In short
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists earned a median $61,770 a year in May 2025, about $30 an hour, according to BLS. The bottom 10 percent earned under $44,530 and the top 10 percent over $88,740. That bottom figure is higher than for auto technicians, whose median was $50,620. Diagnostic skill and fleet or dealership training raise pay.
Yearly wages for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists across the U.S., BLS OEWS, May 2025. Hourly figures divide by 2,080 hours, so overtime is not counted. New apprentices usually sit near or below the bottom-quarter line.
| Middle pay | $61,770 a year, roughly $29.70 an hour (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| How most people start | High school or GED to start, then long-term on-the-job training |
| People in the trade | About 316,000 nationwide (2025) |
| Growth to 2035 | BLS expects 3.6% growth |
| Openings a year | Around 24,400, counting retirements |
From the BLS Employment Projections table (2025 to 2035) and May 2025 wage survey. These are U.S. numbers. Local shops may pay above or below them, and apprentices start well under the middle figure.
Diesel vs auto technician pay
| Bottom 10% | Median | Top 10% | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel mechanics | $44,530 | $61,770 | $88,740 |
| Auto technicians | $34,660 | $50,620 | $81,790 |
What moves diesel pay
- Diagnostics: techs who can read codes, wiring diagrams and aftertreatment systems earn more.
- Fleet vs dealership vs independent: fleets often pay hourly with steady hours; dealerships may pay flat rate per job.
- Road service and nights: mobile and night shift work often pays a premium.
- Tools: many shops expect you to own your hand tools, a real cost early on.
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Straight answers
How much do diesel mechanics make an hour?
The median works out to about $30 an hour.
Do diesel mechanics make more than car mechanics?
At the median, yes. Diesel mechanics earned $61,770 versus $50,620 for auto technicians in May 2025.
Do diesel mechanics need certifications?
They are not legally required in most cases, but industry certifications and manufacturer training help with hiring and raises.