In short
Tractor-trailer truck drivers usually complete a short CDL training program and earned a May 2025 median of $58,640. Diesel mechanics typically learn through a training program or on the job over a longer period and earned $61,770. Drivers have far more openings each year; mechanics have more regular hours and stay home nightly.
| Side by side | Truck driver | Diesel mechanic |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay (May 2025) | $58,640 | $61,770 |
| Hourly equivalent | $28.19 | $29.70 |
| Typical way in | Certificate | High school or GED |
| On-the-job training | Short-term on-the-job training | Long-term on-the-job training |
| Jobs in the U.S. (2025) | 2,221,200 | 316,000 |
| Growth, 2025 to 2035 | 3.8% | 3.6% |
| Openings each year | 214,500 | 24,400 |
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2025 to 2035, national medians. Not a promise of what you will earn.
Lifestyle
Long-haul drivers may be away for days or weeks; local and regional routes offer more home time, sometimes for less pay. Diesel mechanics work shifts in a shop, diagnosing engines, brakes and electronics with computers and hand tools, and usually buy their own tools over time.
Questions people ask
Which pays more?
Diesel mechanics have a slightly higher national median.
Which is faster to start?
Truck driving, through a CDL program that can take weeks.
Can a driver become a mechanic?
Yes, with training. Driving experience can help with diagnosis.