What is the best city for diesel mechanics?

After cost of living, the Paducah, KY-IL area: the median of $78,900 a year buys about what $91,650 would at average U.S. prices.

Which city pays diesel mechanics the most?

Before adjusting for prices, the San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA area has the highest median, $88,980. After cost of living it ranks 3rd of 376.

What is the best big city for diesel mechanics?

Among the 20 metro areas with the most diesel mechanics, the Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue, WA area, 15th overall: its median of $82,330 buys what $74,080 would nationally.

Where does diesel mechanic pay go the least far?

Of the 376 metro areas ranked, the Morgantown, WV area, where the median of $44,220 buys about what $47,380 would nationally.

Which cities are included?

The 376 metro areas where BLS publishes a median for diesel mechanics and at least 50 of them work. Smaller metros and rural areas are on each state's diesel mechanic pay page.

How is cost of living adjusted?

We divide each metro's median by its Regional Price Parity from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (2024), where the U.S. average is 100. A metro with prices 10% above average (110) has its median divided by 1.10.

Best-paying cities for diesel mechanics

Updated September 27, 2026

After adjusting for cost of living, the Paducah, KY-IL area is the best-paying metro for diesel mechanics: its median of $78,900 a year buys what $91,650 would nationally, according to May 2025 BLS wages and BEA 2024 price levels. By raw pay, the San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA area leads at $88,980, but its prices drop it to 3rd of 376. Among the 20 metros with the most diesel mechanics, the Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue, WA area ranks highest (15th overall).

Top 50 metro areas, after cost of living

#	Metro area	After cost of living	Median pay	Price level	Jobs
1	PaducahKY-IL · $78,900 median · prices 86.1	$91,650	$78,900	86.1	190
2	MinotND · $72,800 median · prices 87.0	$83,650	$72,800	87.0	160
3	San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa ClaraCA · $88,980 median · prices 110.4	$80,580	$88,980	110.4	720
4	DuluthMN-WI · $68,240 median · prices 88.8	$76,870	$68,240	88.8	370
5	Urban HonoluluHI · $85,040 median · prices 111.0	$76,640	$85,040	111.0	540
6	Longview–KelsoWA · $74,750 median · prices 97.5	$76,630	$74,750	97.5	120
7	SavannahGA · $72,770 median · prices 95.2	$76,430	$72,770	95.2	1,260
8	Bremerton–Silverdale–Port OrchardWA · $80,450 median · prices 105.6	$76,180	$80,450	105.6	160
9	Olympia–Lacey–TumwaterWA · $78,960 median · prices 103.7	$76,160	$78,960	103.7	260
10	BellinghamWA · $78,330 median · prices 103.3	$75,800	$78,330	103.3	220
11	Mount Vernon–AnacortesWA · $77,460 median · prices 102.4	$75,610	$77,460	102.4	170
12	BoulderCO · $79,030 median · prices 105.2	$75,120	$79,030	105.2	150
13	TopekaKS · $66,500 median · prices 88.8	$74,870	$66,500	88.8	290
14	Grand ForksND-MN · $64,220 median · prices 86.7	$74,100	$64,220	86.7	170
15	Seattle–Tacoma–BellevueWA · $82,330 median · prices 111.1	$74,080	$82,330	111.1	3,740
16	El CentroCA · $70,360 median · prices 95.2	$73,930	$70,360	95.2	140
17	ModestoCA · $76,640 median · prices 104.1	$73,620	$76,640	104.1	420
18	St. CloudMN · $64,410 median · prices 87.6	$73,500	$64,410	87.6	330
19	RenoNV · $74,110 median · prices 101.0	$73,370	$74,110	101.0	470
20	Barnstable TownMA · $70,770 median · prices 98.4	$71,960	$70,770	98.4	140
21	Janesville–BeloitWI · $67,140 median · prices 93.7	$71,650	$67,140	93.7	240
22	Shreveport–Bossier CityLA · $60,490 median · prices 84.8	$71,360	$60,490	84.8	440
23	Baltimore–Columbia–TowsonMD · $74,470 median · prices 104.5	$71,270	$74,470	104.5	1,670
24	Bridgeport–Stamford–DanburyCT · $75,940 median · prices 106.9	$71,060	$75,940	106.9	420
25	DecaturIL · $62,790 median · prices 88.4	$71,010	$62,790	88.4	110
26	San Francisco–Oakland–FremontCA · $82,100 median · prices 115.6	$71,010	$82,100	115.6	1,730
27	FargoND-MN · $64,370 median · prices 90.9	$70,840	$64,370	90.9	500
28	ReadingPA · $68,640 median · prices 97.1	$70,720	$68,640	97.1	710
29	Fairbanks–CollegeAK · $72,970 median · prices 103.2	$70,700	$72,970	103.2	130
30	AnchorageAK · $74,480 median · prices 105.4	$70,650	$74,480	105.4	410
31	RochesterMN · $63,950 median · prices 90.8	$70,410	$63,950	90.8	350
32	Oshkosh–NeenahWI · $65,400 median · prices 92.9	$70,380	$65,400	92.9	260
33	Minneapolis–St. Paul–BloomingtonMN-WI · $73,730 median · prices 104.8	$70,340	$73,730	104.8	4,290
34	Rapid CitySD · $62,700 median · prices 89.2	$70,320	$62,700	89.2	160
35	Houma–Bayou Cane–ThibodauxLA · $59,820 median · prices 85.1	$70,290	$59,820	85.1	190
36	MorristownTN · $60,700 median · prices 86.4	$70,280	$60,700	86.4	130
37	BismarckND · $63,950 median · prices 91.0	$70,260	$63,950	91.0	230
38	CasperWY · $65,780 median · prices 93.8	$70,110	$65,780	93.8	170
39	JonesboroAR · $60,200 median · prices 85.9	$70,100	$60,200	85.9	230
40	Sioux CityIA-NE-SD · $60,600 median · prices 86.5	$70,100	$60,600	86.5	180
41	WorcesterMA · $71,780 median · prices 102.5	$70,010	$71,780	102.5	660
42	Boston–Cambridge–NewtonMA-NH · $75,770 median · prices 108.3	$69,990	$75,770	108.3	3,110
43	PeoriaIL · $63,850 median · prices 91.2	$69,990	$63,850	91.2	250
44	Manchester–NashuaNH · $73,890 median · prices 105.7	$69,930	$73,890	105.7	280
45	Hagerstown–MartinsburgMD-WV · $65,760 median · prices 94.2	$69,830	$65,760	94.2	240
46	Kennewick–RichlandWA · $69,750 median · prices 100.1	$69,690	$69,750	100.1	250
47	LimaOH · $62,450 median · prices 89.7	$69,650	$62,450	89.7	210
48	VallejoCA · $75,500 median · prices 108.5	$69,600	$75,500	108.5	200
49	NapaCA · $78,070 median · prices 112.6	$69,360	$78,070	112.6	60
50	AppletonWI · $63,860 median · prices 92.4	$69,100	$63,860	92.4	270

See all 376 metro areas

#	Metro area	After cost of living	Median pay	Price level	Jobs
51	AmesIA · $61,360 median · prices 88.8	$69,080	$61,360	88.8	80
52	Wildwood–The VillagesFL · $58,940 median · prices 85.4	$69,000	$58,940	85.4	100
53	AlbanyGA · $60,420 median · prices 87.7	$68,920	$60,420	87.7	130
54	Santa Cruz–WatsonvilleCA · $75,670 median · prices 109.9	$68,860	$75,670	109.9	90
55	Denver–Aurora–CentennialCO · $72,800 median · prices 105.8	$68,820	$72,800	105.8	2,770
56	Davenport–Moline–Rock IslandIA-IL · $61,270 median · prices 89.1	$68,780	$61,270	89.1	520
57	LewistonID-WA · $62,670 median · prices 91.2	$68,750	$62,670	91.2	70
58	San Luis Obispo–Paso RoblesCA · $74,620 median · prices 108.6	$68,710	$74,620	108.6	120
59	JacksonMI · $63,030 median · prices 91.8	$68,680	$63,030	91.8	90
60	Watertown–Fort DrumNY · $60,210 median · prices 87.7	$68,660	$60,210	87.7	80
61	Grand IslandNE · $59,490 median · prices 86.7	$68,650	$59,490	86.7	160
62	MankatoMN · $62,170 median · prices 91.0	$68,350	$62,170	91.0	180
63	Walla WallaWA · $67,310 median · prices 98.5	$68,320	$67,310	98.5	50
64	Portland–Vancouver–HillsboroOR-WA · $71,990 median · prices 105.4	$68,290	$71,990	105.4	2,330
65	Fond du LacWI · $62,560 median · prices 91.6	$68,260	$62,560	91.6	120
66	Staunton–Stuarts DraftVA · $62,190 median · prices 91.1	$68,240	$62,190	91.1	160
67	Los Angeles–Long Beach–AnaheimCA · $77,380 median · prices 113.6	$68,140	$77,380	113.6	6,520
68	Sacramento–Roseville–FolsomCA · $72,660 median · prices 106.7	$68,120	$72,660	106.7	1,190
69	Sioux FallsSD-MN · $61,700 median · prices 90.6	$68,080	$61,700	90.6	620
70	Atlantic City–HammontonNJ · $67,270 median · prices 98.9	$68,050	$67,270	98.9	280
71	SpringfieldMA · $65,200 median · prices 96.1	$67,870	$65,200	96.1	410
72	Traverse CityMI · $63,240 median · prices 93.4	$67,730	$63,240	93.4	150
73	VinelandNJ · $64,990 median · prices 96.0	$67,720	$64,990	96.0	150
74	Dayton–Kettering–BeavercreekOH · $62,730 median · prices 92.7	$67,670	$62,730	92.7	810
75	St. JosephMO-KS · $58,440 median · prices 86.4	$67,650	$58,440	86.4	110
76	SyracuseNY · $64,770 median · prices 95.7	$67,650	$64,770	95.7	670
77	Kansas CityMO-KS · $62,570 median · prices 92.5	$67,610	$62,570	92.5	2,890
78	Oxnard–Thousand Oaks–VenturaCA · $74,730 median · prices 110.5	$67,610	$74,730	110.5	350
79	Racine–Mount PleasantWI · $64,770 median · prices 96.0	$67,500	$64,770	96.0	290
80	Cedar RapidsIA · $60,010 median · prices 89.0	$67,460	$60,010	89.0	490
81	Trenton–PrincetonNJ · $69,480 median · prices 103.2	$67,340	$69,480	103.2	280
82	New York–Newark–Jersey CityNY-NJ · $75,780 median · prices 112.6	$67,320	$75,780	112.6	12,430
83	Eau ClaireWI · $62,400 median · prices 92.8	$67,240	$62,400	92.8	270
84	Des Moines–West Des MoinesIA · $61,630 median · prices 91.7	$67,210	$61,630	91.7	1,050
85	SanduskyOH · $59,950 median · prices 89.3	$67,150	$59,950	89.3	80
86	San Diego–Chula Vista–CarlsbadCA · $75,070 median · prices 111.9	$67,090	$75,070	111.9	1,430
87	Champaign–UrbanaIL · $62,180 median · prices 92.7	$67,070	$62,180	92.7	160
88	HelenaMT · $64,110 median · prices 95.7	$67,010	$64,110	95.7	60
89	Stockton–LodiCA · $70,410 median · prices 105.1	$67,000	$70,410	105.1	760
90	Riverside–San Bernardino–OntarioCA · $71,300 median · prices 106.4	$66,980	$71,300	106.4	3,400
91	YakimaWA · $63,990 median · prices 95.5	$66,970	$63,990	95.5	260
92	Macon–Bibb CountyGA · $59,270 median · prices 88.5	$66,950	$59,270	88.5	160
93	Scranton––Wilkes–BarrePA · $62,580 median · prices 93.6	$66,890	$62,580	93.6	760
94	Lake CharlesLA · $57,410 median · prices 85.9	$66,870	$57,410	85.9	140
95	SpringfieldIL · $62,000 median · prices 92.7	$66,850	$62,000	92.7	130
96	Waterloo–Cedar FallsIA · $58,190 median · prices 87.1	$66,840	$58,190	87.1	150
97	ClevelandOH · $62,690 median · prices 93.9	$66,750	$62,690	93.9	1,970
98	JacksonMS · $59,420 median · prices 89.0	$66,730	$59,420	89.0	840
99	VisaliaCA · $66,610 median · prices 99.8	$66,730	$66,610	99.8	240
100	SpartanburgSC · $60,750 median · prices 91.1	$66,720	$60,750	91.1	370
101	Kingsport–BristolTN-VA · $57,630 median · prices 86.4	$66,670	$57,630	86.4	290
102	Washington–Arlington–AlexandriaDC-VA-MD-WV · $72,580 median · prices 108.9	$66,660	$72,580	108.9	2,910
103	Las Vegas–Henderson–North Las VegasNV · $66,770 median · prices 100.2	$66,630	$66,770	100.2	1,290
104	PittsfieldMA · $63,360 median · prices 95.1	$66,620	$63,360	95.1	100
105	La Crosse–OnalaskaWI-MN · $61,100 median · prices 91.8	$66,580	$61,100	91.8	260
106	LynchburgVA · $59,500 median · prices 89.4	$66,580	$59,500	89.4	370
107	Youngstown–WarrenOH · $58,190 median · prices 87.4	$66,580	$58,190	87.4	420
108	Elkhart–GoshenIN · $60,130 median · prices 90.3	$66,570	$60,130	90.3	430
109	MemphisTN-MS-AR · $61,360 median · prices 92.2	$66,570	$61,360	92.2	1,240
110	PuebloCO · $60,990 median · prices 91.8	$66,470	$60,990	91.8	90
111	Baton RougeLA · $60,300 median · prices 90.8	$66,420	$60,300	90.8	640
112	SpringfieldMO · $58,840 median · prices 88.6	$66,420	$58,840	88.6	830
113	FlintMI · $61,780 median · prices 93.0	$66,410	$61,780	93.0	170
114	Norwich–New London–WillimanticCT · $66,700 median · prices 100.4	$66,400	$66,700	100.4	190
115	Kahului–WailukuHI · $72,630 median · prices 109.4	$66,390	$72,630	109.4	60
116	MuncieIN · $58,510 median · prices 88.1	$66,380	$58,510	88.1	100
117	SpringfieldOH · $60,040 median · prices 90.5	$66,360	$60,040	90.5	170
118	ToledoOH · $60,680 median · prices 91.5	$66,350	$60,680	91.5	770
119	Canton–MassillonOH · $59,310 median · prices 89.4	$66,340	$59,310	89.4	470
120	OmahaNE-IA · $60,960 median · prices 91.9	$66,330	$60,960	91.9	1,120
121	LoganUT-ID · $63,600 median · prices 95.9	$66,300	$63,600	95.9	50
122	HattiesburgMS · $58,030 median · prices 87.6	$66,220	$58,030	87.6	170
123	RockfordIL · $61,020 median · prices 92.2	$66,220	$61,020	92.2	310
124	Wenatchee–East WenatcheeWA · $68,690 median · prices 103.9	$66,140	$68,690	103.9	100
125	Buffalo–CheektowagaNY · $63,270 median · prices 95.8	$66,010	$63,270	95.8	1,020
126	JoplinMO-KS · $56,580 median · prices 85.7	$66,010	$56,580	85.7	360
127	DubuqueIA · $57,630 median · prices 87.3	$65,990	$57,630	87.3	170
128	Louisville/Jefferson CountyKY-IN · $61,310 median · prices 93.1	$65,870	$61,310	93.1	1,480
129	Bay CityMI · $60,530 median · prices 91.9	$65,850	$60,530	91.9	90
130	CheyenneWY · $63,510 median · prices 96.5	$65,820	$63,510	96.5	180
131	Iowa CityIA · $60,150 median · prices 91.5	$65,730	$60,150	91.5	120
132	BloomingtonIL · $61,470 median · prices 93.5	$65,720	$61,470	93.5	130
133	MadisonWI · $63,850 median · prices 97.3	$65,630	$63,850	97.3	840
134	OdessaTX · $61,560 median · prices 93.9	$65,560	$61,560	93.9	420
135	Provo–Orem–LehiUT · $64,350 median · prices 98.2	$65,510	$64,350	98.2	240
136	St. LouisMO-IL · $62,280 median · prices 95.1	$65,500	$62,280	95.1	2,610
137	WheelingWV-OH · $57,840 median · prices 88.3	$65,490	$57,840	88.3	140
138	DaltonGA · $58,820 median · prices 89.8	$65,470	$58,820	89.8	280
139	BillingsMT · $61,210 median · prices 93.5	$65,450	$61,210	93.5	380
140	CincinnatiOH-KY-IN · $62,400 median · prices 95.4	$65,430	$62,400	95.4	2,300
141	Green BayWI · $60,860 median · prices 93.1	$65,380	$60,860	93.1	430
142	Terre HauteIN · $57,390 median · prices 87.8	$65,370	$57,390	87.8	170
143	AkronOH · $61,010 median · prices 93.4	$65,340	$61,010	93.4	790
144	York–HanoverPA · $62,700 median · prices 96.0	$65,310	$62,700	96.0	500
145	New Orleans–MetairieLA · $60,460 median · prices 92.6	$65,290	$60,460	92.6	710
146	ReddingCA · $65,710 median · prices 100.7	$65,260	$65,710	100.7	100
147	Ann ArborMI · $65,770 median · prices 100.9	$65,200	$65,770	100.9	220
148	ColumbusOH · $62,190 median · prices 95.5	$65,140	$62,190	95.5	2,690
149	JacksonTN · $55,690 median · prices 85.5	$65,120	$55,690	85.5	210
150	BurlingtonNC · $60,680 median · prices 93.2	$65,110	$60,680	93.2	180
151	LincolnNE · $59,570 median · prices 91.6	$65,050	$59,570	91.6	410
152	Fort WayneIN · $60,210 median · prices 92.6	$65,040	$60,210	92.6	780
153	Lansing–East LansingMI · $61,740 median · prices 95.0	$65,000	$61,740	95.0	400
154	LebanonPA · $60,570 median · prices 93.2	$64,980	$60,570	93.2	170
155	Battle CreekMI · $58,810 median · prices 90.5	$64,950	$58,810	90.5	130
156	Milwaukee–WaukeshaWI · $62,920 median · prices 96.9	$64,910	$62,920	96.9	1,380
157	SaginawMI · $59,000 median · prices 90.9	$64,910	$59,000	90.9	190
158	Harrisburg–CarlislePA · $64,010 median · prices 98.7	$64,890	$64,010	98.7	1,120
159	Portland–South PortlandME · $66,100 median · prices 101.9	$64,890	$66,100	101.9	590
160	MansfieldOH · $57,650 median · prices 88.9	$64,870	$57,650	88.9	100
161	Michigan City–La PorteIN · $59,340 median · prices 91.7	$64,720	$59,340	91.7	110
162	TulsaOK · $57,730 median · prices 89.2	$64,710	$57,730	89.2	980
163	LancasterPA · $63,510 median · prices 98.3	$64,640	$63,510	98.3	820
164	Salt Lake City–MurrayUT · $65,200 median · prices 100.9	$64,640	$65,200	100.9	1,500
165	Spokane–Spokane ValleyWA · $64,860 median · prices 100.3	$64,640	$64,860	100.3	780
166	MidlandTX · $61,810 median · prices 95.8	$64,530	$61,810	95.8	580
167	South Bend–MishawakaIN-MI · $59,910 median · prices 92.9	$64,520	$59,910	92.9	350
168	NilesMI · $59,590 median · prices 92.4	$64,510	$59,590	92.4	90
169	Indianapolis–Carmel–GreenwoodIN · $61,710 median · prices 95.7	$64,490	$61,710	95.7	2,850
170	Providence–WarwickRI-MA · $65,620 median · prices 101.8	$64,480	$65,620	101.8	820
171	Lafayette–West LafayetteIN · $60,200 median · prices 93.4	$64,430	$60,200	93.4	210
172	AltoonaPA · $57,650 median · prices 89.5	$64,410	$57,650	89.5	220
173	ColumbiaSC · $60,320 median · prices 93.7	$64,400	$60,320	93.7	520
174	Santa Maria–Santa BarbaraCA · $70,060 median · prices 108.8	$64,390	$70,060	108.8	210
175	BinghamtonNY · $59,760 median · prices 92.9	$64,350	$59,760	92.9	230
176	WichitaKS · $57,080 median · prices 88.9	$64,170	$57,080	88.9	610
177	Albany–Schenectady–TroyNY · $63,850 median · prices 99.6	$64,130	$63,850	99.6	780
178	Allentown–Bethlehem–EastonPA-NJ · $64,110 median · prices 100.0	$64,130	$64,110	100.0	880
179	Little Rock–North Little Rock–ConwayAR · $57,300 median · prices 89.4	$64,120	$57,300	89.4	950
180	Grand Rapids–Wyoming–KentwoodMI · $61,240 median · prices 95.5	$64,090	$61,240	95.5	1,550
181	MercedCA · $62,970 median · prices 98.3	$64,080	$62,970	98.3	120
182	WausauWI · $59,350 median · prices 92.7	$64,060	$59,350	92.7	280
183	Lewiston–AuburnME · $60,680 median · prices 94.7	$64,050	$60,680	94.7	130
184	ElmiraNY · $60,450 median · prices 94.4	$64,040	$60,450	94.4	70
185	Homosassa SpringsFL · $59,680 median · prices 93.5	$63,850	$59,680	93.5	50
186	FresnoCA · $65,210 median · prices 102.2	$63,830	$65,210	102.2	720
187	Slidell–Mandeville–CovingtonLA · $59,130 median · prices 92.7	$63,770	$59,130	92.7	90
188	HarrisonburgVA · $60,450 median · prices 94.9	$63,700	$60,450	94.9	250
189	PittsburghPA · $60,280 median · prices 94.7	$63,670	$60,280	94.7	2,070
190	MissoulaMT · $61,380 median · prices 96.4	$63,640	$61,380	96.4	140
191	Utica–RomeNY · $58,970 median · prices 92.7	$63,630	$58,970	92.7	240
192	GettysburgPA · $60,630 median · prices 95.4	$63,570	$60,630	95.4	50
193	SheboyganWI · $59,760 median · prices 94.0	$63,570	$59,760	94.0	110
194	Fayetteville–Springdale–RogersAR · $58,050 median · prices 91.4	$63,540	$58,050	91.4	840
195	Rocky MountNC · $55,890 median · prices 88.0	$63,500	$55,890	88.0	130
196	Kalamazoo–PortageMI · $60,200 median · prices 94.8	$63,480	$60,200	94.8	230
197	JohnstownPA · $54,540 median · prices 85.9	$63,470	$54,540	85.9	160
198	Santa Rosa–PetalumaCA · $68,410 median · prices 107.8	$63,470	$68,410	107.8	240
199	Colorado SpringsCO · $63,910 median · prices 100.7	$63,460	$63,910	100.7	310
200	EriePA · $57,720 median · prices 91.0	$63,460	$57,720	91.0	180
201	Fort Collins–LovelandCO · $64,160 median · prices 101.1	$63,440	$64,160	101.1	170
202	Chicago–Naperville–ElginIL-IN · $65,680 median · prices 103.6	$63,400	$65,680	103.6	8,660
203	DoverDE · $61,820 median · prices 97.5	$63,400	$61,820	97.5	120
204	LafayetteLA · $55,290 median · prices 87.2	$63,400	$55,290	87.2	270
205	Waterbury–SheltonCT · $63,250 median · prices 99.8	$63,390	$63,250	99.8	220
206	Beaumont–Port ArthurTX · $57,050 median · prices 90.0	$63,360	$57,050	90.0	340
207	Myrtle Beach–Conway–North Myrtle BeachSC · $59,320 median · prices 93.6	$63,350	$59,320	93.6	160
208	Oklahoma CityOK · $57,270 median · prices 90.4	$63,350	$57,270	90.4	1,510
209	PocatelloID · $56,290 median · prices 88.9	$63,310	$56,290	88.9	70
210	KokomoIN · $56,690 median · prices 89.6	$63,240	$56,690	89.6	60
211	Coeur d'AleneID · $62,090 median · prices 98.3	$63,170	$62,090	98.3	110
212	Detroit–Warren–DearbornMI · $63,360 median · prices 100.3	$63,170	$63,360	100.3	3,820
213	EvansvilleIN · $57,820 median · prices 91.5	$63,170	$57,820	91.5	330
214	Grand JunctionCO · $60,310 median · prices 95.5	$63,170	$60,310	95.5	160
215	Gulfport–BiloxiMS · $56,830 median · prices 90.0	$63,140	$56,830	90.0	300
216	Winston–SalemNC · $58,100 median · prices 92.0	$63,120	$58,100	92.0	580
217	Amherst Town–NorthamptonMA · $63,260 median · prices 100.2	$63,110	$63,260	100.2	110
218	RochesterNY · $61,240 median · prices 97.0	$63,110	$61,240	97.0	870
219	Nashville–Davidson––Murfreesboro––FranklinTN · $60,760 median · prices 96.3	$63,070	$60,760	96.3	1,780
220	WilliamsportPA · $58,170 median · prices 92.3	$62,990	$58,170	92.3	120
221	Bakersfield–DelanoCA · $63,520 median · prices 100.9	$62,960	$63,520	100.9	860
222	Philadelphia–Camden–WilmingtonPA-NJ-DE-MD · $64,550 median · prices 102.6	$62,940	$64,550	102.6	4,490
223	ChattanoogaTN-GA · $57,450 median · prices 91.5	$62,810	$57,450	91.5	480
224	Hartford–West Hartford–East HartfordCT · $64,530 median · prices 102.7	$62,810	$64,530	102.7	1,310
225	GreeleyCO · $62,850 median · prices 100.2	$62,740	$62,850	100.2	350
226	Twin FallsID · $57,790 median · prices 92.1	$62,740	$57,790	92.1	200
227	RichmondVA · $61,390 median · prices 97.9	$62,730	$61,390	97.9	1,400
228	Greenville–Anderson–GreerSC · $58,480 median · prices 93.3	$62,710	$58,480	93.3	610
229	KnoxvilleTN · $58,010 median · prices 92.6	$62,670	$58,010	92.6	910
230	Greensboro–High PointNC · $58,190 median · prices 92.9	$62,660	$58,190	92.9	970
231	AbileneTX · $56,610 median · prices 90.4	$62,650	$56,610	90.4	210
232	ClarksvilleTN-KY · $56,940 median · prices 90.9	$62,610	$56,940	90.9	120
233	CharlottesvilleVA · $62,060 median · prices 99.1	$62,590	$62,060	99.1	130
234	ChambersburgPA · $59,220 median · prices 94.6	$62,570	$59,220	94.6	190
235	WacoTX · $57,900 median · prices 92.5	$62,560	$57,900	92.5	300
236	YumaAZ · $57,950 median · prices 92.7	$62,510	$57,950	92.7	150
237	WinchesterVA-WV · $60,190 median · prices 96.5	$62,410	$60,190	96.5	190
238	BendOR · $64,620 median · prices 103.6	$62,370	$64,620	103.6	190
239	Idaho FallsID · $58,880 median · prices 94.4	$62,360	$58,880	94.4	220
240	BozemanMT · $63,910 median · prices 102.5	$62,350	$63,910	102.5	120
241	GainesvilleFL · $60,260 median · prices 96.7	$62,300	$60,260	96.7	150
242	New HavenCT · $65,140 median · prices 104.6	$62,300	$65,140	104.6	520
243	TucsonAZ · $60,370 median · prices 96.9	$62,300	$60,370	96.9	580
244	MonroeMI · $58,240 median · prices 93.5	$62,290	$58,240	93.5	160
245	Austin–Round Rock–San MarcosTX · $61,070 median · prices 98.1	$62,270	$61,070	98.1	1,560
246	Naples–Marco IslandFL · $64,260 median · prices 103.2	$62,270	$64,260	103.2	110
247	Atlanta–Sandy Springs–RoswellGA · $62,270 median · prices 100.1	$62,230	$62,270	100.1	5,940
248	RoanokeVA · $58,240 median · prices 93.6	$62,210	$58,240	93.6	420
249	AmarilloTX · $57,040 median · prices 91.8	$62,120	$57,040	91.8	350
250	Sherman–DenisonTX · $58,190 median · prices 93.8	$62,060	$58,190	93.8	70
251	Durham–Chapel HillNC · $60,540 median · prices 97.6	$62,050	$60,540	97.6	370
252	Charlotte–Concord–GastoniaNC-SC · $60,300 median · prices 97.3	$61,940	$60,300	97.3	3,350
253	Glens FallsNY · $58,760 median · prices 94.9	$61,940	$58,760	94.9	60
254	Augusta–Richmond CountyGA-SC · $56,920 median · prices 91.9	$61,930	$56,920	91.9	310
255	AlbuquerqueNM · $59,140 median · prices 95.5	$61,900	$59,140	95.5	630
256	San Antonio–New BraunfelsTX · $58,620 median · prices 94.7	$61,890	$58,620	94.7	2,160
257	Lexington–FayetteKY · $57,470 median · prices 92.9	$61,870	$57,470	92.9	390
258	OcalaFL · $58,900 median · prices 95.2	$61,850	$58,900	95.2	360
259	Sierra Vista–DouglasAZ · $55,180 median · prices 89.2	$61,830	$55,180	89.2	60
260	JacksonvilleFL · $61,470 median · prices 99.5	$61,790	$61,470	99.5	1,640
261	Port St. LucieFL · $61,800 median · prices 100.2	$61,660	$61,800	100.2	240
262	Houston–Pasadena–The WoodlandsTX · $60,770 median · prices 98.6	$61,610	$60,770	98.6	7,410
263	Hickory–Lenoir–MorgantonNC · $54,480 median · prices 88.5	$61,570	$54,480	88.5	410
264	Sebastian–Vero Beach–West Vero CorridorFL · $60,530 median · prices 98.3	$61,570	$60,530	98.3	50
265	ValdostaGA · $54,330 median · prices 88.3	$61,550	$54,330	88.3	90
266	Lakeland–Winter HavenFL · $59,780 median · prices 97.1	$61,540	$59,780	97.1	790
267	Raleigh–CaryNC · $60,310 median · prices 98.2	$61,440	$60,310	98.2	1,070
268	College Station–BryanTX · $55,870 median · prices 91.0	$61,430	$55,870	91.0	210
269	Hilton Head Island–Bluffton–Port RoyalSC · $60,130 median · prices 98.0	$61,350	$60,130	98.0	70
270	Boise CityID · $60,340 median · prices 98.4	$61,330	$60,340	98.4	730
271	Phoenix–Mesa–ChandlerAZ · $63,330 median · prices 103.3	$61,300	$63,330	103.3	3,550
272	KingstonNY · $61,620 median · prices 100.7	$61,190	$61,620	100.7	110
273	Wichita FallsTX · $54,730 median · prices 89.5	$61,140	$54,730	89.5	80
274	St. GeorgeUT · $59,490 median · prices 97.3	$61,130	$59,490	97.3	90
275	Fort SmithAR-OK · $52,480 median · prices 85.9	$61,100	$52,480	85.9	380
276	Hot SpringsAR · $52,370 median · prices 85.7	$61,090	$52,370	85.7	50
277	SalisburyMD · $58,370 median · prices 95.6	$61,050	$58,370	95.6	60
278	Brunswick–St. SimonsGA · $53,530 median · prices 87.7	$61,030	$53,530	87.7	90
279	GoldsboroNC · $53,980 median · prices 88.5	$61,020	$53,980	88.5	80
280	Eugene–SpringfieldOR · $61,930 median · prices 101.6	$60,970	$61,930	101.6	360
281	North Port–Bradenton–SarasotaFL · $62,260 median · prices 102.4	$60,790	$62,260	102.4	410
282	Punta GordaFL · $61,100 median · prices 100.5	$60,780	$61,100	100.5	70
283	State CollegePA · $58,760 median · prices 96.8	$60,730	$58,760	96.8	120
284	FayettevilleNC · $55,770 median · prices 92.0	$60,630	$55,770	92.0	270
285	Johnson CityTN · $53,290 median · prices 87.9	$60,610	$53,290	87.9	60
286	BangorME · $58,470 median · prices 96.5	$60,590	$58,470	96.5	220
287	Burlington–South BurlingtonVT · $61,170 median · prices 100.9	$60,590	$61,170	100.9	210
288	Cape Coral–Fort MyersFL · $62,010 median · prices 102.3	$60,590	$62,010	102.3	470
289	Tampa–St. Petersburg–ClearwaterFL · $61,060 median · prices 100.9	$60,520	$61,060	100.9	1,910
290	Jefferson CityMO · $53,170 median · prices 88.0	$60,440	$53,170	88.0	120
291	Virginia Beach–Chesapeake–NorfolkVA-NC · $59,200 median · prices 97.9	$60,440	$59,200	97.9	1,360
292	Charleston–North CharlestonSC · $61,000 median · prices 101.0	$60,420	$61,000	101.0	540
293	KankakeeIL · $58,230 median · prices 96.4	$60,410	$58,230	96.4	110
294	ColumbiaMO · $53,980 median · prices 89.4	$60,350	$53,980	89.4	130
295	DothanAL · $50,500 median · prices 83.8	$60,240	$50,500	83.8	270
296	Muskegon–Norton ShoresMI · $55,700 median · prices 92.5	$60,200	$55,700	92.5	100
297	Pensacola–Ferry Pass–BrentFL · $58,750 median · prices 97.7	$60,120	$58,750	97.7	290
298	FlagstaffAZ · $60,290 median · prices 100.3	$60,090	$60,290	100.3	100
299	BirminghamAL · $55,040 median · prices 91.6	$60,060	$55,040	91.6	1,590
300	BloomingtonIN · $57,080 median · prices 95.1	$60,030	$57,080	95.1	80
301	MedfordOR · $60,860 median · prices 101.4	$60,000	$60,860	101.4	220
302	SalemOR · $62,180 median · prices 103.6	$59,990	$62,180	103.6	310
303	Hanford–CorcoranCA · $60,940 median · prices 101.6	$59,970	$60,940	101.6	110
304	DecaturAL · $52,250 median · prices 87.2	$59,910	$52,250	87.2	150
305	ManhattanKS · $54,010 median · prices 90.2	$59,900	$54,010	90.2	70
306	OwensboroKY · $53,040 median · prices 88.6	$59,860	$53,040	88.6	60
307	Lake Havasu City–KingmanAZ · $56,200 median · prices 94.1	$59,720	$56,200	94.1	200
308	Killeen–TempleTX · $54,400 median · prices 91.1	$59,690	$54,400	91.1	360
309	ColumbusIN · $55,470 median · prices 93.0	$59,640	$55,470	93.0	80
310	Yuba CityCA · $62,080 median · prices 104.2	$59,560	$62,080	104.2	100
311	Cape GirardeauMO-IL · $51,260 median · prices 86.1	$59,550	$51,260	86.1	90
312	MonroeLA · $49,770 median · prices 83.6	$59,540	$49,770	83.6	190
313	IthacaNY · $61,500 median · prices 103.3	$59,530	$61,500	103.3	70
314	Florence–Muscle ShoalsAL · $50,410 median · prices 84.8	$59,430	$50,410	84.8	130
315	Orlando–Kissimmee–SanfordFL · $60,240 median · prices 101.4	$59,400	$60,240	101.4	1,960
316	OgdenUT · $59,550 median · prices 100.3	$59,340	$59,550	100.3	410
317	FarmingtonNM · $52,000 median · prices 87.7	$59,290	$52,000	87.7	200
318	KenoshaWI · $59,940 median · prices 101.1	$59,280	$59,940	101.1	190
319	AshevilleNC · $57,170 median · prices 96.5	$59,240	$57,170	96.5	320
320	HuntsvilleAL · $55,110 median · prices 93.1	$59,210	$55,110	93.1	490
321	TallahasseeFL · $55,540 median · prices 93.9	$59,140	$55,540	93.9	210
322	TylerTX · $54,460 median · prices 92.2	$59,100	$54,460	92.2	260
323	GainesvilleGA · $57,100 median · prices 96.8	$59,010	$57,100	96.8	250
324	TuscaloosaAL · $51,730 median · prices 87.7	$58,970	$51,730	87.7	230
325	AlexandriaLA · $50,520 median · prices 85.7	$58,960	$50,520	85.7	90
326	AlbanyOR · $60,190 median · prices 102.1	$58,950	$60,190	102.1	130
327	ElizabethtownKY · $53,290 median · prices 90.6	$58,840	$53,290	90.6	130
328	Brownsville–HarlingenTX · $50,540 median · prices 86.0	$58,780	$50,540	86.0	380
329	HammondLA · $49,600 median · prices 84.5	$58,730	$49,600	84.5	90
330	BeckleyWV · $51,860 median · prices 88.4	$58,690	$51,860	88.4	90
331	Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond BeachFL · $58,320 median · prices 99.4	$58,690	$58,320	99.4	290
332	Weirton–SteubenvilleWV-OH · $52,170 median · prices 89.0	$58,600	$52,170	89.0	90
333	Dallas–Fort Worth–ArlingtonTX · $60,390 median · prices 103.1	$58,580	$60,390	103.1	7,940
334	SalinasCA · $63,840 median · prices 109.0	$58,550	$63,840	109.0	200
335	Kiryas Joel–Poughkeepsie–NewburghNY · $63,950 median · prices 109.4	$58,440	$63,950	109.4	650
336	LongviewTX · $52,090 median · prices 89.5	$58,210	$52,090	89.5	350
337	MontgomeryAL · $52,190 median · prices 89.7	$58,190	$52,190	89.7	420
338	EnidOK · $49,030 median · prices 84.3	$58,180	$49,030	84.3	80
339	RomeGA · $52,160 median · prices 90.2	$57,850	$52,160	90.2	80
340	Huntington–AshlandWV-KY-OH · $51,130 median · prices 88.4	$57,820	$51,130	88.4	250
341	Prescott Valley–PrescottAZ · $56,740 median · prices 98.3	$57,750	$56,740	98.3	200
342	Anniston–OxfordAL · $49,550 median · prices 85.9	$57,650	$49,550	85.9	90
343	WilmingtonNC · $55,560 median · prices 96.4	$57,620	$55,560	96.4	360
344	FlorenceSC · $49,990 median · prices 86.8	$57,610	$49,990	86.8	190
345	Bowling GreenKY · $51,920 median · prices 90.2	$57,570	$51,920	90.2	200
346	Corpus ChristiTX · $53,220 median · prices 92.7	$57,430	$53,220	92.7	430
347	VictoriaTX · $51,520 median · prices 89.8	$57,350	$51,520	89.8	70
348	JacksonvilleNC · $52,710 median · prices 92.1	$57,240	$52,710	92.1	100
349	Great FallsMT · $55,420 median · prices 96.8	$57,230	$55,420	96.8	70
350	Palm Bay–Melbourne–TitusvilleFL · $56,990 median · prices 100.0	$56,990	$56,990	100.0	250
351	CharlestonWV · $50,350 median · prices 88.7	$56,750	$50,350	88.7	120
352	MobileAL · $49,880 median · prices 88.1	$56,620	$49,880	88.1	560
353	ColumbusGA-AL · $50,380 median · prices 89.3	$56,420	$50,380	89.3	160
354	TexarkanaTX-AR · $47,400 median · prices 84.0	$56,420	$47,400	84.0	180
355	GreenvilleNC · $49,850 median · prices 88.4	$56,390	$49,850	88.4	160
356	LawtonOK · $48,310 median · prices 85.9	$56,210	$48,310	85.9	70
357	Santa FeNM · $55,100 median · prices 98.8	$55,790	$55,100	98.8	60
358	ClevelandTN · $49,050 median · prices 88.1	$55,690	$49,050	88.1	90
359	LaredoTX · $48,270 median · prices 87.0	$55,510	$48,270	87.0	760
360	San AngeloTX · $51,250 median · prices 92.5	$55,430	$51,250	92.5	80
361	McAllen–Edinburg–MissionTX · $47,500 median · prices 85.9	$55,300	$47,500	85.9	650
362	ChicoCA · $55,770 median · prices 101.2	$55,110	$55,770	101.2	100
363	LubbockTX · $49,900 median · prices 91.3	$54,640	$49,900	91.3	340
364	GadsdenAL · $46,740 median · prices 85.7	$54,570	$46,740	85.7	110
365	Auburn–OpelikaAL · $47,900 median · prices 87.9	$54,470	$47,900	87.9	120
366	Athens–Clarke CountyGA · $50,820 median · prices 93.3	$54,440	$50,820	93.3	100
367	Miami–Fort Lauderdale–West Palm BeachFL · $61,340 median · prices 114.2	$53,730	$61,340	114.2	4,240
368	Warner RobinsGA · $50,330 median · prices 93.8	$53,660	$50,330	93.8	190
369	Daphne–Fairhope–FoleyAL · $50,530 median · prices 94.7	$53,360	$50,530	94.7	150
370	Las CrucesNM · $47,800 median · prices 90.2	$52,990	$47,800	90.2	160
371	El PasoTX · $47,520 median · prices 89.9	$52,850	$47,520	89.9	1,090
372	Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–DestinFL · $51,130 median · prices 97.0	$52,690	$51,130	97.0	110
373	Panama City–Panama City BeachFL · $51,020 median · prices 97.3	$52,440	$51,020	97.3	170
374	SebringFL · $46,650 median · prices 92.5	$50,450	$46,650	92.5	50
375	Parkersburg–ViennaWV · $43,680 median · prices 87.1	$50,170	$43,680	87.1	60
376	MorgantownWV · $44,220 median · prices 93.3	$47,380	$44,220	93.3	50

Price level: BEA Regional Price Parity, U.S. average = 100. Every metro links to its full diesel mechanic pay page. By state: best states for diesel mechanics.

How we ranked them

Each metro area's median annual wage for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists (BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 49-3031) divided by its Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parity for 2024 (all items, U.S. = 100), then ranked. Metros are included when BLS publishes a median and at least 50 diesel mechanics work there. Wages exclude self-employed diesel mechanics. Methodology

Questions

What is the best city for diesel mechanics?: After cost of living, the Paducah, KY-IL area: the median of $78,900 a year buys about what $91,650 would at average U.S. prices.
Which city pays diesel mechanics the most?: Before adjusting for prices, the San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA area has the highest median, $88,980. After cost of living it ranks 3rd of 376.
What is the best big city for diesel mechanics?: Among the 20 metro areas with the most diesel mechanics, the Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue, WA area, 15th overall: its median of $82,330 buys what $74,080 would nationally.
Where does diesel mechanic pay go the least far?: Of the 376 metro areas ranked, the Morgantown, WV area, where the median of $44,220 buys about what $47,380 would nationally.
Which cities are included?: The 376 metro areas where BLS publishes a median for diesel mechanics and at least 50 of them work. Smaller metros and rural areas are on each state's diesel mechanic pay page.
How is cost of living adjusted?: We divide each metro's median by its Regional Price Parity from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (2024), where the U.S. average is 100. A metro with prices 10% above average (110) has its median divided by 1.10.