In Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists earn an average annual salary of $61,000. This figure is remarkably close to the national average of $61,930, indicating a stable and competitive compensation landscape. Local economic factors and industry demand in the Des Moines area closely mirror national trends for this essential trade.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,000 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $79,240.
- Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines area supports a robust workforce of 1,050 Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists. With a Location Quotient of 1.39, this profession is more concentrated here than the national average, suggesting a strong and consistent demand for these skilled technicians within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-1.5%below the national average.
$29.3
$1,173
$5,083
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Des Moines-West Des Moines have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is driven by increasing vehicle complexity, ongoing infrastructure needs, and the consistent demand for reliable transportation services.
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Career progression for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average, reflecting their advanced skills and problem-solving capabilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $44,480 | $21.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $45,750 | $22 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $60,380 | $29 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $76,250 | $36.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $79,240 | $38.1 |
Detailed Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,000
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$61,000
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $61,000 in Des Moines-West Des Moines aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a mechanic's salary in this region is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment without significant cost advantages or disadvantages.
Job Market Context
1,050
Total Jobs
2.596
Per 1K Jobs
1.39
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.39, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.39 signifies that Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists are more prevalent in the Des Moines-West Des Moines labor market than the national average. This suggests a healthy, albeit slightly more concentrated, job market where employers actively seek these specialized skills, potentially leading to competitive opportunities for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $61,000. This typically ranges from $44,480 for entry-level positions to $79,240 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 1.5% lower than the national median of $61,930.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation.The average salary of $61,000 is on par with the national average, and the cost of living is also at the national average, indicating good earning potential.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($66,080) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $61,000, which is very close to the national average of $61,930.
What is the concentration of this job in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
The Location Quotient of 1.39 indicates that this profession is more concentrated in Des Moines-West Des Moines compared to the national average, suggesting a strong local presence and demand.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the Des Moines-West Des Moines area matches the national average, meaning the $61,000 salary has equivalent purchasing power to the national average.
What is the size of the diesel mechanic workforce in this area?
There are approximately 1,050 Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,050 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 2.596 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA