In the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area, Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists earn an average annual salary of $55,750. This figure is notably below the national average of $61,930, reflecting the economic dynamics and potentially lower demand for specialized heavy vehicle maintenance in this particular region. Localized economic factors and industry concentration significantly influence compensation levels for these skilled trades.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $55,750 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,930.
- Outlook: The job market for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Southwest Iowa appears stable, with a local workforce of 250 individuals. The location quotient of 1.8 indicates a concentration of these roles that is 80% higher than the national average, suggesting a consistent, albeit localized, demand for their expertise within the region's transportation and agricultural sectors.
Salary Overview
The average Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-10.0%below the national average.
$26.8
$1,072
$4,646
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 have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, increased infrastructure spending, and the ongoing need for vehicle maintenance likely contribute to a steady upward trajectory in compensation, even in more rural settings.
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Salary Distribution in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level technicians might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications and extensive experience can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting their enhanced diagnostic skills and problem-solving capabilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,760 | $18.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $41,813 | $20.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $52,640 | $25.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $69,688 | $33.5 |
| 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
$55,750
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$55,750
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $55,750 in Southwest Iowa aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national standard, making the cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the overall financial attractiveness of the region.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
3.353
Per 1K Jobs
1.8
Location Quotient
Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 1.8x the national concentration of Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a location quotient of 1.8, Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists are more concentrated in Southwest Iowa than the national average. This suggests a robust local demand for these skills, potentially driven by the region's reliance on transportation and agriculture, making it a relatively competitive market for employers seeking qualified talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Comparing salaries near Southwest 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 Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $55,750. This typically ranges from $37,760 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 Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 10.0% lower than the national median of $61,930.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists?
No, but the cost of living is favorable.While the average salary of $55,750 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average. This means your earnings will maintain standard purchasing power, but the overall earning potential is lower compared to national benchmarks.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($66,080) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the local concentration of diesel mechanics compare to the national average?
The location quotient of 1.8 indicates that Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists are 80% more concentrated in Southwest Iowa than the national average, signifying a higher demand relative to the general workforce.
What is the total number of diesel mechanics in Southwest Iowa?
There are approximately 250 Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists employed in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
Does experience significantly impact a diesel mechanic's salary in this region?
Yes, as with most skilled trades, experience plays a crucial role. Senior diesel mechanics with specialized skills and certifications typically earn considerably more than entry-level technicians.
How does the cost of living in Southwest Iowa affect the diesel mechanic salary?
The cost of living index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $55,750 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, despite being lower in nominal terms.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.353 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area