Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship in Ohio

Wages, programs & career outlook
OH Median Salary
$59,670/yr
-2% vs. national
National Median
$60,640/yr
OH Employment
14,170
Diesel Mechanics employed
OH Sponsors
805
Registered programs

Ohio Wage Spread

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

10th %ile
$42,590
25th %ile
$49,130
Median
$59,670
75th %ile
$65,620
90th %ile
$76,770

Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship in Ohio

The median Diesel Mechanic in Ohio earns $59,670 annually, outpacing the national all-occupation median by 24%. The trade offers a reliable path to financial stability in the state.

At $59,670 per year, Ohio 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.

With 4.7% of the nation's Diesel Mechanics (14,170 workers), Ohio sits in the middle of the pack. Apprenticeship programs exist but may concentrate in metro areas rather than spread statewide.

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.

Prospective Diesel Mechanic apprentices in Ohio have 805 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 $34,180 gap between entry-level and top-earning Diesel Mechanics in Ohio ($42,590 to $76,770) is tighter than most trades. Standardized pay schedules — often union-negotiated — keep the spread narrow.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Ohio

805 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Ohio. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
AKRON FIRE DEPT. TRAINING DEPT. Akron Summit County
Akron Area Electrical JATC Akron Summit County
Community Drug Board, Inc. Akron
ELECTRICIANS JATC, AKRON Akron Summit County
IBH Addiction Recovery Akron
Landi Industries Akron
OhioMeansJobs Summit County Akron
Oriana House, Inc, Akron Summit County
Oriana House, Inc. Akron
PLUMBERS, STEAMFITTERS & MES JATC, AKRON Akron Summit County
Summit/Medina Workforce Development Board Akron
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON Akron Summit County
Urban Ounce of Prevention Behavioral Health Services, Inc. Akron
WHITACRE GREER COMPANY Alliance Mahoning County
NORTHERN OHIO ADMIN DISTRICT CO OF BRICKLAYERS Amherst Lorain County
ORRSON CUSTOM FARMING LTD. Apple Creek
Northwest State Community College Archbold Fulton County
Sauder Manufacturing Co. Archbold
BCU Electric, Inc. Ashland
OhioMeansJobs Ashland County Ashland
INEOS KOH Ashtabula Ashtabula County
INEOS PIGMENTS PLANT 1 Ashtabula Ashtabula County
OhioMeansJobs - Ashtabula County Ashtabula
AREA 14 WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD Athens Athens County
Athens Mold and Machine Athens
+ 5 more sponsors in Ohio

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Diesel Mechanic salary in Ohio?
Diesel Mechanics in Ohio earn a median salary of $59,670/yr according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024). This is below the national median of $60,640 for the trade.
How many years does it take to become a Diesel Mechanic through 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?
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.
Are Diesel Mechanic jobs growing?
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 Ohio?
There are 805 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Ohio. 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 Ohio, a first-year Diesel Mechanic apprentice might earn around $29,835/yr (roughly half the $59,670 journeyman median), with scheduled raises throughout the 4-year program.

Diesel Mechanic in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Ohio

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