Diesel Technicians: Insights, trends and what drives satisfaction

Looking to hire a diesel tech? These statistics offer insights into what 500 diesel technicians had to say about the industry

Mount Horeb, Wis.—As demand for diesel technicians is on the rise, understanding the present landscape — ranging from industry outlooks to job satisfaction — has never been more important, especially against the backdrop of the overall automotive technician shortage.

Statistics from the 2025 Voice of Technician Report by WrenchWay & ASE offers insights into what 500 diesel technicians had to say about the industry. WrenchWay took a closer look and presents some key takeaways at their issues for employers to consider when attracting diesel technicians to their bays.

Highlights from the 2025 Voice of Technician Report

• 63% of diesel technicians prefer hourly or salary pay structure, while 24% prefer hourly with a performance bonus.

• 39% of diesel technicians would prefer a schedule of 4 days, 10 hours per day. 24% would prefer the traditional 5 days a week, 8 hours per day. 21% don’t care what their hours are as long as they don’t have to work weekends.

• 90% of diesel technicians agree paid vacation is a must-have benefit.

• 53% of technicians are willing to commute between 30-59 minutes each way to work at the perfect shop.

• 42% of diesel technicians say their shop doesn’t provide the equipment they need to get their job done.

• Less than half (46%) of diesel technicians say their shop provides adequate paid training, a 22% drop from last year.

• Only 54% of diesel technicians would recommend their current shop to a friend.

• Less than half of diesel technicians (47%) feel respected by management.

• Only 35% of diesel technicians think their shop has a well laid out career path they can follow.

• Nearly three quarters of diesel technicians (74%) say their shop doesn’t do a good job of teaching new techs and compensating mentors.

• Only 25% of diesel technicians say their shop helps out local schools.

• Only 21% of diesel technicians are considered net promoters for the industry, based on net promoter score.