Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship in Alaska

Wages, programs & career outlook
AK Median Salary
$73,180/yr
+21% vs. national
National Median
$60,640/yr
AK Employment
740
Diesel Mechanics employed
AK Sponsors
341
Registered programs

Alaska Wage Spread

Annual wages for Diesel Mechanics in Alaska across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$53,560
25th %ile
$60,500
Median
$73,180
75th %ile
$79,630
90th %ile
$98,920

Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship in Alaska

At $73,180 per year, Alaska Diesel Mechanics earn 52% more than the typical American worker ($48,060 national median). The wage premium reflects both the trade's skill requirements and Alaska's labor market.

Alaska Diesel Mechanics earn $73,180/yr — a 21% premium over the $60,640 national median for the trade. Strong union presence or high demand likely drives the spread.

Job growth for Diesel Mechanics is projected at 2.4% through 2034 — slow but positive. Most of the 26,500 annual openings come from workers retiring rather than industry expansion.

With 740 Diesel Mechanics employed (0.2% of the U.S. total), Alaska is a smaller market for this trade. Apprenticeship seekers may find limited local options and should explore neighboring states.

The Diesel Mechanic apprenticeship path spans 4 years in a time-based format. During those 8,000 hours, apprentices rotate between jobsite work under a journeyman and formal instruction in vehicle diagnostics, engine systems, and manufacturer certifications.

Apprenticeship seekers in Alaska can contact any of 341 registered sponsors. Coverage is solid in metro areas, though rural regions may have fewer options for specific trades.

The $45,360 gap between entry-level and top-earning Diesel Mechanics in Alaska ($53,560 to $98,920) is tighter than most trades. Standardized pay schedules — often union-negotiated — keep the spread narrow.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Alaska

341 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Alaska. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Yupiit School District Akiachak
49th State Power Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
907 Heating & Plumbing Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
AK-The Bridge Company Anchorage
Accurate Vision Clinic, LLC Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Al Fish Plumbing, LLC Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Apprenticeship Office Anchorage
Alaska Basin Anchorage
Alaska CHARR Educational Fund, Inc Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Carpenters Training Trust (WSCTF) Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Department of Corrections Anchorage Null
Alaska Industrial Insulation & Fireproofing, Inc. Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Ironworkers Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Joint Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Trust Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Native Medical Center Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Division of Environmental Health & Engineering Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Pacific University Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Plumbing Service, LLC Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Premier Health Anchorage
Alaska Primary Care Association Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Safety Alliance Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Solar, LLC Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Southcentral / Southeastern Sheet Metal Workers JATC Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Teamster - Employer Service Training Trust Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
+ 5 more sponsors in Alaska

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Diesel Mechanics earn in Alaska?
Diesel Mechanics in Alaska earn a median salary of $73,180/yr according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024). This is above the national median of $60,640 for the trade.
How many years does it take to become a Diesel Mechanic through apprenticeship?
The standard Diesel Mechanic apprenticeship is 4 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom education. Some programs offer accelerated paths for candidates with prior experience.
Is an apprenticeship better than trade school for Diesel Mechanics?
An apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn over 4 years with no tuition cost. Trade school is faster (6-24 months) but costs money upfront. Both can lead to the same journeyman credential.
Are Diesel Mechanic jobs growing?
The BLS projects 2.4% employment growth for Diesel Mechanics through 2034 — modest demand. About 26500 positions open annually through both growth and retirements.
Where can I apply for a Diesel Mechanic apprenticeship in Alaska?
There are 341 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Alaska. Start with your local IBEW, UA, or trade union office. You can also check apprenticeship.gov for listings and contact sponsors directly.
How much do Diesel Mechanic apprentices earn?
Apprentices are paid employees from the start. In Alaska, a first-year Diesel Mechanic apprentice might earn around $36,590/yr (roughly half the $73,180 journeyman median), with scheduled raises throughout the 4-year program.

Diesel Mechanic in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Alaska

Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024, DOL RAPIDS Registered Apprenticeship database, ApprenticeshipUSA Sponsor Directory.