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Diesel Mechanic at Kenan Advantage Group

Kenan Advantage Group Tacoma, WA $33 - $37/hour

Job Description

KAG is now seeking to hire a Tech I-III!

Diesel Mechanics are required to safely and accurately perform general property and vehicle maintenance & repair duties in and around the shop operations in a fast-paced environment.

Salary
  • $33-37per hour
  • Guaranteed increases with completion of training programs and verified prior experience
Benefits
  • 401K + Match
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Paid holidays and vacations
  • $100 annual boot allowance, paid in quarterly installments
  • $250 Semi-Annual Tool Allowance after one year of service (up to $500 Annually)
  • Extensive onsite paid training
  • Growth opportunities
Pay Range: 33.00-37.00 per_hour, General Benefits: Benefits include medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, a 401K program with company match, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, accident insurance, critical illness insurance and hospital indemnity insurance.

Requirements
  • Valid Driver's License
  • Air Brake Certification (FMSCR 396.25) or 1+ year of verifiable experience and the ability to obtain
  • Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning Repair (EPA 609) or the ability to obtain
  • Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspector 3 years experience or 1 year experience and ability to obtain
  • Diesel Mechanics are required to safely and accurately perform general property and vehicle maintenance & repair duties in and around the shop operations in a fast-paced environment.
Qualifications
  • 1-5 years of experience in heavy-duty vehicle maintenance/repair
  • Preventative maintenance and repair of Class 5 - 8 commercial vehicles and tank trailer inspection
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 50 lbs
Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and skills required of associates so classified. Management retains the right to assign or reassign duties at any time. Job description is subject to change. All employees of the Company are expected to:
  • Promote positive work habits including effective and timely communication, teamwork and respect for co-workers.
  • Provide constructive guidance to other employees and representatives of third parties.
  • Contribute to providing the highest quality of products and services to customers.
  • Kenan Advantage Group, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. No person will be discriminated against in any aspect of their employment on the basis of any status or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

    KAG is North America's largest tank truck transporter and logistics provider, delivering energy commodities, specialty products, merchant gases and food products across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

    At KAG, it's our people who make it possible to achieve our company goal as One Team Driven to Make a Difference! With expert knowledge, supportive leadership, and a strong belief in our company culture, our team exemplifies the passion, pride, and entrepreneurial spirit that help us reach our goals every day.


  • $69k - $77k is competitive for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists nationally

    National salary averages
    $69k - $77k
    ↑ 20% vs typical mid-level
    Entry
    Mid
    Senior
    This job
    $42k Market range (10th-90th percentile) $86k

    Hot hiring, constrained wages

    Employers are hiring actively, but pay hasn't caught up with demand. Focus on competing offers and non-salary benefits.

    Hiring leverage
    Lean candidate
    Wage leverage âš  Disconnect
    Limited
    Mobility
    Good mobility
    Durability
    Somewhat fragile

    Why this market feels harder than it looks

    This market is hiring aggressively, but compensation hasn't caught up and most openings are backfilling churn, not expansion. Employers are filling roles, but not bidding wages up.

    Who this leverage applies to

    Stronger for: Senior candidates with options
    Weaker for: Entry-level candidates, Career switchers

    Where to negotiate

    Base salary
    Sign-on bonus
    Title / level
    Remote flexibility
    Scope & responsibility
    Start date / PTO

    Likely Possible Unlikely

    Watch out for

    Wage disconnect: Hiring is active but pay hasn't responded—negotiate on other terms.

    Don't let hiring headlines mislead you—focus on concrete offers.

    Does this path compound?

    Job Growth →
    High churn
    Growth, flat pay
    🚀 Compound
    Growth + pay upside
    ⚠️ Plateau
    Limited growth
    Specialize
    Experts earn more
    Pay Upside →
    Stable but flat

    Steady work, but limited growth in both jobs and pay.

    +2%
    10yr growth
    Most openings come from retirements and turnover, not new positions.
    Typical: High school diploma or equivalent

    Openings come from turnover, not new growth. Differentiate to advance.

    Labor data: BLS 2024