How much does a truck mechanic make?
Answer: A typical truck mechanic in the United States makes $61,770 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 290,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Truck mechanic pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $44,530 | $61,770 | $88,740 | about 290,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $80,080 | about 690 |
| Washington | $77,900 | about 7,000 |
| Alaska | $75,580 | about 860 |
| Maryland | $74,790 | about 3,000 |
| California | $73,950 | about 21,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can rise with experience and ASE or other certifications. It also differs by employer, location, and how complex or specialized the repairs are; overtime and evening or weekend shifts can change total earnings.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a truck mechanic 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.
What's a typical day like?
They inspect a truck’s brakes, engine, and electrical systems, then use tools or a computer to find what is wrong. After repairing or replacing parts, they may test-drive the truck or bus to make sure it works properly.
How to get this job
In the U.S., finish high school, then train on the job or study diesel repair at a technical school or community college. Some employers want ASE certification (a test plus repair experience); a CDL may be needed to test-drive big trucks.
Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
Truck mechanics may also repair bulldozers and commercial boats—not just trucks and buses.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/diesel-service-technicians-a
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-3031.00
- www.ase.com/uploads/ASE_MedHeavyTruck_Study_Guide_2023.pdf
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY