How To Become A Diesel Mechanic Apprentice: What It Is and Career Path

What is a diesel mechanic apprentice and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Like you already know, an apprentice is someone learning about a trade. In this case, a diesel mechanic apprentice refers to a person learning how to repair and maintain diesel-powered vehicles. This person handles the preparation of tools and cleans the workplace. They assist their boss in repairing, inspecting, and maintaining diesel engines and associated machinery.

Sometimes, customers may need the diesel mechanic to diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical problems on their behalf. However, whenever the master is busy, an apprentice can complete the maintenance that is already on schedule on their behalf. The apprentice should be able to handle simple tasks like cleaning, part replacement, and fueling.

An apprentice needs to have at least a high school diploma or associate degree. Some diesel mechanics may require a bachelor's degree, but this is not often the case. Diesel mechanic apprentices make $40,952 on average per year and $19.69 per hour.

ScoreDiesel Mechanic ApprenticeUS Average

Salary

3.6

Avg. Salary $46,455

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.3

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

10.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.05%

Asian 2.32%

Black or African American 7.30%

Hispanic or Latino 20.04%

Unknown 4.96%

White 64.33%

Gender

female 4.28%

male 95.72%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Stress level

6.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

5.8

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a diesel mechanic apprentice

Explore diesel mechanic apprentice education requirements

Most common diesel mechanic apprentice degrees

High School Diploma

40.2 %

Associate

29.5 %

Diploma

10.7 %

Start to develop specific diesel mechanic apprentice skills

Skills	Percentages
CDL	27.43%
Hand Tools	21.56%
Electrical Systems	14.41%
Preventative Maintenance	13.73%
Hydraulic Components	4.96%

Complete relevant diesel mechanic apprentice training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New diesel mechanic apprentices learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a diesel mechanic apprentice based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real diesel mechanic apprentice resumes.

Research diesel mechanic apprentice duties and responsibilities

Maintain company's fleet of boats.
Maintain and repair all aspects of vehicles from buses to boats and atvs
Truck alignments, brakes, suspensions, drive train, engines, engine diagnostics, and electrical, HVAC.
Perform preventive maintenance and repairs on Volvo and international semi-trucks.

Prepare your diesel mechanic apprentice resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your diesel mechanic apprentice resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a diesel mechanic apprentice resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable diesel mechanic apprentice resume templates

Build a professional diesel mechanic apprentice resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your diesel mechanic apprentice resume.