Across U.S. metros, elevator installers typically earn $47,895 more a year than diesel mechanics (79%). In the 53 metros where BLS publishes both, diesel mechanics earn more in 1 and elevator installers in 52.
| Diesel Mechanic | Elevator Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $60,355 | $108,250 |
| Lowest metro median | $30,510 | $38,330 |
| Highest metro median | $88,980 | $173,920 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +3.6% | +5.7% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 24,400 | 1,900 |
| Self-employed | 6% | — |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Long-term on-the-job training | Apprenticeship |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 163 | 101 |
| Metros with pay data | 388 | 53 |
On safety, diesel mechanics report more injuries that cause missed work (163 vs. 101 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where diesel mechanics out-earn elevator installers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where elevator installers out-earn diesel mechanics the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, diesel mechanics earn more in 1 states and elevator installers in 36. The gap favors diesel mechanics most in Kentucky ($12,810) and elevator installers most in Maine ($82,840).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Working at heights: sometimes for diesel mechanics, very often for elevator installers. Indoors with heating and air conditioning: sometimes for diesel mechanics, very often for elevator installers.
| Diesel Mechanic | Elevator Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Very often | Sometimes |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Sometimes | Very often |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Often | Often |
| Working at heights | Sometimes | Very often |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Occasionally | Occasionally |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Very often | Very often |
| Loud noise | Very often | Very often |
| Hazardous conditions | Sometimes | Very often |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Often | Often |
| Sitting | Occasionally | Occasionally |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Diesel Mechanic
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.
Elevator Installer
Assemble, install, repair, or maintain electric or hydraulic freight or passenger elevators, escalators, or dumbwaiters.
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