Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship in Pennsylvania

Wages, programs & career outlook
PA Median Salary
$60,350/yr
-0% vs. national
National Median
$60,640/yr
PA Employment
13,560
Diesel Mechanics employed
PA Sponsors
1844
Registered programs

Pennsylvania Wage Spread

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

10th %ile
$42,950
25th %ile
$49,230
Median
$60,350
75th %ile
$69,680
90th %ile
$79,360

Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship in Pennsylvania

Diesel Mechanics in Pennsylvania earn $60,350/yr at the median — 26% above the $48,060 national average across all occupations. A solid middle-class income that typically comes without student debt.

At $60,350 per year, Pennsylvania pays roughly the national average for Diesel Mechanics. Neither a wage premium nor a discount — average market conditions.

The 2.4% growth projection is below average, but 26,500 replacement openings per year still create steady demand for trained Diesel Mechanics.

At 13,560 employed Diesel Mechanics, Pennsylvania holds 4.5% of the national market. Enough critical mass for functional apprenticeship programs, though not as many options as the top-employing states.

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 Pennsylvania have 1,844 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 $36,410 gap between entry-level and top-earning Diesel Mechanics in Pennsylvania ($42,950 to $79,360) is tighter than most trades. Standardized pay schedules — often union-negotiated — keep the spread narrow.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Pennsylvania

1844 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Pennsylvania. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
ABBOTTSTOWN INDUSTRIES INC Abbottstown Adams County
AOR Consulting Inc dba AOR Information Technology Solutions Abington
Abington School District Abington Montgomery County
Proper Sky, Inc Abington
SCI Albion Albion
SHUMAKE ELECTRIC, LLC Albion
Learned Potential LLC. Aldan Delaware County
(PITTS)ASBESTOS WORKERS LU #2 JATC Aliquippa Beaver County
Aliquippa School District Aliquippa
Insulators and Allied Workers Local No. 2 JATC Aliquippa Beaver County
(NE PA ) Elevator Constructors JATC LU84 Allentown Lehigh County
ALLENTOWN ELECTRICIANS JATC LOCAL 375 Allentown Lehigh County
Air Products Allentown
Allentown Fire Fighters JAC Allentown Lehigh County
B. Braun Medical Allentown Lehigh County
CETRONIA AMBULANCE CORP Allentown Lehigh County
CMS NEXTECH Allentown Lehigh County
Dual Temp Company, Inc Allentown Lehigh County
EASTERN PA CHAPTER ABC (EAST NORRITON, PA) Allentown Montgomery County
Elek Plumbing Allentown
FRED J. MOYER PLUMBING INC Allentown Lehigh County
G Technology Allentown
Kyle David Group Allentown
Lehigh Valley Workforce Development Board, Inc. Allentown
Maitz Home Services Allentown
+ 5 more sponsors in Pennsylvania

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Diesel Mechanic salary in Pennsylvania?
Diesel Mechanics in Pennsylvania earn a median salary of $60,350/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?
An apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn over 4 years with no tuition cost. Trade school is faster (6-24 months) but costs money upfront. Both can lead to the same journeyman credential.
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 Pennsylvania?
There are 1844 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania, a first-year Diesel Mechanic apprentice might earn around $30,175/yr (roughly half the $60,350 journeyman median), with scheduled raises throughout the 4-year program.

Diesel Mechanic in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Pennsylvania

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