Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship in Oklahoma

Wages, programs & career outlook
OK Median Salary
$50,950/yr
-16% vs. national
National Median
$60,640/yr
OK Employment
3,420
Diesel Mechanics employed
OK Sponsors
249
Registered programs

Oklahoma Wage Spread

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

10th %ile
$35,620
25th %ile
$43,460
Median
$50,950
75th %ile
$63,100
90th %ile
$75,660

Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship in Oklahoma

Diesel Mechanics in Oklahoma earn $50,950/yr — roughly in line with the $48,060 national median across all occupations. The financial case depends on low training costs and strong job security.

The $50,950 median puts Oklahoma well below the national Diesel Mechanic average of $60,640. Cost of living may partially offset the 16% discount, but the wage gap is notable.

Growth projections are modest at 2.4%, though the 26,500 annual replacement openings tell a better story. Retiring baby boomers in the trades create persistent demand regardless of economic cycles.

The Diesel Mechanic workforce in Oklahoma (3,420 workers, 1.1% of national employment) is relatively small. Fewer employers means fewer apprenticeship slots — competition for available programs can be stiffer.

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

Wages for Diesel Mechanics in Oklahoma range from $35,620 at the entry level to $75,660 for veterans — a $40,040 spread that maps directly to experience, certifications, and willingness to take on complex jobs.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Oklahoma

249 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Oklahoma. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Oklahoma Works - American Job Center - Ada Ada
ALTUS POWER Altus Jackson County
Black Sheep Altus
Brush Unlimited, LLC. Altus Jackson County
Oklahoma Works - American Job Center - Altus Altus
Black Sheep Mutton Company LLC Alus
Value Added Products (VAP) Alva Woods County
Oklahoma Works - American Job Center - Ardmore Ardmore
Atoka Center - Southern Workforce Board Atoka
Oklahoma Works - American Job Center - Bartlesville Bartlesville
S&P Clearing and Energy Services Bennington Bryan County
Access Optics Incorporated Broken Arrow Tulsa County
MP-Tulsa-Advanced Research Chemical Broken Arrow
Manpower - Tulsa, OK branch Broken Arrow
VSC Fire & Security, Inc. Broken Arrow Tulsa County
Hawkston, LLC Cashe Comanche County
Cherokee Nation Hospitality Catoosa
Oklahoma Works - American Job Center - Chickasha Chickasha
South Central Oklahoma Workforce Development Board Chickasha
Silver Creek Heat & Air, LLC Choctaw
Bills Electric Inc Claremore Rogers County
Claremore Electric Apprenticeship Program Claremore Rogers County
Indian Electric Cooperative Cleveland Cleveland County
TechTrol Inc. Cleveland
Clinton Public Schools Clinton
+ 5 more sponsors in Oklahoma

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Diesel Mechanic salary in Oklahoma?
Diesel Mechanics in Oklahoma earn a median salary of $50,950/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?
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.
Are Diesel Mechanic jobs growing?
The BLS projects 2.4% employment growth for Diesel Mechanics through 2034 — modest demand. About 26500 positions open annually through both growth and retirements.
How do I find a Diesel Mechanic apprenticeship in Oklahoma?
There are 249 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Oklahoma. 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?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $25,475/yr in Oklahoma). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Diesel Mechanic in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Oklahoma

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