Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Long-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists work in a skilled, hands-on career focused on diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing larger vehicles and diesel engines. Nationally, about 320,000 people are employed in this occupation, indicating a sizable workforce. The projected employment growth of 2.4% and 26,000 annual openings suggest an ongoing flow of opportunities, from new positions to roles created by turnover and retirements. The national median salary of $60,640 reflects the value placed on this technical and mechanical expertise. People in this field draw on mechanical ability, fine motor skills, physical strength and stamina, and comfort with tools and equipment. Strong problem solving, decision making, and detail orientation support accurate diagnosis and repair. Science, mathematics, critical and analytical thinking, and some computers and information technology skills also contribute to success. With a typical entry point of a high school diploma or equivalent, this path can appeal to those seeking a practical, skill-based career with clear employment prospects.
The national median annual salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists is $60,640. Several states offer higher median pay, including Washington at $77,900, California at $73,950, Massachusetts at $73,270, New York at $70,100, and Colorado at $70,480. Among metro areas, San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA stands out with a median salary of $88,980, followed by San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA at $82,100. The New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY–NJ and Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA–NH metros report median salaries of $75,780 and $75,770, respectively, while Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, DC–VA–MD–WV is at $72,580. These figures show that location can significantly influence earning potential, with some states and metros offering substantially higher pay than the national median. For individuals willing to target specific regions, the salary data provide clear guidance on where compensation tends to be strongest.
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists have national employment of about 320,000, indicating an established and sizable occupation. Projected employment growth of 2.4% suggests that overall employment is expected to increase over time. In addition, there are an estimated 26,000 annual openings in this field. Those openings reflect a combination of new jobs and positions that need to be filled as workers change roles or leave the workforce. The combination of existing employment, projected growth, and steady annual openings points to a labor market with ongoing demand. For students and job seekers, these numbers mean there are many positions already in place and a consistent need for new entrants and experienced workers. For career changers, the employment and openings data suggest a field where opportunities continue to arise in different regions and work settings.
Location plays a major role in opportunities for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists. Among states, California, Massachusetts, New York, Colorado, and Washington rank highest by CareerGPS opportunity score. Washington offers a median salary of $77,900, the highest among these top states, while California, Massachusetts, New York, and Colorado range from about $70,100 to $73,950. Employment levels vary, from 20,940 in California to 4,600–7,410 in Massachusetts, Colorado, and Washington. At the metro level, San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA has both the highest median salary at $88,980 and the top opportunity score of 77.42. The New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY–NJ metro closely follows with a high opportunity score of 77.27 and employment of 12,430. San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA, Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, DC–VA–MD–WV, and Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA–NH also combine solid salaries and employment with strong opportunity scores, giving job seekers multiple promising geographic options.
For bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists, the typical education requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent. This makes the field accessible to individuals who prefer to build their careers through hands-on training and experience rather than extensive formal schooling. Success in this occupation depends heavily on a well-developed set of skills. Mechanical aptitude and fine motor skills are central, supported by physical strength and stamina for the physical aspects of the work. Science and mathematics provide a foundation for understanding systems and measurements. Being detail oriented and strong in problem solving and decision making helps with accurate diagnostics. Critical and analytical thinking, along with creativity and innovation, support finding effective solutions. Computers and information technology skills are also important, reflecting the role of digital tools and systems in modern work. Together, these skills create a profile that blends practical, technical, and analytical strengths.
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