Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship in Michigan

Wages, programs & career outlook
MI Median Salary
$59,270/yr
-2% vs. national
National Median
$60,640/yr
MI Employment
8,330
Diesel Mechanics employed
MI Sponsors
1559
Registered programs

Michigan Wage Spread

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

10th %ile
$42,540
25th %ile
$49,100
Median
$59,270
75th %ile
$64,280
90th %ile
$77,970

Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship in Michigan

Diesel Mechanics in Michigan earn $59,270/yr at the median — 23% above the $48,060 national average across all occupations. A solid middle-class income that typically comes without student debt.

At $59,270 per year, Michigan pays roughly the national average for Diesel Mechanics. Neither a wage premium nor a discount — average market conditions.

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 2.7% of the nation's Diesel Mechanics (8,330 workers), Michigan sits in the middle of the pack. Apprenticeship programs exist but may concentrate in metro areas rather than spread statewide.

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.

With 1,559 sponsors on record, Michigan ranks among the top states for apprenticeship access. Whether through IBEW locals, contractor-run programs, or state-sponsored initiatives, entry points are plentiful.

The $35,430 gap between entry-level and top-earning Diesel Mechanics in Michigan ($42,540 to $77,970) is tighter than most trades. Standardized pay schedules — often union-negotiated — keep the spread narrow.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Michigan

1559 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Michigan. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Siemens Controls 45470 Commerce Center Dr.
Big Steps, Little Feet Ada
Monsma Landscape & Maintenance, Inc Ada
Kapnick Insurance Adrian
Legacy Barber College Adrian Lenawee County
Lenawee Medical Care Facility Adrian
Madison School District Adrian
Michigan Works! Southeast - Lenawee Service Center Adrian
Albion Electric, Inc. Albion Jackson County
Knauf Insulation Albion Calhoun County
Team One Plastics Albion Calhoun County
Little Tigers Learning Center Allegan
Perrigo Company Allegan Allegan County
West Michigan Works! Service Center - Allegan County Allegan
WestRock - Allegan Allegan Allegan County
Ford-Lincoln Motor Company Allen Park Wayne County
Allendale Public Schools Allendale
Star Crane & Hoist Services Allendale Ottawa County
Alma College Alma Gratiot County
Alma Public Schools Alma
Children's Discovery Academy, Inc. Alma
Michigan Works! Service Center - Gratiot Alma
Alcona Citizens for Health, Inc. Alpena
Alpena Opco, LLC - DBA: Medilodge of Alpena Alpena
Alpena Power Company Alpena Alpena County
+ 5 more sponsors in Michigan

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Diesel Mechanics make in Michigan?
Diesel Mechanics in Michigan earn a median salary of $59,270/yr according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024). This is below the national median of $60,640 for the trade.
How long is a Diesel Mechanic apprenticeship?
A typical Diesel Mechanic apprenticeship lasts approximately 4 years (8,000 hours of on-the-job training). The program combines paid work experience with related classroom instruction.
Should I do a Diesel Mechanic apprenticeship or go to trade school?
The key difference: apprenticeships pay you during training while trade schools charge tuition. Many employers prefer apprenticeship-trained Diesel Mechanics, but trade school can give you a head start on the classroom requirements.
What is the job outlook 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 Michigan?
Contact one of the 1559 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Michigan, or visit apprenticeship.gov to search for programs. Local union halls, community colleges, and state apprenticeship agencies are good starting points.
How much do Diesel Mechanic apprentices earn?
Apprentices are paid employees from the start. In Michigan, a first-year Diesel Mechanic apprentice might earn around $29,635/yr (roughly half the $59,270 journeyman median), with scheduled raises throughout the 4-year program.

Diesel Mechanic in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Michigan

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