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Average Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $81,680. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $61,930, indicating a strong local demand for these skilled professionals. The robust pay in this region is likely influenced by a combination of factors, including the area's economic activity and the specialized nature of diesel engine repair.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $81,680 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $105,340.
  • Outlook: The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan area boasts a substantial workforce of 3,540 Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists. With a Location Quotient of 0.91, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for their expertise. This indicates a healthy job market where opportunities are readily available for qualified individuals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$81,680

The average Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+31.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$39.3

Weekly

$1,571

Monthly

$6,807

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Career progression for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge of complex diesel systems can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify the substantial earning potential as one advances through junior, mid-level, and senior specialist roles.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$59,410$28.6
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$61,260$29.5
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$80,850$38.9
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$102,100$49.1
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$105,340$50.6

Detailed Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$81,680

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$81,680

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $81,680 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the higher nominal salary translates directly into strong purchasing power for mechanics in this area, allowing them to maintain a comparable standard of living to their national counterparts without facing increased expenses.

Job Market Context

3,540

Total Jobs

1.699

Per 1K Jobs

0.91

Location Quotient

Below Average

Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 0.91x 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 0.91, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area has a slightly lower concentration of Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists compared to the national average. This suggests that while the market is robust and demand is present, it may not be oversaturated, potentially offering a competitive edge for skilled job seekers looking for stable employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?

The median annual salary for a Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $81,680. This typically ranges from $59,410 for entry-level positions to $105,340 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 31.9% higher than the national median of $61,930.

Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists?

Yes, it is a lucrative area.The average salary of $81,680 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering excellent purchasing power.

Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists?

The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($80,170) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.

How does the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue salary compare to the national average?

The average salary of $81,680 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is approximately 31.9% higher than the national average of $61,930 for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists.

What is the concentration of Diesel Mechanics in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue compared to the rest of the US?

The Location Quotient of 0.91 indicates that the concentration of these specialists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is slightly below the national average, suggesting a balanced market.

Does the cost of living affect the value of the Diesel Mechanic salary in Seattle?

No, the cost of living in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the higher salary offers strong real-world purchasing power.

How many Diesel Mechanics are employed in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area?

There are approximately 3,540 Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists employed within the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue 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 3,540 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 1.699 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.