Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship in New Jersey

Wages, programs & career outlook
NJ Median Salary
$68,620/yr
+13% vs. national
National Median
$60,640/yr
NJ Employment
8,360
Diesel Mechanics employed
NJ Sponsors
2555
Registered programs

New Jersey Wage Spread

Annual wages for Diesel Mechanics in New Jersey across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$49,480
25th %ile
$58,910
Median
$68,620
75th %ile
$79,250
90th %ile
$92,070

Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship in New Jersey

Diesel Mechanics in New Jersey earn $68,620/yr at the median — 43% above the $48,060 national average across all occupations. A solid middle-class income that typically comes without student debt.

At $68,620/yr, New Jersey Diesel Mechanics earn 13% more than the $60,640 national median for the trade. A slight edge that may reflect local demand or cost of living.

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.

New Jersey employs 8,360 Diesel Mechanics, accounting for 2.8% of the national workforce — a mid-sized market with enough employer density to support active apprenticeship placement.

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.

Prospective Diesel Mechanic apprentices in New Jersey have 2,555 registered sponsors to explore — from union locals to employer-sponsored programs. That depth of options means most regions of the state have accessible entry points.

The wage band for Diesel Mechanics in New Jersey is narrow: $49,480 to $92,070 at the extremes. The $42,590 range means compensation is relatively standardized, often set by union contracts or prevailing wage rates.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in New Jersey

2555 registered apprenticeship sponsors in New Jersey. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) 100 Stellarator Road Middlesex County
Jersey Elevator, LLC. Aberdeen Monmouth County
Mastropiero Plumbing & Heating Corporation Aberdeen Monmouth County
RPM Landscape Contractor, LLC Abescon
Brandon's Restoration Service Absecon Atlantic County
Climatech Heat and Air Absecon Atlantic County
Diamond Scooters, Inc. Absecon Atlantic County
Bob Viersma & Sons, Inc. Allamuchy
Oceanside Service Inc. Allenhurst Monmouth County
Freiberger Excavating, LLC Allentown
Hammer Electrical Contracting LLC Allentown Monmouth County
Premier Electric Allenwood Monmouth County
P3 Generators LLC Alpha
Airside Inc. Andover
Clarke Moynihan Landscaping and Construction Andover
Nardone Electric, Inc. Andover Warren County
Vaughan Sealcoating & Paving Andover
Bob Taylor Plumbing & Heating Inc. Annandale Hunterdon County
Green Power Energy, LLC Annandale
RSG Electric LLC Asbury Hunterdon County
Samsean Enterprises LLC Asbury Warren County
Tornusciolo Plumbing & Heating Inc. Asbury Monmouth County
Comfort World Service LLC Asbury Park Monmouth County
Encon Asbury Park Monmouth County
Marco Region Management LLC Asbury Park Monmouth County
+ 5 more sponsors in New Jersey

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Diesel Mechanics make in New Jersey?
The BLS reports a median wage of $68,620/yr for Diesel Mechanics in New Jersey (May 2024 data). Experience, union membership, and specialization all affect where you fall in the range.
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.
What's the difference between a Diesel Mechanic apprenticeship and trade school?
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.
What is the job outlook for Diesel Mechanics?
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 New Jersey?
Contact one of the 2555 registered apprenticeship sponsors in New Jersey, 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 New Jersey, a first-year Diesel Mechanic apprentice might earn around $34,310/yr (roughly half the $68,620 journeyman median), with scheduled raises throughout the 4-year program.

Diesel Mechanic in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in New Jersey

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