SalaryNode

Average Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY

In Lexington-Fayette, KY, Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists earn an average annual salary of $58,550. This figure is slightly below the national average of $61,930, reflecting a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and industry demand within the state. While the nominal pay is a key consideration, understanding the broader economic landscape is crucial for a complete picture.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $58,550 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $76,410.
  • Outlook: The local job market for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Lexington-Fayette, KY, is moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 0.8, indicating a presence slightly below the national average. The total local workforce of 420 professionals suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally large, pool of talent and demand. The rate of 1.481 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports a consistent need for these skilled technicians within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$58,550

The average Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Lexington-Fayette, KY earns-5.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$28.2

Weekly

$1,126

Monthly

$4,879

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Salary Distribution in Lexington-Fayette, KY

Career progression for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Lexington-Fayette, KY, typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications and extensive experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The gap between starting and senior-level pay underscores the value placed on expertise, diagnostic skills, and the ability to handle complex repairs.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$42,590$20.5
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$43,913$21.1
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$57,800$27.8
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$73,188$35.2
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$76,410$36.7

Detailed Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$58,550

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$58,550

Adjusted for COL (100)

For professionals considering a move to Lexington-Fayette, KY, the average salary of $58,550 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national benchmark. This means that the purchasing power of the average salary in Lexington-Fayette is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment where the nominal income directly reflects its real value in terms of everyday expenses.

Job Market Context

420

Total Jobs

1.481

Per 1K Jobs

0.8

Location Quotient

Below Average

Lexington-Fayette, KY has 0.80x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.8, Lexington-Fayette, KY, exhibits a slightly lower concentration of Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals. The demand, as indicated by jobs per 1,000 workers, remains steady, implying a balanced market where expertise is valued.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists make in Lexington-Fayette, KY?

The median annual salary for a Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $58,550. This typically ranges from $42,590 for entry-level positions to $76,410 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 5.5% lower than the national median of $61,930.

Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a lucrative place for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists?

Moderately lucrative, with earning potential matching the national cost of living.The average salary of $58,550 is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is exactly at the national average. This indicates that while nominal pay isn't a significant premium, the local economic conditions allow for equivalent purchasing power.

Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a good place to live for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists?

The Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Lexington-Fayette, KY?

Some top paying nearby cities include Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area ($50,110) and South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.

How does the local workforce size affect job opportunities?

A local workforce of 420 suggests a stable, established market for diesel mechanics in Lexington-Fayette, KY, rather than a rapidly expanding one, implying consistent but not necessarily explosive job growth.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.8 mean for diesel mechanics in Lexington-Fayette?

A Location Quotient of 0.8 indicates that diesel mechanics are slightly less concentrated in Lexington-Fayette compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially balanced job market with steady demand.

How does the cost of living in Lexington-Fayette compare to other areas?

Lexington-Fayette's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is precisely the national average, meaning that the general cost of goods and services is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical US city.

What is the typical salary range for diesel mechanics based on experience?

While the average is $58,550, entry-level diesel mechanics will earn less, and highly experienced or specialized technicians can earn considerably more, often reaching into the upper salary percentiles.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 420 employees in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area with a job density of 1.481 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.