Diesel Fitter and Heavy Mechanic Jobs in Perth: Career Guide and Salary

by

Diesel fitters and heavy diesel mechanics keep the machines running — excavators, loaders, dump trucks, generators, and every piece of heavy plant that construction and mining depend on. With WA’s resources and construction sectors running at full capacity, diesel fitters are among the most sought-after tradespeople in Perth.

Here’s your guide to diesel fitter and heavy mechanic jobs in Perth.

What Does a Diesel Fitter Do?

Diesel fitters (also called heavy diesel mechanics or heavy plant mechanics) maintain, diagnose, and repair diesel-powered machinery and equipment. Daily work includes:

  • Servicing and maintaining heavy earthmoving equipment — excavators, bulldozers, graders, loaders, dump trucks
  • Diagnosing mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical faults
  • Replacing and repairing engines, transmissions, final drives, and hydraulic systems
  • Performing scheduled maintenance and inspections
  • Reading technical manuals and fault codes
  • Using diagnostic software for modern electronically controlled equipment
  • Welding and fabricating repairs in the field
  • Working on generators, pumps, compressors, and auxiliary equipment

How to Become a Diesel Fitter in Perth

Apprenticeship

A heavy commercial vehicle mechanical technology apprenticeship takes 3 to 4 years and leads to a Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR31120) or Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology.

During your apprenticeship you’ll learn:

  • Diesel engine systems — fuel injection, turbocharging, cooling, exhaust
  • Hydraulic systems — pumps, valves, cylinders, motors
  • Powertrain — transmissions, torque converters, differentials, final drives
  • Electrical systems — starting, charging, electronic controls, diagnostic software
  • Undercarriage and running gear
  • Scheduled maintenance and inspection procedures
  • Workshop safety and environmental management

Where to Find an Apprenticeship

  • Heavy equipment dealers — Caterpillar (WesTrac), Komatsu, Hitachi, Liebherr
  • Mining maintenance contractors
  • Earthmoving and civil contractors
  • Plant hire companies
  • Government fleet workshops (Main Roads WA, local councils)
  • Transport companies with heavy vehicle fleets

Diesel Fitter Salary in Perth

Perth Metro

  • Workshop diesel mechanic: $70,000 to $90,000
  • Field service diesel fitter: $80,000 to $110,000
  • Heavy plant mechanic (construction): $85,000 to $115,000
  • Diagnostic technician: $90,000 to $120,000
  • Workshop foreman: $100,000 to $130,000

FIFO and Mining

  • Mine site diesel fitter: $120,000 to $160,000
  • Shutdown diesel fitter: $130,000 to $170,000
  • Field service technician (remote): $120,000 to $160,000
  • Senior diagnostic technician (mining): $140,000 to $180,000

Subcontractor Rates

Self-employed diesel fitters with their own service vehicle charge $80 to $130+ per hour in Perth. Rates increase significantly for after-hours callouts and remote site work.

Types of Diesel Fitter Jobs in Perth

Mining Maintenance

Maintaining heavy equipment on mine sites across WA — iron ore operations in the Pilbara, gold mines in the Goldfields, lithium and nickel operations across the state. Mining diesel fitters typically work FIFO rosters and earn the highest rates.

Construction and Earthmoving

Maintaining excavators, loaders, rollers, and other plant for construction and earthmoving companies in Perth. Work may be workshop-based or field service across multiple sites.

Dealer and OEM Workshops

Working for equipment dealers like WesTrac (Caterpillar), Komatsu Australia, or Hitachi. Dealer workshops offer structured career development, OEM training, and access to the latest diagnostic tools and technology.

Field Service

Travelling to customer sites to service and repair equipment. Field service diesel fitters work from a fully equipped service vehicle and need strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills. This role suits self-starters who enjoy working independently.

Transport and Fleet

Maintaining heavy vehicles — trucks, buses, trailers — for transport companies and fleet operators. These roles tend to offer more regular hours than mining or field service.

Power Generation

Maintaining diesel generators and power systems for mining, construction, and remote sites. Power generation work often overlaps with electrical skills.

Key Tickets and Requirements

  • Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology — trade qualification
  • White card — for any construction site work
  • First aid — expected by most employers
  • Driver’s licence — essential; HR or HC truck licence valuable
  • Working at heights — for maintaining large equipment
  • Confined space — for work inside tanks and enclosed areas
  • OEM training certificates — Caterpillar, Komatsu, Hitachi etc. (highly valued)
  • Welding skills — basic MIG and stick welding ability is expected

What Makes a Good Diesel Fitter?

  • Strong diagnostic ability — modern heavy equipment is computer-controlled; you need both mechanical intuition and technical diagnostic skills
  • Physical fitness — working on large equipment involves heavy lifting, working in awkward positions, and exposure to heat and dust
  • Problem solving — field breakdowns need creative solutions with limited parts and tools
  • Attention to detail — incorrect assembly on heavy equipment can be catastrophic
  • Self-motivation — field service and FIFO work requires working independently with minimal supervision

Find Diesel Fitter Jobs Through Perth Trades Recruitment

Perth Trades Recruitment places diesel fitters and heavy mechanics in workshop, field service, construction, and FIFO mining roles across Perth and WA. Whether you’re looking for metro-based workshop work or high-paying FIFO, we can connect you with the right employer.

Related Articles

Contact Perth Trades Recruitment to find diesel fitter jobs in Perth.