Carpenter vs Diesel Mechanic: which pays more?
Diesel Mechanics earn about $1,000 more per year than carpenters — roughly 2% higher at the national median. Here is how the two careers compare on pay, training, and outlook.
Carpenter
$58,000
median per year
Carpenters construct, install, and repair building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials.
Full carpenter salary data →Diesel Mechanic
$59,000
median per year
Diesel mechanics inspect, repair, and overhaul buses, trucks, and other diesel-powered equipment.
Full diesel mechanic salary data →Side-by-side breakdown
| Metric | Carpenter | Diesel Mechanic |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $58,000 | $59,000 |
| Median hourly pay | $28 | $28 |
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $40,000 | $42,000 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $85,000 | $82,000 |
| Education required | High school diploma plus 3–4 year apprenticeship. | Postsecondary diesel technology program or on-the-job training. |
| Job outlook | 4% growth through 2033 — tied to construction activity. | 4% growth through 2033 — freight fleets need maintenance. |
Pay by state
| State | Carpenter | Diesel Mechanic | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $68,500 | $69,500 | −$1,000 for Diesel Mechanic |
| New York | $66,000 | $67,500 | −$1,500 for Diesel Mechanic |
| Massachusetts | $65,500 | $66,500 | −$1,000 for Diesel Mechanic |
| Washington | $65,000 | $66,000 | −$1,000 for Diesel Mechanic |
| New Jersey | $63,000 | $64,500 | −$1,500 for Diesel Mechanic |
| Colorado | $60,500 | $61,500 | −$1,000 for Diesel Mechanic |
| Illinois | $59,000 | $60,000 | −$1,000 for Diesel Mechanic |
| Pennsylvania | $57,000 | $58,000 | −$1,000 for Diesel Mechanic |
| Texas | $56,500 | $57,000 | −$500 for Diesel Mechanic |
| Arizona | $55,500 | $56,500 | −$1,000 for Diesel Mechanic |
| Michigan | $55,000 | $56,000 | −$1,000 for Diesel Mechanic |
| Ohio | $54,500 | $55,500 | −$1,000 for Diesel Mechanic |
| Georgia | $54,500 | $55,500 | −$1,000 for Diesel Mechanic |
| North Carolina | $54,000 | $55,000 | −$1,000 for Diesel Mechanic |
| Florida | $53,500 | $54,500 | −$1,000 for Diesel Mechanic |
Which career should you choose?
Pay is only one part of the decision. Diesel Mechanics earn more on paper, but postsecondary diesel technology program or on-the-job training. takes longer and costs more than high school diploma plus 3–4 year apprenticeship.. If you want to start earning sooner, carpenter is usually the faster route. If long-term earning ceiling matters most, diesel mechanic tops out at $82,000 versus $85,000.
Job security also differs: carpenter outlook is "4% growth through 2033 — tied to construction activity." while diesel mechanic outlook is "4% growth through 2033 — freight fleets need maintenance."