SalaryNode

Average Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Salary in Lafayette, LA

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Lafayette, LA, earn an average annual salary of $55,600. This figure is notably below the national average of $61,930, suggesting localized economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation in this Louisiana city. The specific pay scale reflects the unique labor market conditions present in Lafayette.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $55,600 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,080.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 270 professionals in this specialized field, Lafayette presents a moderately sized employment base for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists. The Location Quotient of 0.82 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand within the immediate region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$55,600

The average Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Lafayette, LA earns-10.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$26.7

Weekly

$1,069

Monthly

$4,633

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Salary Distribution in Lafayette, LA

Career progression for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists typically involves a 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 significantly above the average, reflecting their advanced skills and problem-solving capabilities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$40,950$19.7
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$41,700$20
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$56,570$27.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$69,500$33.4
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$73,080$35.1

Detailed Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$55,600

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$55,600

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $55,600 in Lafayette, LA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a diesel mechanic's salary in Lafayette is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment without the premium often associated with higher living expenses.

Job Market Context

270

Total Jobs

1.521

Per 1K Jobs

0.82

Location Quotient

Below Average

Lafayette, LA has 0.82x the national average concentration of Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.82 for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Lafayette suggests that the job market is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This implies that while the profession is present and necessary, the competition might be less intense, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals entering or already established in the local workforce.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists make in Lafayette, LA?

The median annual salary for a Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Lafayette, LA is $55,600. This typically ranges from $40,950 for entry-level positions to $73,080 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Lafayette, LA is 10.2% lower than the national median of $61,930.

Is Lafayette, LA a lucrative place for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $55,600 is below the national average of $61,930, indicating less lucrative compensation in Lafayette.

Is Lafayette, LA a good place to live for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists?

The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette, LA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Baton Rouge, LA ($58,250) and Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.

What is the average salary for a Diesel Mechanic in Lafayette, LA?

The average annual salary for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Lafayette, LA, is $55,600.

How does Lafayette's cost of living compare to the national average?

Lafayette, LA, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is comparable nationwide.

Is there high demand for Diesel Mechanics in Lafayette?

The Location Quotient of 0.82 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating stable but not exceptionally high demand.

How many Diesel Mechanics are there in Lafayette, LA?

There are approximately 270 Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists employed in Lafayette, LA.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Lafayette, LA area with a job density of 1.521 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.