Diesel Mechanic Jobs in Illinois
Diesel Mechanic jobs in Illinois are among the most active in the Midwest, concentrated in freight and logistics, public transit, agriculture, and heavy construction across a state that serves as a major hub for commercial trucking. Chicago, Joliet, and Rockford anchor most of the hiring, where large employers like Ryder System, Rush Truck Centers, and the Chicago Transit Authority maintain ongoing demand for technicians at every level from entry-level lube techs to master technicians. The most in-demand specialties are diesel engine overhaul, emissions systems diagnostics, and fleet maintenance for Class 6 through Class 8 vehicles. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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We are now looking for a Diesel Technician to join our team! As a Diesel Mechanic, you will provide accurate, efficient service to customers by troubleshooting, diagnosing, and repairing heavy duty trucks and trailers in a reasonable and responsible manner within company and industry standards.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Work in a fun, trusting environment focused on providing great service where the expectations of the customer are exceeded
- Perform diagnostic testing and interpret results; Develop a repair plan and communicate it to the Service Advisor
- Repairing malfunctioning parts and other mechanical or electrical equipment; Complete repairs safely, effectively and efficiently
- Maintaining a clean and safe work environment
- Recommends other TA services with customer as part of inspection review process
- Maintain the safety of both our customers and employees
Qualifications
- A dedicated individual who works well with others and is excited to be part of our team!
- High School Diploma or GED; Graduate of acceptable trade school or manufacturer’s technical school, or previous mechanic experience
- Willingness to expand professional knowledge via education and training programs
- Ability to work unsupervised
- Ability to work flexible hours including nights, weekends and some holidays in interior and exterior conditions
- Meet the requirements for the needed physical tasks with or without accommodation
- Investment in own tools
Pay Range
$18.50 - 18.50 per hour
With us, you’ll enjoy:
- Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
- 401(k) with a company match
- Vacation and paid holidays
- Tuition reimbursement
- On-site Meal discounts
- A wide variety of discounts on technology, travel, food and fuel
- Opportunity for growth and advancement
Not all benefit plans are available to all team members. For a more comprehensive list of benefits, please visit: https://www.ta-petro.com/careers/working-at-ta-travel-centers
A pay range listed reflects the potential pay for this role. The pay will depend on various factors, such as responsibilities of the position, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. Not all positions posted will have a pay range listed.
Our travel centers serve thousands every day; not one traveler is the same and our team must reflect that. We can "return every traveler to the road better than they came" only by understanding and celebrating individualism. TravelCenters of America is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, familial status, ancestry, sex, gender, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, handicap, military service or Veteran status, genetic information or membership in any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local law. At TravelCenters of America, we invite everyone to make themselves at home.
Individuals with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation related to our recruiting process. If you would like to request an accommodation related to the recruitment process, please email us at appada@ta-petro.com. In your email, please include your first and last name, phone number, the position and location for which you are applying, and details pertaining to the accommodation request.
See All 122+ Diesel Mechanic Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Diesel Mechanic JobsDiesel Mechanic Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Diesel Mechanic Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Rush Enterprises24

- First Student7

- Crown Equipment7

- TravelCenters of America5

- Dayton Freight4

Top Industries Hiring
- Automotive
- Chemicals & Materials
- Distribution & Wholesale
- Mining & Natural Resources
- Transportation & Logistics
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in diesel mechanic jobs across Illinois.
- ASE certification in diesel engines or medium/heavy truck systems preferred or required
- Valid Illinois driver's license with a clean driving record for road testing vehicles
- Two or more years of hands-on diesel engine diagnosis and repair experience
- Proficiency with electronic diagnostic software such as Cummins Insite or Detroit Diagnostic Link
- Ability to perform preventive maintenance, brake service, and DOT inspection procedures
- Own a complete set of hand tools sufficient for diesel mechanical work
Diesel Mechanic Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a diesel mechanic in Illinois?
Illinois does not require a state-issued license to work as a diesel mechanic, so the standard path is completing a diesel technology program at a community college such as Joliet Junior College or Midwest Technical Institute, then earning ASE certification in the diesel or medium/heavy truck series. Employers across Illinois treat ASE credentials as the primary professional benchmark, and many offer paid apprenticeships or on-the-job training that run alongside formal study.
Which companies hire diesel mechanics in Illinois?
Companies currently hiring diesel mechanics in Illinois include Rush Enterprises, First Student, and Crown Equipment, per current listings on MigrateAte as of November 2026. Illinois's role as a national freight corridor and intermodal logistics center means fleet operators, transit agencies, and equipment dealers all maintain steady technician openings throughout the year.
Which Illinois cities have the most diesel mechanic jobs?
Chicago, Joliet, and Champaign hold the most diesel mechanic openings in Illinois. Chicago and Joliet generate the bulk of demand through major trucking terminals, rail intermodal yards, and the Chicago Transit Authority fleet, while Rockford's industrial manufacturing base and proximity to I-90 freight corridors keeps its technician market consistently active as well.
Are there remote diesel mechanic jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of diesel mechanic openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, which reflects the fundamentally hands-on nature of the work. The portions of the role most suited to remote arrangements are service writing, parts ordering, and warranty documentation rather than actual diagnosis or repair.
How can I get hired as a diesel mechanic in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an apprenticeship or lube technician role with a large fleet operator or dealership. Illinois employers such as Ryder System and Rush Truck Centers regularly bring on entry-level techs through structured apprenticeship programs where new hires work alongside journeyman mechanics while studying for ASE certification. Completing even the entry-level ASE Student Certification or a diesel technology certificate from an Illinois community college makes a candidate significantly more competitive for these openings.
Where can I find and apply to diesel mechanic jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to diesel mechanic jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated regularly. Search the roles available, identify the ones that match your certifications and experience level, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 122+ Diesel Mechanic Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Diesel Mechanic Jobs