Across U.S. metros, riggers typically earn $100 more a year than diesel mechanics (0%). In the 70 metros where BLS publishes both, diesel mechanics earn more in 41 and riggers in 29.
| Diesel Mechanic | Rigger | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $60,355 | $60,455 |
| Lowest metro median | $30,510 | $36,880 |
| Highest metro median | $88,980 | $169,480 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +3.6% | +3.9% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 24,400 | 1,700 |
| Self-employed | 6% | — |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Long-term on-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 163 | 79 |
| Metros with pay data | 388 | 70 |
On safety, diesel mechanics report more injuries that cause missed work (163 vs. 79 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 riggers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where riggers 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 21 states and riggers in 22. The gap favors diesel mechanics most in Massachusetts ($19,770) and riggers most in New York ($35,500).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles: occasionally for diesel mechanics, sometimes for riggers.
| Diesel Mechanic | Rigger | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Very often | Very often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Sometimes | Occasionally |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Often | Very often |
| Working at heights | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Very often | Often |
| Loud noise | Very often | Very often |
| Hazardous conditions | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Often | Often |
| Sitting | Occasionally | Rarely |
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.
Rigger
Set up or repair rigging for construction projects, manufacturing plants, logging yards, ships and shipyards, or for the entertainment industry.
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