What Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists this way: "Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Use handtools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, pressure gauges, or precision instruments, as well as power tools, such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding equipment, or jacks and hoists"; "Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition"; "Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery"; "Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment"; "Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is long-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 316,000 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 327,400 in 2035, an increase of 11,400 jobs (+3.6%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 24,400 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 7.7% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. 5.9% of workers in this occupation are self-employed; the wage figures below cover wage and salary workers. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $61,770, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists earn the most
Across the 5 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $58,243 in Texas to $72,190 in New Jersey, a gap of $13,947 (1.24 times). 4 of those 5 states average above the BLS national median of $61,770 and 1 average at or below it.
Texas employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 28,920, which is 28.9% of the 100,070 counted across them. Indiana follows with 19,600.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($72,190), New York ($71,276) and Illinois ($64,199) lead the ranking, while Texas ($58,243) and Indiana ($62,846) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists: pay against the cost of living
We compare 5 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Lake County, IN (Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN) at $31,921. The smallest margin is $17,414 in Kings County, NY.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 5 of the 5 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 26.7% and 56.2% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (49-3000) include Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians, Automotive Body and Related Repairers and Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics.
Frequently asked questions about Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
How much do Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $61,770. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $58,243 to $72,190.
Which state pays Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $72,190. New York is next at $71,276.
Is Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 3.6% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 24,400 openings a year.
What education do Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and long-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Lake County, IN leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $31,921 on a median wage of $65,680.