Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship in North Dakota

Wages, programs & career outlook
ND Median Salary
$63,430/yr
+5% vs. national
National Median
$60,640/yr
ND Employment
1,540
Diesel Mechanics employed
ND Sponsors
149
Registered programs

North Dakota Wage Spread

Annual wages for Diesel Mechanics in North Dakota across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$44,710
25th %ile
$51,570
Median
$63,430
75th %ile
$75,550
90th %ile
$83,430

Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship in North Dakota

Diesel Mechanics in North Dakota earn $63,430/yr at the median — 32% above the $48,060 national average across all occupations. A solid middle-class income that typically comes without student debt.

At $63,430 per year, North Dakota pays roughly the national average for Diesel Mechanics. Neither a wage premium nor a discount — average market conditions.

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 1,540 Diesel Mechanics work in North Dakota — 0.5% 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.

The 149 registered sponsors in North Dakota provide functional apprenticeship coverage for most of the state's population centers. Trade unions and contractor groups account for the majority of placements.

The wage band for Diesel Mechanics in North Dakota is narrow: $44,710 to $83,430 at the extremes. The $38,720 range means compensation is relatively standardized, often set by union contracts or prevailing wage rates.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in North Dakota

149 registered apprenticeship sponsors in North Dakota. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Turtle Mountain Community College Belcourt Rolette County
MAP MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS INC Beulah
APPLE CREEK ELECTRIC, INC. Bismarck Burleigh County
All Nations Oilfield Services, LLC Bismarck Burleigh County
BISMARCK-MANDAN AREA CARPENTERS JATC Bismarck Burleigh County
BISMARCK-MINOT SHEET METAL JATC Bismarck Burleigh County
BT Mills, Inc. Bismarck Burleigh County
Bismarck Aero Center ND Bismarck Burleigh County
Bismarck State College (Polytechnic Institute) Bismarck Burleigh County
ELECTRIC SYSTEMS, INC. Bismarck Burleigh County
FARGO/GRAND FORKS SHEET METAL JATC Bismarck Burleigh County
GREAT PLAINS NATURAL GAS Bismarck Burleigh County
HFIAW 133 - ND STATEWIDE ASBESTOS WORKERS Bismarck Burleigh County
Job Service North Dakota - Bismarck Workforce Center Bismarck
MONTANA-DAKOTA UTILITIES JATC Bismarck Burleigh County
Midwest Lash Supply Bismarck
Miller Insulation Company, Inc. Bismarck
North Dakota Apprenticeship Office Bismarck
North Dakota Department of Corrections Bismarck Burleigh County
North Dakota Department of Public Instruction Bismarck Burleigh County
North Dakota Information Technology Bismarck
North Dakota Rural Water Systems Association Bismarck Burleigh County
North Dakota Workforce Development Council Bismarck
One Massage Float Clinic & School Bismarck Burleigh County
Pye-Barker Fire & Safety Bismarck Burleigh County
+ 5 more sponsors in North Dakota

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Diesel Mechanic salary in North Dakota?
Diesel Mechanics in North Dakota earn a median salary of $63,430/yr according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024). This is above 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.
Is an apprenticeship better than trade school for Diesel Mechanics?
Apprenticeships offer paid training with no tuition, while trade school requires upfront costs but may be shorter. Many Diesel Mechanics combine both — starting with trade school basics before entering an apprenticeship.
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 North Dakota?
Contact one of the 149 registered apprenticeship sponsors in North Dakota, 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?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $31,715/yr in North Dakota). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Diesel Mechanic in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in North Dakota

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