alternative combinations of education and experience may be evaluated by Human Resources for comparability.
Preferred Qualifications
Any or all of the following Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certifications:
  • Automobile & Light Truck Certification Tests (Al - A9)
  • Truck Equipment Certification Tests (El - E3)
  • Transit Bus Certification Tests (Hl - HS)
  • Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Certification Test (Ll)
  • Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis Specialist Certification Test (L2)
  • School Bus Certification Tests (Sl-S7)

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
Bates Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal. For inquiries, please contact Title IX Coordinator Marcus Harvey, Executive Director of Human Resources, at 253.680.7180, , or For Section 504, contact Disability Coordinator Steve Ashpole, Vice President of Student Services, at 253.680.7005, All offices are located at 1101 South Yakima Ave., Tacoma, WA 98405.
Available Benefits to Eligible Employees
As a higher education employee, you and your qualified family members are eligible for a wide range of benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, retirement, long-term disability, as well as other optional benefits.
Medical/Dental Plans
Employees pay a portion of their medical care cost through payroll deduction. The employee premium is based on the choice of plan and coverage for eligible dependents.
Bates provides dental coverage at no monthly premium cost to the employee. Benefit eligible employees have a choice of dental plans. Options include:
  • Uniform Dental Plan - Preferred Provider Organization
  • DeltaCare - Managed Care Plan
  • Willamette Dental - Managed Care Plan

Bates provides vision coverage at no monthly premium cost to the employee. Benefit eligible employees have a choice of dental plans. Options include:
  • Davis Vision by MetLife
  • EyeMed
  • MetLife Vision

Retirement Plans
Faculty and Exempt Positions
Faculty have to choose between either the State Board Retirement Plan (SBRP), also known as TIAA or Plan 3 of the Teachers Retirement System (TRS). Click to compare the two plans.
Exempt have to choose between either the SBRP or Plan 3 of the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS). Click to compare the two plans.
SBRP (TIAA) is a defined contribution plan with the following contribution rates:
  • Employee Contribution: Under 35: 5% of gross salary; 35-49: 7.5% of gross salary; 50 & over: 10% of gross salary
  • Employer Contribution: Under 35: 5% of gross salary; 35-49: 7.5% of gross salary; 50 & over: 10% of gross salary

TRS Plan 3 is a defined benefit and a defined contribution plan with the following contribution rates:
  • Employee Contribution: Varies from 5% to 15%
  • Employer Contribution: 9.53 of gross salary

PERS Plan 3 is a defined benefit and a defined contribution plan with the following contribution rates:
  • Employee Contribution: Varies from 5% to 15%
  • Employer Contribution: 9.03% of gross salary

Classified Positions
Classified employees have to choose between either the Plan 2 or Plan 3 of the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS). Click to compare the two plans.
PERS Plan 2 is a defined benefits plan with the following contribution rates:
  • Employee Contribution: 6.36% of gross salary
  • Employer Contribution: 9.53% of gross salary
PERS Plan 3 is a defined benefit and a defined contribution plan with the following contribution rates:
  • Employee Contribution: Varies from 5% to 15%
  • Employer Contribution: 9.53% of gross salary

Employee and employer contributions to applicable retirement plans are mandatory. The amount of the deduction and contribution are dependent upon the retirement plan chosen and may vary by current contribution rates in effect.
Bates provides $35,000 basic life insurance for death from any cause and $5,000 basic accidental death and dismemberment at no cost to the employee. Employees can enroll in additional low cost life insurance for themselves and dependents.
Bates provides a basic LTD insurance plan at no cost to employees. The basic plan pays a maximum of
$240 per month after 90 days of total disability. The optional LTD plan pays 60% of the first $10,000 of monthly salary, reduced by any deductible income such as social security or retirement benefits.
Employee cost is dependent upon benefit waiting period chosen.
Other Optional Benefits
Leaves and Holidays
Vacation
Eligible exempt and classified employees accrue annual leave at rates determined by their employee status, ranging from 7 to 16 hours per month when eligible.
Sick Leave
Eligible classified, faculty, and exempt staff accrue sick leave monthly. Employees represented by a bargaining unit should refer to their negotiated agreement for sick leave rules and accrual rates.
Holidays
Bates observes the following holidays/non-work days:
Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve Day, New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth
Personal Leave/Family Leave
In addition to vacation and sick leave, eligible employees receive personal and family leave each fiscal year at rates determined by their employee status
Please Note: All information above is subject to change based on, but not limited to, employment status, legislative mandates, or College policy changes
01
Do you have the minimum requirements for this position? (High school diploma or equivalent and five (5) years of work experience in the Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology Program Instructor industry?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Please list any current certifications that you have obtained:
03
Do you now or will you in the future require visa sponsorship, or an extension of your student status? Please explain.
Required Question

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