How much does a truck mechanic make?
a year · about $30 an hour
A typical truck mechanic in the United States makes $61,770 a year, about $30 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
Did you know? Truck mechanics may also repair bulldozers and commercial boats—not just trucks and buses.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $44,530 and $88,740How do you become one?
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.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Hawaii ($80,080), lowest in West Virginia ($46,610).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| 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 |
Official definition: 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.
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