Diesel Mechanic / Diesel Technician in Rapid City, SD
Salary data, training programs, and job outlook for Rapid City-area Diesel Mechanic / Diesel Technicians
💰 Rapid City Area Salary
Salaries vary by employer, experience, and certifications. Rapid City figures based on regional BLS data and cost-of-living adjustments.
📋 About Diesel Mechanic / Diesel Technician Work in Rapid City
Diesel techs service and repair heavy trucks, buses, construction equipment, and marine engines. With millions of commercial trucks on US roads and freight demand growing, diesel techs are in massive demand — especially those who can work on Cummins, Caterpillar, and Volvo systems.
What You Do Day-to-Day
- Service and repair diesel engines
- Diagnose with diesel-specific scan tools
- Rebuild fuel injection systems
- Service brakes, transmissions, and axles on heavy trucks
- Maintain emissions compliance systems (DEF, DPF, EGR)
🎓 Training Programs Near Rapid City
- Mitchell Technical College — Mitchell
📈 Job Outlook
National Growth: 4% (Average)
National Jobs: 309K employed nationwide
Credential Required: ASE Medium/Heavy Truck Certifications (T-series)
Typical Program: Diesel Technology Certificate or AAS — 1–2 years