Elevator Mechanic vs Diesel Mechanic
Which trade pays more? Side-by-side salary comparison using 2025 BLS data.
Higher Pay
Elevator Mechanic
Specialty · 4yr apprenticeship
Median Salary$103,991
Salary Range$85,102 – $139,652
5yr Growth+18%
Trade Pay ScoreA (88/100)
Total Employment192,597
Cities Tracked30
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
City-by-City Comparison
| City | Elevator Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $139,652 | $73,710 | +$65,942 |
| Boston, MA | $126,690 | $65,267 | +$61,423 |
| Seattle, WA | $124,851 | $67,005 | +$57,846 |
| New York, NY | $120,570 | $72,771 | +$47,799 |
| Portland, OR | $120,509 | $60,373 | +$60,136 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $113,878 | $56,933 | +$56,945 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $112,984 | $66,424 | +$46,560 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $110,300 | $68,978 | +$41,322 |
| Detroit, MI | $108,274 | $55,569 | +$52,705 |
| Dallas, TX | $106,807 | $53,970 | +$52,837 |
| Houston, TX | $106,227 | $61,184 | +$45,043 |
| Chicago, IL | $105,504 | $67,940 | +$37,564 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $104,268 | $61,255 | +$43,013 |
| Denver, CO | $103,186 | $62,846 | +$40,340 |
| Kansas City, MO | $103,000 | $54,335 | +$48,665 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $100,080 | $52,367 | +$47,713 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $98,981 | $53,610 | +$45,371 |
| Nashville, TN | $97,615 | $56,573 | +$41,042 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $97,600 | $55,247 | +$42,353 |
| Miami, FL | $96,752 | $50,711 | +$46,041 |
| Milwaukee, WI | $95,647 | $56,188 | +$39,459 |
| Columbus, OH | $95,477 | $52,810 | +$42,667 |
| St. Louis, MO | $94,596 | $52,947 | +$41,649 |
| Atlanta, GA | $94,513 | $58,416 | +$36,097 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $94,491 | $58,507 | +$35,984 |
| Charlotte, NC | $94,453 | $49,453 | +$45,000 |
| Raleigh, NC | $93,293 | $51,277 | +$42,016 |
| New Orleans, LA | $87,397 | $55,843 | +$31,554 |
| Tampa, FL | $87,021 | $48,707 | +$38,314 |
| San Antonio, TX | $85,102 | $47,316 | +$37,786 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Elevator Mechanics or Diesel Mechanics make more money?
Elevator Mechanics earn more on average, with a national median salary of $103,991 compared to $58,284 — a difference of $45,707 per year.
Which trade has better job growth — Elevator Mechanic or Diesel Mechanic?
Elevator Mechanic has stronger 5-year wage growth at 18% vs 9%.
How long is the apprenticeship for each trade?
Elevator Mechanic requires 4 years of apprenticeship, while Diesel Mechanic requires 3 years.
Elevator Mechanic salary by city →
Diesel Mechanic salary by city →
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