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Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Washington
Thinking about a career as a Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Washington? Here’s what the data says. 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.
What do Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Make in Washington?
For bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists working in Washington, the median annual wage is $76,940 per year (or roughly $36.99/hour).Annual wages span from $52,950 at the 10th percentile to $100,660 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $52,950 | $25.46 |
| 25th percentile | $62,400 | $30.00 |
| Median (50th) | $76,940 | $36.99 |
| 75th percentile | $87,730 | $42.18 |
| 90th percentile | $100,660 | $48.40 |
The job concentration index in Washington compared to the national average — is 1.04.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists earn a median of $55,957 per year ($26.90/hour), exceeding the Washington median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 181,745 bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists nationwide. In Washington alone, approximately 6,880 people work in this role. That’s more than the typical state, which employs around 3,920 bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists.
Top Washington Metros for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
These are the Washington metros with the most bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in Washington.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 3,540 | $80,850 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 620 | $66,100 |
| Yakima, WA | 280 | $63,990 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | 250 | $69,320 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | 220 | $77,100 |
| Bellingham, WA | 210 | $77,720 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | 150 | $82,500 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | 150 | $77,270 |
| Longview-Kelso, WA | 130 | $71,560 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA | 110 | $69,000 |
| Walla Walla, WA | 40 | $63,870 |
Top States for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Employment
These states have the highest employment of bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| Texas | 29,730 |
| California | 21,730 |
| New York | 14,320 |
| Ohio | 14,170 |
| Pennsylvania | 13,560 |
| Florida | 12,570 |
| Georgia | 11,470 |
| North Carolina | 10,290 |
| Illinois | 9,920 |
| Indiana | 8,730 |
| New Jersey | 8,360 |
| Michigan | 8,330 |
| Virginia | 7,870 |
| Wisconsin | 7,170 |
| Washington | 6,880 |
| Minnesota | 6,790 |
| Tennessee | 6,640 |
| Missouri | 6,520 |
| Alabama | 5,650 |
| Arizona | 5,430 |
Highest-Paying States for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Where bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists earn the most: bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $79,010 |
| Washington | $76,940 |
| Alaska | $73,180 |
| Maryland | $71,620 |
| California | $70,650 |
| Connecticut | $70,160 |
| New Jersey | $68,620 |
| Massachusetts | $67,590 |
| New York | $66,840 |
| Colorado | $66,330 |
Skills
Key bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Key abilities for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists typically:
- 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.
- Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
- Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.
- Diagnose and repair vehicle heating and cooling systems.
- Inspect, repair, and maintain automotive and mechanical equipment and machinery, such as pumps and compressors.
Work Activities
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Getting Information
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Autodesk AutoCAD
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Several college majors map to this occupation:
Related Careers
Related occupations to bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists include:
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
- Rail Car Repairers
Also Known As
Biodiesel Engine Specialist, Boat Diesel Motor Mechanic, Boat Engine Installer, Boat Engine Mechanic, Boat Mechanic, Bus Engine Mechanic, Bus Garage Mechanic, Bus Mechanic, Bus Motor Mechanic, Bus Overhauler, Bus Transmission Mechanic, Bus Tune-Up Mechanic, Diesel Engine Erector, Diesel Engine Fitter, Diesel Engine Mechanic.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 49-3031.00