Diesel Mechanic vs HVAC Technician: which pays more?
Diesel Mechanics earn about $0 more per year than hvac technicians — roughly 0% higher at the national median. Here is how the two careers compare on pay, training, and outlook.
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 →HVAC Technician
$59,000
median per year
HVAC technicians install and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
Full hvac technician salary data →Side-by-side breakdown
| Metric | Diesel Mechanic | HVAC Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $59,000 | $59,000 |
| Median hourly pay | $28 | $28 |
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $42,000 | $40,000 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $82,000 | $88,000 |
| Education required | Postsecondary diesel technology program or on-the-job training. | Postsecondary HVAC program or apprenticeship plus EPA certification. |
| Job outlook | 4% growth through 2033 — freight fleets need maintenance. | 9% growth through 2033 — faster than average. |
Pay by state
| State | Diesel Mechanic | HVAC Technician | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $69,500 | $69,500 | +$0 for Diesel Mechanic |
| New York | $67,500 | $67,500 | +$0 for Diesel Mechanic |
| Massachusetts | $66,500 | $66,500 | +$0 for Diesel Mechanic |
| Washington | $66,000 | $66,000 | +$0 for Diesel Mechanic |
| New Jersey | $64,500 | $64,500 | +$0 for Diesel Mechanic |
| Colorado | $61,500 | $61,500 | +$0 for Diesel Mechanic |
| Illinois | $60,000 | $60,000 | +$0 for Diesel Mechanic |
| Pennsylvania | $58,000 | $58,000 | +$0 for Diesel Mechanic |
| Texas | $57,000 | $57,000 | +$0 for Diesel Mechanic |
| Arizona | $56,500 | $56,500 | +$0 for Diesel Mechanic |
| Michigan | $56,000 | $56,000 | +$0 for Diesel Mechanic |
| Ohio | $55,500 | $55,500 | +$0 for Diesel Mechanic |
| Georgia | $55,500 | $55,500 | +$0 for Diesel Mechanic |
| North Carolina | $55,000 | $55,000 | +$0 for Diesel Mechanic |
| Florida | $54,500 | $54,500 | +$0 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 postsecondary hvac program or apprenticeship plus epa certification.. If you want to start earning sooner, hvac technician is usually the faster route. If long-term earning ceiling matters most, diesel mechanic tops out at $82,000 versus $88,000.
Job security also differs: diesel mechanic outlook is "4% growth through 2033 — freight fleets need maintenance." while hvac technician outlook is "9% growth through 2033 — faster than average."