HVAC Technician vs Diesel Mechanic
Which trade pays more? Side-by-side salary comparison using 2025 BLS data.
Higher Pay
HVAC Technician
HVAC · 4yr apprenticeship
Median Salary$61,278
Salary Range$50,658 – $78,788
5yr Growth+15%
Trade Pay ScoreB (76/100)
Total Employment226,695
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 | HVAC Technician | Diesel Mechanic | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $78,788 | $73,710 | +$5,078 |
| New York, NY | $77,543 | $72,771 | +$4,772 |
| Seattle, WA | $75,078 | $67,005 | +$8,073 |
| Boston, MA | $68,062 | $65,267 | +$2,795 |
| Chicago, IL | $67,865 | $67,940 | -$75 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $67,089 | $66,424 | +$665 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $66,967 | $68,978 | -$2,011 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $66,145 | $61,255 | +$4,890 |
| Portland, OR | $65,882 | $60,373 | +$5,509 |
| Denver, CO | $65,185 | $62,846 | +$2,339 |
| Houston, TX | $63,547 | $61,184 | +$2,363 |
| Detroit, MI | $60,268 | $55,569 | +$4,699 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $59,999 | $58,507 | +$1,492 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $59,348 | $53,610 | +$5,738 |
| Raleigh, NC | $59,335 | $51,277 | +$8,058 |
| Dallas, TX | $59,170 | $53,970 | +$5,200 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $58,965 | $56,933 | +$2,032 |
| Columbus, OH | $58,962 | $52,810 | +$6,152 |
| Atlanta, GA | $58,880 | $58,416 | +$464 |
| Miami, FL | $58,107 | $50,711 | +$7,396 |
| St. Louis, MO | $57,424 | $52,947 | +$4,477 |
| Milwaukee, WI | $57,122 | $56,188 | +$934 |
| Nashville, TN | $56,859 | $56,573 | +$286 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $55,582 | $55,247 | +$335 |
| San Antonio, TX | $55,218 | $47,316 | +$7,902 |
| New Orleans, LA | $54,404 | $55,843 | -$1,439 |
| Kansas City, MO | $53,435 | $54,335 | -$900 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $51,420 | $52,367 | -$947 |
| Tampa, FL | $51,036 | $48,707 | +$2,329 |
| Charlotte, NC | $50,658 | $49,453 | +$1,205 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do HVAC Technicians or Diesel Mechanics make more money?
HVAC Technicians earn more on average, with a national median salary of $61,278 compared to $58,284 — a difference of $2,994 per year.
Which trade has better job growth — HVAC Technician or Diesel Mechanic?
HVAC Technician has stronger 5-year wage growth at 15% vs 9%.
How long is the apprenticeship for each trade?
HVAC Technician requires 4 years of apprenticeship, while Diesel Mechanic requires 3 years.
HVAC Technician salary by city →
Diesel Mechanic salary by city →
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