Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship in Oregon

Wages, programs & career outlook
OR Median Salary
$62,670/yr
+3% vs. national
National Median
$60,640/yr
OR Employment
4,030
Diesel Mechanics employed
OR Sponsors
249
Registered programs

Oregon Wage Spread

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

10th %ile
$47,060
25th %ile
$55,310
Median
$62,670
75th %ile
$75,570
90th %ile
$87,760

Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship in Oregon

Diesel Mechanics in Oregon earn $62,670/yr at the median — 30% above the $48,060 national average across all occupations. A solid middle-class income that typically comes without student debt.

Wages for Diesel Mechanics in Oregon ($62,670/yr) track close to the $60,640 national median — within 3% either way. The state sits squarely in the middle of the pack.

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.

At just 1.3% of the national Diesel Mechanic workforce (4,030 employed), Oregon has a compact market. Apprenticeship programs may be concentrated in one or two metro areas rather than spread across the state.

Expect a 4-year commitment for a Diesel Mechanic apprenticeship: 8,000 hours of supervised field work alongside coursework in vehicle diagnostics, engine systems, and manufacturer certifications. Pay starts lower but scales up — most programs bump wages every six months.

Oregon has 249 organizations running registered apprenticeship programs. Start with your local trade union or check apprenticeship.gov — the state's mid-range sponsor count means programs exist but may not be around every corner.

The wage band for Diesel Mechanics in Oregon is narrow: $47,060 to $87,760 at the extremes. The $40,700 range means compensation is relatively standardized, often set by union contracts or prevailing wage rates.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Oregon

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

Organization City County
AREA II LTD ENERGY ELECTRICAL JATC Albany
MID-VALLEY STEAMFITTERS/PIPEFITTERS JATC Albany
MID-WILLAMETTE INDUSTRIAL TATC Albany
NATIONAL FROZEN FOODS JATC Albany
The Ammonia Refrigeration Consortium c/o RETA Albany Linn County
WorkSource - Albany Albany
Lomakatsi Restoration Project Ashland Jackson County
NORTH COAST PLUMBERS JATC Astoria
COLUMBIA HELICOPTER INC JATC Aurora
BAKER TECHNICAL INSTITUTE JATC Baker City
WorkSource Oregon - Baker City Baker City
CITY OF BANDON & IBEW LOCAL 659 JATC Bandon
LEUPOLD & STEVENS OF BEAVERTON JATC Beaverton
AREA VII LTD RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICAL JATC Bend
BMS Technologies Bend
Bend Vocational Rehabilitation Bend
East Cascades Workforce Investment Board Bend
Pacific Power & LU 125 JATC Bend
Rock Supremacy, LLC Bend
SOUTHERN OR ELECTRICAL UTILITIES JATC Bend
The Oxford Hotel Bend
WorkSource Oregon - Deschutes County - Bend Bend
South Coast Lumber Co. (SOCOMI) Brookings
WorkSource Oregon - Curry County Brookings
WorkSource Oregon - Burns Burns
+ 5 more sponsors in Oregon

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Diesel Mechanic salary in Oregon?
The median annual wage for Diesel Mechanics in Oregon is $62,670 as of May 2024. Wages range from $47,060 at the 10th percentile to $87,760 at the 90th percentile.
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 Oregon?
Contact one of the 249 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Oregon, or visit apprenticeship.gov to search for programs. Local union halls, community colleges, and state apprenticeship agencies are good starting points.
Do Diesel Mechanic apprentices get paid during training?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $31,335/yr in Oregon). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Diesel Mechanic in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Oregon

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