Welder vs Diesel Mechanic
Which trade pays more? Side-by-side salary comparison using 2025 BLS data.
Welder
Welding · 3yr apprenticeship
Median Salary$50,902
Salary Range$41,148 – $66,632
5yr Growth+8%
Trade Pay ScoreD (54/100)
Total Employment144,671
Cities Tracked30
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
City-by-City Comparison
| City | Welder | Diesel Mechanic | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | $66,632 | $72,771 | -$6,139 |
| San Francisco, CA | $62,299 | $73,710 | -$11,411 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $60,560 | $66,424 | -$5,864 |
| Seattle, WA | $58,722 | $67,005 | -$8,283 |
| Boston, MA | $56,411 | $65,267 | -$8,856 |
| Chicago, IL | $55,958 | $67,940 | -$11,982 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $54,215 | $61,255 | -$7,040 |
| Denver, CO | $52,173 | $62,846 | -$10,673 |
| Houston, TX | $51,959 | $61,184 | -$9,225 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $51,794 | $68,978 | -$17,184 |
| Portland, OR | $51,629 | $60,373 | -$8,744 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $51,400 | $55,247 | -$3,847 |
| St. Louis, MO | $51,031 | $52,947 | -$1,916 |
| Dallas, TX | $50,502 | $53,970 | -$3,468 |
| Raleigh, NC | $49,553 | $51,277 | -$1,724 |
| Detroit, MI | $49,210 | $55,569 | -$6,359 |
| Charlotte, NC | $49,035 | $49,453 | -$418 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $48,956 | $53,610 | -$4,654 |
| Milwaukee, WI | $48,469 | $56,188 | -$7,719 |
| Miami, FL | $48,356 | $50,711 | -$2,355 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $48,323 | $58,507 | -$10,184 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $48,316 | $56,933 | -$8,617 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $48,113 | $52,367 | -$4,254 |
| New Orleans, LA | $47,590 | $55,843 | -$8,253 |
| Columbus, OH | $46,818 | $52,810 | -$5,992 |
| Atlanta, GA | $46,015 | $58,416 | -$12,401 |
| Nashville, TN | $45,564 | $56,573 | -$11,009 |
| Kansas City, MO | $44,845 | $54,335 | -$9,490 |
| Tampa, FL | $41,466 | $48,707 | -$7,241 |
| San Antonio, TX | $41,148 | $47,316 | -$6,168 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Welders or Diesel Mechanics make more money?
Diesel Mechanics earn more on average, with a national median salary of $58,284 compared to $50,902 — a difference of $7,382 per year.
Which trade has better job growth — Welder or Diesel Mechanic?
Diesel Mechanic has stronger 5-year wage growth at 9% vs 8%.
How long is the apprenticeship for each trade?
Welder requires 3 years of apprenticeship, while Diesel Mechanic requires 3 years.
Welder salary by city →
Diesel Mechanic salary by city →
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