Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists vs. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics: Who Earns More?
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists out-earn Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics by $11K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists land at $61,770 and Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics at $50,620. The education gap is real: bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialist programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while automotive service technicians and mechanic programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists is Hawaii ($80,080); for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics it's District of Columbia ($68,660).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists or Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists earn more nationally. The median is $61,770 for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists versus $50,620 for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, a difference of $11K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists or Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics has the better 10-year outlook at 4.2% projected growth, compared to 2.4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists or Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics requires postsecondary nondegree award. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists get paid the most?
Hawaii is the top-paying state for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists at $80,080/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists vs. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists earn $77,900 vs. $57,270 for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.