Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Salary in Bellingham, WA
In Bellingham, WA, bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists earn $77,720 at the median — $37.37 an hour. The range runs from $51K at the entry level to $93K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 103.33), that's roughly $75,215 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,794/month — about 33.2% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $78K get you in Bellingham?
About bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Bellingham, WA
Entry-level bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists (10th percentile) start around $51K. Mid-career wages sit at $78K.Top earners bring in $93K or more - a $42K spread from bottom to top.
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $79K | +30% | 670 |
| Washington | $77K | +27% | 6,880 |
| Alaska | $73K | +21% | 740 |
| Maryland | $72K | +18% | 3,210 |
| California | $71K | +17% | 21,730 |
| Connecticut | $70K | +16% | 2,370 |
| New Jersey | $69K | +13% | 8,360 |
| Massachusetts | $68K | +11% | 4,660 |
| New York | $67K | +10% | 14,320 |
| New Hampshire | $66K | +8% | 860 |
| District of Columbia | $66K | +8% | 90 |
| Nevada | $65K | +7% | 1,860 |
| Rhode Island | $65K | +7% | 400 |
| Minnesota | $64K | +6% | 6,790 |
| North Dakota | $63K | +5% | 1,540 |
Track bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Bellingham numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists make in Bellingham, WA?
The median is $77,720 a year - that works out to about $37.37 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $50,990, and experienced bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists can clear $92,610. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $78K enough to live in Bellingham?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,255/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,794/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 34.1% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists salary go in Bellingham?
Bellingham has a Regional Price Parity of 103.33 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists salary is worth about $75,215 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.