ANZSCO code
321212 Diesel Motor Mechanic
Source: ABS: ANZSCO 2022 structure (occupation codes), read 2026-10-06 (retrieved 6 October 2026)
Employer guide
Hire a Diesel Mechanic in Australia
To hire a diesel mechanic, specify on-road or off-road work, the equipment brands and diagnostic systems, and the licence class needed for road testing, then confirm the award. CrossNation recruits diesel mechanics for employers across Australia. The fee is 12% of the annual salary, charged only on a successful placement.
By CrossNation Editorial Team. Sources checked 6 October 2026.
12% of annual salary
Charged only when a placement succeeds. No placement, no fee.
90-day placement guarantee
See our terms.
Official data
Key facts from official sources
Common entry qualification
Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Source: training.gov.au: National register of VET qualifications (retrieved 6 October 2026)
Overseas skills assessment
Trades Recognition Australia assesses many trade occupations
Source: Trades Recognition Australia (retrieved 6 October 2026)
Modern award
Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award [MA000089]
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman: List of awards (retrieved 6 October 2026)
What you need to know
On-road or off-road: what work are you recruiting for?
On-road diesel mechanics look after prime movers, trailers, buses and delivery fleets, with servicing, roadworthy repairs and breakdowns. Off-road roles cover earthmoving and mining plant such as excavators, loaders and haul trucks, and are often advertised as heavy duty fitter or plant mechanic. Agricultural dealerships need mechanics for tractors, harvesters and sprayers with seasonal peaks. State the brands and models, whether field service work is involved and whether the role is a workshop or site position. Candidates expect that detail and recruiters search by it.
Which licences, tickets and qualifications matter?
There is no national diesel mechanic licence. Employers expect a trade qualification such as a Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology for road transport or Mobile Plant Technology for earthmoving and mining equipment. A heavy rigid or heavy combination driver licence helps with road testing and service trucks. Mine sites add a medical, drug and alcohol testing and inductions, and some tasks need tickets for working at heights or confined spaces. Decide which are required and which are preferred, and say so.
How do awards and agreements apply to mechanics?
Mechanics in vehicle repair businesses are often covered by the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award [MA000089], while those employed by mining companies or civil contractors may fall under another award or an enterprise agreement. Coverage follows the employer's industry. For FIFO roles, set out the roster, flights and accommodation. We do not publish pay figures here. Confirm the instrument, decide the classification and tool allowance, and cost the role using the Fair Work Pay Calculator.
What should a mechanic induction cover?
Walk the mechanic through the workshop layout, isolation and lock-out procedures, jacking and lifting rules, hazardous substances handling and waste. Explain the diagnostic systems, parts ordering, job card and warranty processes, and the customer or fleet contacts. For field service roles cover the vehicle, the lone worker policy and how call-outs are allocated. Check that the person can access the manufacturer information they need. A documented induction and a named contact for the first weeks help a new mechanic become productive without taking risks.
Before you brief a recruiter: diesel mechanic checklist
Checklist
- State on-road, off-road or agricultural work and the brands
- Require the trade qualification and sight the certificate
- Decide the licence class needed for road testing
- List site tickets, medical and induction requirements
- Confirm the award or agreement, classification and tool allowance
- For FIFO roles, set out roster, travel and accommodation
Tell us the role, location and start date
The fee is 12% of the candidate's annual salary, charged only when a placement succeeds.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does a diesel mechanic need a truck licence?
Not always, but many employers prefer a heavy rigid or heavy combination licence for road testing. Say whether it is required.
Is a heavy duty fitter the same as a diesel mechanic?
The roles overlap. Heavy duty fitter is common in mining and earthmoving. Describe the equipment so candidates can judge the fit.
Who supplies the tools?
Tradespeople commonly supply hand tools and receive an allowance under the award or agreement. Specify what you provide, such as diagnostic laptops.
How does CrossNation charge to recruit a diesel mechanic?
The fee is 12% of the candidate's annual salary, charged only when a placement succeeds, and placements carry a 90-day placement guarantee. There is no charge to send a brief. CrossNation recruits diesel mechanics for employers across Australia, and you can send the role, location and start date through the employer enquiry form.
Can I recruit an overseas diesel mechanic through CrossNation?
CrossNation recruits sponsorship-ready overseas candidates for employers that want them. A trades skills assessment is separate from any visa, and diesel mechanic is treated as a trade occupation on skilled lists. The employer holds or obtains its own approval, and CrossNation cannot promise a visa, an approval or a job. This is general information, not migration advice. Speak to a registered migration agent.
What should I verify before I offer a diesel mechanic the job?
Diesel mechanics do not hold a national licence. Employers expect a Certificate III trade qualification, and mine sites add medicals and inductions. For a diesel mechanic, the award that commonly applies is the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award (MA000089), but coverage depends on your industry and the person's duties, so confirm it with the Fair Work Ombudsman before you set the offer. Keep a copy of any licence, registration or check you sight for your diesel mechanic, and confirm their right to work in Australia before they start.