Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

SOC code 49-3031 · O*NET-SOC 49-3031.00 · Medium preparation needed · Skilled trades

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$61,770

a year

Hourly

$29.70

per hour

10th$44,530Median$61,77090th$88,740

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$64,320

$30.92 per hour

Middle 50%

$50,540 – $75,470

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$44,530 – $88,740

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

289,960

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $44,530; $21.41/hr
25th percentile: $50,540; $24.30/hr
Median percentile: $61,770; $29.70/hr
75th percentile: $75,470; $36.29/hr
90th percentile: $88,740; $42.66/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+2%

Growing about as fast as average

319,900

jobs in 2024

327,700

projected for 2034

About 7,800 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What do bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists do?

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 tasks that matter most day to day

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.
Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.
Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.
Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.
Examine and adjust protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices.
Inspect, test, and listen to defective equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test instruments such as handheld computers, motor analyzers, chassis charts, or pressure gauges.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold post-secondary certificate — 39% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Post-Secondary Certificate39%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)37%
Some College Courses22%
Less than a High School Diploma1%

Common questions

How much does a bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists earn?

The national median is $61,770 a year. The full range runs from $44,530 at the 10th percentile to $88,740 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Is bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 2% between 2024 and 2034 — growing about as fast as average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking3.3/5
Speaking3.1/5
Active Listening3.0/5

Knowledge areas

Mechanical4.7/5
Transportation3.9/5
Education and Training3.5/5
English Language3.5/5
Public Safety and Security3.4/5
Mathematics3.3/5
Computers and Electronics3.3/5
Administration and Management3.0/5

Transferable strengths: Troubleshooting, Repairing, Operations Monitoring, Equipment Maintenance, Quality Control Analysis, Equipment Selection.