Diesel mechanic salary in New Jersey
Median $34.78 an hour for 8,160 bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists, May 2025, with the union scale by county and the trend since 1999.
Diesel mechanic pay in New Jersey: the full range
New Jersey ranks 7th of 51 states for median diesel mechanic pay, and 14th once adjusted for cost of living (the cost-of-living-adjusted median is $31.97). 8,160 bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists work in the state.
| Career stage (approximate) | Hourly | Annual | Where it sits in the distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice / entry | $23.63 – $28.72 | $49,140 – $59,740 | roughly the 10th–25th percentile |
| Journeyman | $28.72 – $38.39 | $59,740 – $79,850 | the middle half, around the median |
| Master / foreman / specialist | $38.39 – $45.27 | $79,850 – $94,150 | the 75th–90th percentile and above |
Where does your pay fall?
Diesel mechanic pay by metro in New Jersey
| Metro | 10th | Median $/hr | 90th | Jobs | vs state |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | $24.64 | $36.43 | $45.35 | 12,430 | 5% above |
| Trenton | $23.41 | $33.40 | $42.95 | 280 | 4% below |
| Atlantic City | $22.77 | $32.34 | $39.49 | 280 | 7% below |
| Vineland | $23.99 | $31.24 | $40.01 | 150 | 10% below |
| Philadelphia | $22.78 | $31.04 | $42.16 | 4,490 | 11% below |
| Allentown | $22.80 | $30.82 | $39.08 | 880 | 11% below |
Diesel mechanic wages in New Jersey over time
Table
| Year | New Jersey $/hr | In 2025 $ | US $/hr | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | $17.23 | $33.30 | $14.77 | 7,430 |
| 2000 | $17.94 | $33.54 | $15.55 | 6,200 |
| 2001 | $19.23 | $34.96 | $16.14 | 6,820 |
| 2002 | $19.30 | $34.54 | $16.53 | 6,620 |
| 2003 | $19.66 | $34.40 | $16.81 | 6,370 |
| 2004 | $20.14 | $34.32 | $17.20 | 7,250 |
| 2005 | $19.97 | $32.92 | $17.61 | 6,730 |
| 2006 | $21.13 | $33.74 | $18.11 | 8,040 |
| 2007 | $21.68 | $33.66 | $18.58 | 7,760 |
| 2008 | $22.73 | $33.99 | $18.94 | 7,530 |
| 2009 | $22.16 | $33.25 | $19.35 | 6,580 |
| 2010 | $23.35 | $34.47 | $19.64 | 7,110 |
| 2011 | $23.59 | $33.76 | $20.02 | 7,000 |
| 2012 | $24.99 | $35.04 | $20.35 | 7,020 |
| 2013 | $25.85 | $35.72 | $20.54 | 7,280 |
| 2014 | $25.40 | $34.54 | $20.98 | 6,860 |
| 2015 | $26.49 | $35.98 | $21.40 | 7,830 |
| 2016 | $26.45 | $35.48 | $21.72 | 7,600 |
| 2017 | $26.68 | $35.04 | $22.29 | 8,200 |
| 2018 | $27.33 | $35.04 | $22.76 | 8,590 |
| 2019 | $26.97 | $33.96 | $23.32 | 8,120 |
| 2020 | $28.38 | $35.30 | $24.13 | 7,280 |
| 2021 | $28.73 | $34.13 | $23.41 | 9,070 |
| 2022 | $29.45 | $32.40 | $26.14 | 9,810 |
| 2023 | $30.69 | $32.43 | $28.35 | 8,800 |
| 2024 | $32.99 | $33.86 | $29.15 | 8,360 |
| 2025 | $34.78 | $34.78 | $29.70 | 8,160 |
In today's dollars, the median diesel mechanic wage in New Jersey changed by -3.3% over the last ten years of data.
Is construction work growing in New Jersey?
Keep comparing
Diesel mechanic pay in neighbouring states
Other trades in New Jersey
Questions this page answers
How much do diesel mechanics make in New Jersey?
The median diesel mechanic in New Jersey earned $34.78 an hour ($72,340 a year) in May 2025, 17% above the national median of $29.70. The middle half earn $28.72–$38.39; the top 10% earn more than $45.27.
Where does New Jersey rank for diesel mechanic pay?
New Jersey ranks 7th of 51 states for diesel mechanic pay, with a median of $34.78 an hour, and 14th after adjusting for New Jersey's cost of living (BEA price parity 108.8, US = 100).
What is the union diesel mechanic rate in New Jersey?
Davis-Bacon determinations do not list a diesel mechanic classification for most New Jersey counties, or the trade is not covered; the BLS wage figures above are the best available measure.
How many diesel mechanics work in New Jersey?
BLS counted 8,160 bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in New Jersey in May 2025, 1.9 per 1,000 jobs (location quotient 1.02; 1.0 is the national average concentration).
Sources and notes
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, New Jersey and metro areas, SOC 49-3031.
- BLS Current Employment Statistics, state construction employment through 2026-08.
- BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, 2025 annual averages.
- BEA Regional Price Parities (cost-of-living adjustment).
- SAM.gov Davis-Bacon wage determinations, current revisions as of 2026-09-28. Not the official determination.