Nearly 20% of diesel mechanic positions are unfilled in 2025, ATRI research shows

A study examining the state of diesel mechanic positions in the United States was released by the American Transportation Research Institute earlier this month. 

The study was released on August 5th, and investigates current issues with diesel technician training, recruitment, and retention. 

The report shows that 65.5% of diesel shops are understaffed in 2025, with an average of 19.3% unfilled positions. Of the diesel mechanics that are working with a formal diesel tech education, 30% of those workers were under qualified in 20 crucial skill areas needed for proper diesel technician work. 

61.8% of diesel mechanics that enter the workforce enter with no prior training, and typically require 357 hours of instruction and $8,211 in training pay. 29% of diesel technicians report the high cost of acquiring tools as the most prevalent barrier to entry, with lack of prior experience considered the main barrier by 28%. Insufficient pay and poor mentorship within the diesel shops were named by 16.1% and 10.8% respectively. 

44% of diesel mechanics working in the trucking industry reported that they were considering other mechanic jobs. Dissatisfaction with pay within the trucking industry diesel shops, poor interactions with management, and very minimal variety at work were considered the main reasons why the mechanics considered seeking other positions. 

The ATRI hopes that the report will help diesel shops working within the trucking industry to address the issues listed in order to prevent further diesel mechanic shortages. 

“With a lack of qualified techs and stiff competition from other industries, tech employment in the trucking industry is not keeping up with demand, especially when it comes to retaining entry-level technicians just entering the workforce,” said Robert Braswell, Executive Director of ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council.  “ATRI’s report helps trucking shops identify not only where they and their training program partners can improve but also how to better leverage our industry’s existing strengths.”