Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship in Texas

Wages, programs & career outlook
TX Median Salary
$57,870/yr
-5% vs. national
National Median
$60,640/yr
TX Employment
29,730
Diesel Mechanics employed
TX Sponsors
1964
Registered programs

Texas Wage Spread

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

10th %ile
$38,730
25th %ile
$46,580
Median
$57,870
75th %ile
$66,530
90th %ile
$79,750

Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship in Texas

The median Diesel Mechanic in Texas earns $57,870 annually, outpacing the national all-occupation median by 20%. The trade offers a reliable path to financial stability in the state.

Wages for Diesel Mechanics in Texas ($57,870/yr) track close to the $60,640 national median — within 5% 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.

Texas employs 29,730 Diesel Mechanics — 9.8% of the national workforce — making it one of the larger markets for this trade. Apprenticeship pipelines here benefit from deep employer networks.

The pathway to journeyman Diesel Mechanic takes 4 years of structured training — 8,000 hours total. Apprentices divide time between the jobsite and technical education in vehicle diagnostics, engine systems, and manufacturer certifications, earning progressively higher wages throughout.

With 1,964 sponsors on record, Texas ranks among the top states for apprenticeship access. Whether through IBEW locals, contractor-run programs, or state-sponsored initiatives, entry points are plentiful.

Apprentices entering the Diesel Mechanic trade in Texas start near the $38,730 floor but have a clear path to $79,750 — a $41,020 arc that reflects how the trade values experience and skill accumulation.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Texas

1964 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Texas. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Goodwill Industries of Houston 2520 Brun Street Harris County
Aegis Onshore Abilene
Arrow Ford Abilene
Associated Contractors Abilene Taylor County
BWJ METAL WORKS Abilene
Best Tree Service LLC Abilene
Big Country Sheet Metal, INC Abilene Taylor County
Cary Services Abilene
MasterScapes Abilene
PHOENIX BODI AND BEAUTY INSTITUTE (PBBI) Abilene Taylor County
RobCo Lott, LLC Abilene Taylor County
Safety Technology Abilene Taylor County
Samuel EPC, LLC Abilene Taylor County
Texas Healthcare Linen Abilene Taylor County
West Central Texas Council of Governments (AHEC) Abilene Taylor County
Workforce Solutions West Central - Abilene Abilene
Z Winds LLC Abilene Taylor County
Attentive Network Solutions, Inc. Addison
Bed Beacon, LLC Addison Collin County
AApprenticeship Construction Academy, LLC Aledo Parker County
Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend - Alice Alice
Crawford and Company Allen Dallas County
The Goddard School of Allen (East) Allen
Total Cyber Solutions, LLC Allen
Workforce Solutions Borderplex Alpine
+ 5 more sponsors in Texas

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Diesel Mechanics earn in Texas?
The median annual wage for Diesel Mechanics in Texas is $57,870 as of May 2024. Wages range from $38,730 at the 10th percentile to $79,750 at the 90th percentile.
How long is a Diesel Mechanic 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.
Is an apprenticeship better than trade school for Diesel Mechanics?
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?
Demand for Diesel Mechanics is modest, with 2.4% projected growth through 2034. An aging workforce creates replacement openings even in slower-growth scenarios.
Where can I apply for a Diesel Mechanic apprenticeship in Texas?
Contact one of the 1964 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Texas, 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 $28,935/yr in Texas). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Diesel Mechanic in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Texas

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