Automotive Service Technicians vs Bus & Truck Mechanics
Side-by-side comparison of salary, job growth, and training requirements based on BLS data.
Automotive Service Technicians
Bus & Truck Mechanics
Median Salary
$49,670
$60,640
10-Year Job Growth
+8%
+8.5%
Training Length
2-4 years
2-4 years
Typical Path
Trade school or community college + ASE certification; on-the-job training
Trade school or community college + ASE certifications; CDL helpful
Salary difference: $10,970 (18.1%) in favor of Bus & Truck Mechanics
Who should choose Automotive Service Technicians?
Automotive Service Technicians may be the right fit if you're interested in diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles including cars and light trucks.
Typical path: Trade school or community college + ASE certification; on-the-job training
Explore Automotive Service Technicians →Who should choose Bus & Truck Mechanics?
Bus & Truck Mechanics may be the right fit if you're interested in diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses, trucks, and all types of diesel engines.
Typical path: Trade school or community college + ASE certifications; CDL helpful
Explore Bus & Truck Mechanics →Frequently Asked Questions
Bus & Truck Mechanics earn more on average. The national median salary for bus & truck mechanics is $60,640, which is $10,970 more than automotive service technicians ($49,670).
Automotive Service Technicians typically require 2-4 years of training (Trade school or community college + ASE certification; on-the-job training). Bus & Truck Mechanics typically require 2-4 years (Trade school or community college + ASE certifications; CDL helpful).
Automotive Service Technicians have a projected 10-year growth of 8%, while bus & truck mechanics have a projected growth of 8.5%. Bus & Truck Mechanics have slightly better growth prospects.