Diesel Mechanic vs Solar PV Installer
Which trade pays more? Side-by-side salary comparison using 2025 BLS data.
Higher Pay
Diesel Mechanic
Automotive · 3yr apprenticeship
Median Salary$58,284
Salary Range$47,316 – $73,710
5yr Growth+9%
Trade Pay ScoreC (59/100)
Total Employment143,565
Cities Tracked30
Solar PV Installer
Electrical · 2yr apprenticeship
Median Salary$50,287
Salary Range$43,090 – $66,757
5yr Growth+22%
Trade Pay ScoreB (78/100)
Total Employment244,363
Cities Tracked30
City-by-City Comparison
| City | Diesel Mechanic | Solar PV Installer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $73,710 | $66,757 | +$6,953 |
| New York, NY | $72,771 | $65,753 | +$7,018 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $68,978 | $55,717 | +$13,261 |
| Chicago, IL | $67,940 | $51,811 | +$16,129 |
| Seattle, WA | $67,005 | $59,766 | +$7,239 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $66,424 | $55,155 | +$11,269 |
| Boston, MA | $65,267 | $62,081 | +$3,186 |
| Denver, CO | $62,846 | $49,273 | +$13,573 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $61,255 | $53,197 | +$8,058 |
| Houston, TX | $61,184 | $47,597 | +$13,587 |
| Portland, OR | $60,373 | $53,227 | +$7,146 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $58,507 | $52,197 | +$6,310 |
| Atlanta, GA | $58,416 | $48,077 | +$10,339 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $56,933 | $50,972 | +$5,961 |
| Nashville, TN | $56,573 | $43,848 | +$12,725 |
| Milwaukee, WI | $56,188 | $46,122 | +$10,066 |
| New Orleans, LA | $55,843 | $45,737 | +$10,106 |
| Detroit, MI | $55,569 | $47,056 | +$8,513 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $55,247 | $46,431 | +$8,816 |
| Kansas City, MO | $54,335 | $44,729 | +$9,606 |
| Dallas, TX | $53,970 | $50,876 | +$3,094 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $53,610 | $47,345 | +$6,265 |
| St. Louis, MO | $52,947 | $49,002 | +$3,945 |
| Columbus, OH | $52,810 | $43,179 | +$9,631 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $52,367 | $43,828 | +$8,539 |
| Raleigh, NC | $51,277 | $43,665 | +$7,612 |
| Miami, FL | $50,711 | $43,090 | +$7,621 |
| Charlotte, NC | $49,453 | $49,101 | +$352 |
| Tampa, FL | $48,707 | $45,887 | +$2,820 |
| San Antonio, TX | $47,316 | $47,144 | +$172 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Diesel Mechanics or Solar PV Installers make more money?
Diesel Mechanics earn more on average, with a national median salary of $58,284 compared to $50,287 — a difference of $7,997 per year.
Which trade has better job growth — Diesel Mechanic or Solar PV Installer?
Solar PV Installer has stronger 5-year wage growth at 22% vs 9%.
How long is the apprenticeship for each trade?
Diesel Mechanic requires 3 years of apprenticeship, while Solar PV Installer requires 2 years.
Diesel Mechanic salary by city →
Solar PV Installer salary by city →
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