Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship in Delaware

Wages, programs & career outlook
DE Median Salary
$61,660/yr
+2% vs. national
National Median
$60,640/yr
DE Employment
640
Diesel Mechanics employed
DE Sponsors
518
Registered programs

Delaware Wage Spread

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

10th %ile
$49,510
25th %ile
$52,770
Median
$61,660
75th %ile
$71,410
90th %ile
$82,730

Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship in Delaware

The median Diesel Mechanic in Delaware earns $61,660 annually, outpacing the national all-occupation median by 28%. The trade offers a reliable path to financial stability in the state.

The $61,660 median in Delaware is within striking distance of the $60,640 national figure. Average wages, but apprenticeships here may still offer strong local placement.

Employment growth for Diesel Mechanics (2.4%) won't make headlines, but the underlying math still works: 26,500 workers need replacing every year, and apprenticeship is the primary training pipeline.

Only 640 Diesel Mechanics work in Delaware — 0.2% of the national total. The limited scale can mean fewer formal apprenticeship programs, pushing some candidates toward nearby states with larger trade economies.

At 8,000 hours over 4 years, the Diesel Mechanic apprenticeship is comprehensive. You'll spend most of your time working alongside certified professionals, supplemented by classroom training in vehicle diagnostics, engine systems, and manufacturer certifications. Every hour is paid.

Finding a Diesel Mechanic apprenticeship in Delaware starts with a broad search — 518 organizations sponsor registered programs. Community colleges, trade unions, and independent employers all participate.

The $33,220 gap between entry-level and top-earning Diesel Mechanics in Delaware ($49,510 to $82,730) is tighter than most trades. Standardized pay schedules — often union-negotiated — keep the spread narrow.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Delaware

518 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Delaware. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
D & T Heating & Cooling Bear New Castle County
Flowrite Plumbing Bear New Castle County
HNS Plumbing Services LLC Bear New Castle County
Highfield Electric, LLC Bear New Castle County
JJID, Inc. Bear New Castle County
Pace Services LLC Bear New Castle County
Pinnacle Fabricators Bear New Castle County
Reybold Construction Group, LLC Bear New Castle County
Suppi Construction Inc Beat New Castle County
Custom Mechanical, Inc. Bethany Beach Sussex County
Amp Electric, LLC Bridgeville Kent County
Arctec Air Heating & Cooling Bridgeville Kent County
Bridgeville Public Library Bridgeville
J & S Plumbing, Inc. Bridgeville Sussex County
Town of Bridgeville Bridgeville
Alpha Omega DPC Camden
Eastern Shore Energy, Inc. Camden Kent County
Maffia Electric Camden Wyoming Kent County
Power Plus Electrical Contracting, Inc. Cheswold Kent County
Charles Moon Plumbing & Heating Claymont New Castle County
Four Seasons Plumbing Company Claymont New Castle County
Independent Electrical Service Claymont New Castle County
Parker Construction Claymont New Castle County
Bright Electrical Solutions LLC Clayton Kent County
Brothers, Inc. Clayton New Castle County
+ 5 more sponsors in Delaware

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Diesel Mechanic salary in Delaware?
The median annual wage for Diesel Mechanics in Delaware is $61,660 as of May 2024. Wages range from $49,510 at the 10th percentile to $82,730 at the 90th percentile.
How long is a Diesel Mechanic apprenticeship?
Most Diesel Mechanic apprenticeships run 4 years. Apprentices work under a journeyman while attending classes, typically earning wages from day one with scheduled increases.
Should I do a Diesel Mechanic apprenticeship or go to trade school?
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.
Is there demand for Diesel Mechanics?
Demand for Diesel Mechanics is modest, with 2.4% projected growth through 2034. An aging workforce creates replacement openings even in slower-growth scenarios.
How do I find a Diesel Mechanic apprenticeship in Delaware?
Contact one of the 518 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Delaware, or visit apprenticeship.gov to search for programs. Local union halls, community colleges, and state apprenticeship agencies are good starting points.
Do Diesel Mechanic apprentices get paid during training?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $30,830/yr in Delaware). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Diesel Mechanic in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Delaware

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