CDCareer Decision

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Salary in Santa Cruz, CA

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists in Santa Cruz, CA have a median annual salary of $75,670, with 90 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $56,510 at the 10th percentile to $99,330 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$75,670

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$36.38

Employment

90

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$56,510
10th
$63,790
25th
$75,670
Median
$87,290
75th
$99,330
90th

Local compared with national

Santa Cruz, CA

$75,670

Median annual · 2025

United States

$61,770

Median annual · 2025

The Santa Cruz, CA median is 22.5% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $13,900).

Top skills

  1. 1.TroubleshootingImportance 4.0
  2. 2.RepairingImportance 4.0
  3. 3.Operations MonitoringImportance 3.5
  4. 4.Equipment MaintenanceImportance 3.4
  5. 5.Critical ThinkingImportance 3.3
  6. 6.Quality Control AnalysisImportance 3.3
  7. 7.SpeakingImportance 3.1
  8. 8.Equipment SelectionImportance 3.1
  9. 9.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.1
  10. 10.Active ListeningImportance 3.0
  11. 11.MonitoringImportance 3.0
  12. 12.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.0

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
Post-Secondary Certificate
Experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Job zone
3

Technology used

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Computerized maintenance management system software CMMS
  • Cummins INSITE
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
  • Database software
  • Engine diagnostic software
  • Fleet management software
  • Inventory tracking software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software
  • Scheduling software
  • Shop management software

Common tasks

  • Use handtools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, pressure gauges, or precision instruments, as well as power tools, such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding equipment, or jacks and hoists.
  • Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.
  • Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
  • Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.
  • Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.
  • Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.
  • Examine and adjust protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices.
  • Inspect, test, and listen to defective equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test instruments such as handheld computers, motor analyzers, chassis charts, or pressure gauges.
  • Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
  • Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists salary in other locations

Other occupations in Santa Cruz, CA