Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $55,470. This figure is notably below the national average of $61,930, suggesting localized economic factors or a different supply-demand dynamic at play in this region. The specific economic landscape and industry concentration within this nonmetropolitan area likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $55,470 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,930.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 440 professionals in this field, the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a stable, albeit not expansive, job market for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists. The Location Quotient of 1.18 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a consistent, steady demand that supports the existing workforce size.
Salary Overview
The average Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-10.4%below the national average.
$26.7
$1,067
$4,623
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Southeast Iowa have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing demand for specialized skills, inflation, and the rising complexity of diesel engine technology.
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Salary Distribution in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles of the salary range, while senior mechanics with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command salaries significantly higher, potentially reaching into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,120 | $18.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $41,603 | $20 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $51,880 | $24.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $69,338 | $33.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $77,930 | $37.5 |
Detailed Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$55,470
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$55,470
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $55,470 in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively equivalent to the national average, making the region's cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the overall financial attractiveness of the role.
Job Market Context
440
Total Jobs
2.189
Per 1K Jobs
1.18
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.18, Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.18 for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area signifies a job market with a slightly higher concentration of these professionals than the national average. This suggests a healthy, established demand for these skills within the region, indicating that while the market isn't oversaturated, there is a solid presence and ongoing need for qualified mechanics.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Salary | $66,080↑ 19% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Salary | $61,000↑ 10% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Salary | $60,260↑ 9% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Salary | $65,760↑ 19% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Salary | $61,700↑ 11% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists make in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $55,470. This typically ranges from $38,120 for entry-level positions to $77,930 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 10.4% lower than the national median of $61,930.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists?
No, not more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $55,470 is below the national average of $61,930, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($66,080) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the local workforce size impact job prospects?
A local workforce of 440 suggests a stable, established market for diesel mechanics, indicating consistent opportunities without extreme competition.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.18 mean for diesel mechanics?
A Location Quotient above 1.0 means this area has a higher concentration of diesel mechanics than the national average, implying a steady demand for their specialized skills.
How does the cost of living affect the diesel mechanic salary in Southeast Iowa?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $55,470 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, meaning the lower nominal wage is offset by lower living expenses.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience for diesel mechanics in this region?
Yes, experienced diesel mechanics typically earn more than entry-level technicians, with salary progression evident through higher percentile earnings as expertise grows.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 440 employees in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.189 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 Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area