Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship in Virginia

Wages, programs & career outlook
VA Median Salary
$58,530/yr
-3% vs. national
National Median
$60,640/yr
VA Employment
7,870
Diesel Mechanics employed
VA Sponsors
2435
Registered programs

Virginia Wage Spread

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

10th %ile
$41,170
25th %ile
$48,220
Median
$58,530
75th %ile
$64,910
90th %ile
$78,930

Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship in Virginia

At $58,530/yr, Virginia Diesel Mechanics earn a meaningful premium over the $48,060 national average — 22% more without requiring a bachelor's degree.

At $58,530 per year, Virginia pays roughly the national average for Diesel Mechanics. Neither a wage premium nor a discount — average market conditions.

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.

The 7,870 Diesel Mechanics in Virginia (2.6% of the national total) place the state in the middle tier for trade employment. Apprenticeship availability tracks accordingly — present but not abundant.

Becoming a Diesel Mechanic through apprenticeship takes roughly 4 years — 8,000 hours split between on-the-job training and classroom study covering vehicle diagnostics, engine systems, and manufacturer certifications. Wages start at a fraction of journeyman rate and increase on a set schedule.

The apprenticeship infrastructure in Virginia is extensive: 2,435 registered sponsors operate across the state. Union halls, contractors, and joint apprenticeship committees all accept applications.

The wage band for Diesel Mechanics in Virginia is narrow: $41,170 to $78,930 at the extremes. The $37,760 range means compensation is relatively standardized, often set by union contracts or prevailing wage rates.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Virginia

2435 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Virginia. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Abingdon Center Abingdon
Alana's Hair Place LLC Abingdon Washington County
Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Center Abingdon
Commonwealth Senior Living at Abingdon Abingdon
EO Companies Abingdon Washington County
Eye Physicians of Southwest Abingdon Washington County
Pioneer Chevrolet Abingdon Washington County
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Abingdon Washington County
Vanity Beauty Lounge Abingdon Washington County
Virginia Career Works--Bristol Center Abingdon
Walmart Vision Center, Abingdon 0154 Abingdon Washington County
Wize Solutions Abingdon Washington County
SHEPHERD KGM SERVICES LLC Aldie Loudoun County
ABM Alexandria Alexandria City
American Boiler, Inc Alexandria Fairfax County
B-SAR Electric, LLC Alexandria Fairfax County
BECKER ELECTRIC CO., INC. Alexandria Alexandria
Beauthuyfy Salon LLC Alexandria Alexandria City
Blush Salon LLC Alexandria Alexandria City
CT Cuts Alexandria Alexandria City
City of Alexandria Virginia Sanitation Authority Alexandria Alexandria City
Costco Vision Center 1115 Alexandria Alexandria Fairfax County
Dawn Marie's Visage LLC Alexandria Alexandria City
Depeyrot Partners LLP Alexandria Alexandria City
ELECTRICAL SOLUTIONS LLC. Alexandria Fairfax County
+ 5 more sponsors in Virginia

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Diesel Mechanic salary in Virginia?
The BLS reports a median wage of $58,530/yr for Diesel Mechanics in Virginia (May 2024 data). Experience, union membership, and specialization all affect where you fall in the range.
How long is a Diesel Mechanic apprenticeship?
A typical Diesel Mechanic apprenticeship lasts approximately 4 years (8,000 hours of on-the-job training). The program combines paid work experience with related classroom instruction.
What's the difference between a Diesel Mechanic apprenticeship and trade school?
The key difference: apprenticeships pay you during training while trade schools charge tuition. Many employers prefer apprenticeship-trained Diesel Mechanics, but trade school can give you a head start on the classroom requirements.
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 Virginia?
Contact one of the 2435 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Virginia, or visit apprenticeship.gov to search for programs. Local union halls, community colleges, and state apprenticeship agencies are good starting points.
How much do Diesel Mechanic apprentices earn?
Apprentices are paid employees from the start. In Virginia, a first-year Diesel Mechanic apprentice might earn around $29,265/yr (roughly half the $58,530 journeyman median), with scheduled raises throughout the 4-year program.

Diesel Mechanic in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Virginia

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