Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in the Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $60,330. This figure is slightly below the national average of $61,930, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and demand within this specific nonmetropolitan setting. The pay reflects the essential nature of these roles in supporting regional transportation and logistics infrastructure.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $60,330 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $83,200.
- Outlook: The job market for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Southwest Minnesota appears robust, evidenced by a total local workforce of 420 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.89 significantly surpasses the national average, suggesting a higher concentration of these specialized roles within the region than typically found nationwide. This elevated concentration points to a strong and potentially growing demand for these skilled professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area earns-2.6%below the national average.
$29
$1,160
$5,028
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in the Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing vehicle complexity, inflation, and a persistent demand for skilled technicians likely contribute to upward pressure on wages in this sector.
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Salary Distribution in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level technicians may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while those with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or expertise in complex diesel systems can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $43,990 | $21.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $45,248 | $21.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $59,300 | $28.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $75,413 | $36.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $83,200 | $40 |
Detailed Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$60,330
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$60,330
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $60,330 in Southwest Minnesota aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a mechanic's salary in this region is equivalent to that of a mechanic earning the national average in a typical U.S. location, offering stable financial standing relative to expenses.
Job Market Context
420
Total Jobs
3.52
Per 1K Jobs
1.89
Location Quotient
Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area has 1.9x 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 1.89, Southwest Minnesota exhibits a notably higher concentration of Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists compared to the national average. This indicates a strong regional demand for these skills, suggesting that the job market is relatively abundant with opportunities for qualified individuals and potentially less saturated than national averages might imply.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| St. Cloud, MN Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Salary | $64,490↑ 7% | 17 mi |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Salary | $69,690↑ 16% | 58 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Minnesota 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 Minnesota nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is $60,330. This typically ranges from $43,990 for entry-level positions to $83,200 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is 2.6% lower than the national median of $61,930.
Is Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to its cost of living.The average salary of $60,330 is strong, especially considering the Cost of Living Index is at the national average. The high Location Quotient also suggests robust local demand for these specialized skills.
Is Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include St. Cloud, MN ($64,490) and Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Southwest Minnesota is $60,330, which is slightly below the national average of $61,930.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.89 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.89 signifies that this role is nearly twice as concentrated in Southwest Minnesota compared to the national average, indicating a strong local demand and potentially more job opportunities relative to the workforce size.
Is the cost of living a factor for mechanics in this region?
No, the Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $60,330 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, without the burden of higher living expenses.
How many diesel mechanics work in Southwest Minnesota?
There are approximately 420 Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists employed in the Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area.
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 Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.52 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 Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area