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Diesel Instructor information

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$11K

$57.3K

$79.5K

How much do diesel instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for diesel instructor in the United States is $57,303.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $67,000.00 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.
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Diesel Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Diesel Instructor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,303 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Diesel Heavy Equipment Prison Education instructor

Southeast Technical College

Sioux Falls, SD • On-site

$54K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Salary: $54,742.00 - $75,085.00 Annually
Location : Ed Wood Center 2000 Career Ave Sioux Falls, SD, SD
Job Type: Full-Time Instructor
Job Number: 00342
Division: Academic Affairs
Opening Date: 03/20/2026
Position Summary
The Diesel Technology: Heavy Equipment Prison Education Program Instructor delivers high-quality, industry-aligned training in diesel systems and heavy equipment maintenance while ensuring students develop the technical competencies, safety practices, and workforce-ready skills required by the program. The instructor maintains current curriculum, creates realistic lab environments suited for a correctional setting, and collaborates with institutional partners, industry, and campus colleagues to support program quality, student success, and workforce relevance. For more information regarding this position, please contact the hiring manager, Jason Merritt, at 605-367-7671.
Essential Functions
  • Academic Excellence & Instructional Effectiveness
    1. Deliver high-quality, industry-aligned instruction that prepares students to meet program outcomes, workforce expectations, and licensure requirements.
    2. Develop, update, and deliver curriculum and instructional materials including syllabi, labs, and hands-on activities that reflect current industry standards and support student skill development.
    3. Use effective instructional strategies and technologies to promote student engagement and achievement.
    4. Design, administer, and evaluate assessments to measure learning and technical competency, using results and student feedback to improve instruction and curriculum.
    5. Maintain accurate academic records, grading, and documentation in compliance with institutional and accreditation requirements.
  • Service to Program and Institution
    1. Contribute to program success through student recruitment, advising, retention initiatives, and outreach activities.
    2. Participate in program development, accreditation activities, advisory committees, and continuous improvement processes.
    3. Serve on institutional committees, workgroups, or task forces as assigned.
    4. Collaborate with colleagues across departments to support interdisciplinary learning, student success initiatives, and institutional priorities.
    5. Build and maintain partnerships with industry, K-12 schools, community organizations, and employers to enhance program visibility and workforce alignment.
  • Professional Development & Industry Engagement
    1. Engage in ongoing professional development to maintain technical expertise, instructional effectiveness, and industry credentials as required by the program.
    2. Participate in workshops, conferences, certifications, trainings, or coursework relevant to teaching, technology, and the instructor's discipline.
    3. Apply new knowledge, skills, and best practices to instruction, curriculum, and program improvement.
  • Institutional Values & Professional Conduct
    1. Demonstrate Southeast Technical College's Core Values through instructional practices, service, and professional interactions.
    2. Comply with college policies, accreditation requirements, safety standards, and ethical guidelines.
  • Program-specific Functions
    1. Provide hands-on demonstrations and supervised practice in diesel heavy equipment systems, including diagnostics and repair procedures in engines, powertrains, fuel systems, electrical systems, hydraulics, and preventative maintenance specific to heavy-duty equipment used in industry.
    2. Teach safe operation, servicing, and troubleshooting of heavy equipment components, such as braking systems, drivetrains, suspensions, emissions controls, and shop-grade testing tools commonly used in diesel technology.
    3. Develop and maintain realistic lab scenarios that mirror workforce practices in diesel equipment maintenance-such as simulated work orders, equipment inspections, fault identification, and repair planning-using tools and materials approved for DOC settings.
    4. Ensure students master industry-aligned competencies, including reading technical manuals, interpreting diagnostic codes, completing repair documentation, and applying OSHA-aligned shop safety practices tailored to a correctional environment.
    5. Advise on equipment, tools, and facility needs for the program.
  • Other Duties as Assigned
    1. Perform other related duties as assigned in support of student success, program quality, and the mission of Southeast Technical College.

Position Qualifications
  • Education: AAS in Diesel Mechanics or verified tested experience in diesel and heavy-duty mechanics required
  • Experience: 5 years experience, Minimum of 3 years of industry experience in diesel heavy equipment mechanics.
  • Other requirements:
    1. Communication: ability to actively listen and to effectively communicate with others through written and oral communication
    2. Leadership: ability to make decisions, delegate tasks, be innovative, negotiate, problem solve, build teams through coaching and development, resolve conflicts, hold yourself and other accountable, and work under pressure.

Preference to candidates with industry or state certifications/qualifications in Heavy Equipment Repair, operation, and maintenance.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Work is performed primarily in a classroom and a lab within the South Dakota State Penitentiary, with occasional travel for industry visits, professional development, and campus meetings.
Southeast Tech offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including: health care, Flexible Spending Account, dental care, life insurance, short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, retirement, holidays, paid time off, and sick leave.
To learn more details, click to visit our Benefits Page.

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