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The Diesel Motor Mechanic (ANZSCO 321212) will be one of the most sought-after trades in Australia for 2026 and be in MLTSSL; this qualifies for the Subclass 189 independent visa. Salaries will vary from $80,000 to $160,000+ according to location/sector.
Whether you are already working in Australia, planning to migrate, or trying to understand your visa options, this guide covers it all: salary ranges by state and sector, why demand is so high, the TRA skills assessment process, and every visa pathway available to diesel mechanics in 2026.
Diesel Motor Mechanics carry out maintenance and diagnose and repair diesel engines and associated mechanical systems in heavy vehicles, including trucks, buses, and industrial equipment. Typically this includes work on engines, transmissions, steering, suspension, and brakes.
Salary varies significantly by sector, state, and experience level. Mining-sector diesel mechanics command the highest rates in Australia, often significantly above the national average.
Experience Level | Annual Salary (AUD) |
Entry level (0–3 years) | $61,000 – $75,000 |
Mid-level (3–7 years) | $80,000 – $100,000 |
Senior (7–10+ years) | $100,000 – $130,000 |
Mining / FIFO specialist | $130,000 – $212,000+ |
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The average salary of a Heavy Diesel Mechanic in Australia is between $90,000 and $110,000. Top earners have reported making up to $212,900 annually, while the typical pay range sits between $88,000 (25th percentile) and $162,000 (75th percentile).
State | Average Annual Salary | Key Driver |
Western Australia | $110,000 – $160,000+ | Mining, FIFO, Pilbara |
Queensland | $90,000 – $120,000 | Mining, agriculture, transport |
New South Wales | $85,000 – $105,000 | Transport, logistics, fleet |
Victoria | $80,000 – $100,000 | Manufacturing, logistics |
South Australia | $78,000 – $95,000 | Agriculture, mining |
Tasmania | $75,000 – $90,000 | Agriculture, construction |
The highest-paying locations for diesel mechanics include Port Hedland, WA, Pilbara, and regional Queensland.
Australia continues to experience a shortage of qualified Diesel Motor Mechanics, keeping ANZSCO 321212 on the MLTSSL in 2026. Demand is driven by several key industries:
As a result, diesel mechanics remain highly sought after across metropolitan and regional Australia, supporting strong employment prospects and migration opportunities.
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The ANZSCO 321212 Diesel Motor Mechanic occupation is currently included on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
For applicants who hold a relevant diesel or heavy vehicle mechanics qualification.
Requirement | Detail |
Qualification | Certificate III equivalent or above in diesel/heavy vehicle mechanics |
AQF benchmark | Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology |
Work experience | Post-qualification experience required |
Evidence needed | Qualification documents + employment references + payslips |
At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
Requirement | Detail |
Experience | Minimum 3 years full-time equivalent diesel mechanic experience |
Duty coverage | Must cover full range of ANZSCO 321212 duties |
Evidence needed | Detailed reference letters + payslips + employment records |
Submit all of the following incomplete applications; they are held, not processed:
ANZSCO Code | Occupation | Assessed By |
321212 | Diesel Motor Mechanic (heavy vehicles) | TRA |
321211 | Motor Mechanic (General) — light petrol/diesel | TRA |
321213 | Motorcycle Mechanic | TRA |
321214 | Small Engine Mechanic | TRA |
Use 321212 if your experience is primarily in:
Do NOT use 321212 if your work is primarily on:
Visa | Type | Key Requirement |
Subclass 189 | Permanent — Independent | 65+ points (competitive = 85–95 in 2026) |
Subclass 190 | Permanent — State Nominated | Points + state nomination (+5 points) |
Subclass 491 | Provisional — Regional | Points + regional nomination (+15 points) → PR via 191 |
Points tip: The minimum score to apply is 65 points. However, based on previous invitation rounds, you would need to achieve a higher score to have a better chance of obtaining an invitation. For diesel mechanics, 80–90 total points is a realistic competitive range in 2026.
Visa | Type | Notes |
Subclass 482 | Temporary (Skills in Demand) | Employer nominates, leads to PR via 186 TRT |
Subclass 186 | Permanent — Employer Nomination | Direct entry or 2-year TRT from 482 |
Subclass 494 | Provisional — Regional | Regional employer; leads to 191 PR |
The 482 → 186 pathway is popular for diesel mechanics because many mining and transport companies actively sponsor qualified overseas diesel mechanics, particularly for regional and FIFO roles.
State | Demand Level | Notes |
Western Australia | Very high | Mining sector; multiple nomination rounds for mechanics |
Queensland | High | Mining, agriculture, regional logistics |
South Australia | Active | Agriculture, mining, regional transport |
Tasmania | Active | Agriculture, construction |
Northern Territory | Active | Re-opens July 2026; strong regional demand |
NSW / Victoria | Available | Less frequent; higher competition |
Regional 491 advantage: Diesel mechanics in regional areas face significantly lower competition for state nominations and receive +15 points — making regional roles the fastest PR pathway for those with 70–80 base points.
Diesel Motor Mechanic ANZSCO 321212 offers a rare combination in Australia’s migration system: MLTSSL status, strong salary potential, genuine national shortage, and multiple clear PR pathways: independent points-tested, state-nominated, and employer-sponsored.
Based on salary survey data, the estimated salary potential for Diesel Mechanics will increase 15% over the next five years, making it not just a migration pathway but a genuinely rewarding long-term career in Australia.
If you need help preparing your TRA skills assessment documents, employment references, or understanding your best visa pathway as a diesel mechanic, our migration specialists at CDRAustraliaEngineer are ready to guide you through the process.
No. An English test is not required for the TRA skills assessment. However, visa applicants must meet Department of Home Affairs English requirements. For most skilled visas, IELTS 6.0 is the minimum, while IELTS 7.0 and 8.0 can add 10 and 20 migration points respectively.
Heavy Diesel Mechanics in Australia earn an average of $90,000 – $110,000. New mechanics can earn $61,000-$75,000 whereas more experienced mechanics earn $100,000+ for mechanics with 7+ years of experience.
ANZSCO 321212 is designated for diesel motor mechanics dealing with heavy vehicles such as buses, trucks, mining and agricultural vehicles. For general motor mechanics dealing with smaller, mainly petrol engines such as passenger vehicles, ANZSCO 321211 applies.
Yes. Because ANZSCO 321212 is on the MLTSSL, you can apply for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa without any employer or state nomination if your points score is competitive. In 2026, competitive scores for 189 invitations sit around 85–95 points.
TRA processes complete diesel mechanic MSA applications in approximately 6 to 9 months from the date your application is confirmed as complete. The timeline starts when TRA confirms all documents have been received and verified.
No. An English test is not required for the TRA skills assessment. However, visa applicants must meet Department of Home Affairs English requirements. For most skilled visas, IELTS 6.0 is the minimum, while IELTS 7.0 and 8.0 can add 10 and 20 migration points respectively.
