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How to hire a diesel mechanic apprentice

Diesel mechanic apprentice hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring diesel mechanic apprentices in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a diesel mechanic apprentice is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new diesel mechanic apprentice to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a diesel mechanic apprentice, step by step

To hire a diesel mechanic apprentice, you should create an ideal candidate profile, determine a budget, and post and promote your job. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a diesel mechanic apprentice:

Here's a step-by-step diesel mechanic apprentice hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a diesel mechanic apprentice job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new diesel mechanic apprentice
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    First, determine the employments status of the diesel mechanic apprentice you need to hire. Certain diesel mechanic apprentice roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    Hiring the perfect diesel mechanic apprentice also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

    The following list breaks down different types of diesel mechanic apprentices and their corresponding salaries.

    Type of Diesel Mechanic ApprenticeDescriptionHourly rate
    Diesel Mechanic ApprenticeDiesel service technicians and mechanics inspect, repair, and overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engine.$16-28
    Auto TechnicianAn auto technician specializes in performing inspections, repairs, and maintenance on different automotive vehicles ranging from small cars to light trucks. Their responsibilities revolve around identifying issues using various diagnostic tools to determine which course of action to take, discussing the extent of repairs to clients, and ordering car parts from suppliers... Show more$13-28
    Automotive Service TechnicianAutomotive service technicians, often called service technicians, have a duty to inspect, maintain, and repair cars and even light trucks. It is their job as automotive service technicians to find problems, often by computerized diagnostic equipment... Show more$12-35
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • CDL
    • Hand Tools
    • Electrical Systems
    • Preventative Maintenance
    • Hydraulic Components
    • Diagnostic Equipment
    • Routine Maintenance
    • Lube
    • DOT
    • Maintenance Services
    • Torches
    • Service Calls
    • Diesel Trucks
    • Diesel Vehicles
    Check all skills
    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.
    • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
    • Clean and replace filters, screens, battery cables and clamps, engine components, and heating and cooling devices.
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your diesel mechanic apprentice job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A diesel mechanic apprentice salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, diesel mechanic apprentices' average salary in south carolina is 34% less than in new york.
    • Seniority. Entry-level diesel mechanic apprentices earn 42% less than senior-level diesel mechanic apprentices.
    • Certifications. A diesel mechanic apprentice with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a diesel mechanic apprentice's salary.

    Average diesel mechanic apprentice salary

    $46,455yearly

    $22.33 hourly rate

    Entry-level diesel mechanic apprentice salary
    $35,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 21, 2025
  4. Writing a diesel mechanic apprentice job description

    A diesel mechanic apprentice job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a diesel mechanic apprentice job description:

    Diesel mechanic apprentice job description example

    • Pay starts at $26.08/hour
    • $5,000in bonuses available
    • 2nd Shift, Monday - Friday 3:00pm - 11:30pm
    • Full health insurance on day one
    • Life and disability insurance
    • Earn up to 15days PTO over the course of your first year (if applicable)
    • 10 paid company holidays
    • 401(k) option with company match
    • Employee stock purchase plan
    • Education assistance

    What you will do on a typical day:

    • Perform routine maintenance functions and adjustments on all types of class 7 and 8 diesel equipment, forklifts, and trailing equipment, in compliance with the manufacturers and company schedules
    • Apply knowledge and work in accordance with DOT, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Interstate Authority, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other rules and regulations as required
    • Access any area of the equipment or vehicle to perform necessary maintenance, including inspecting and performing work in, on or under parts of vehicles and trailers
    • Repair or rebuild all or part of equipment systems
    • Conduct safety inspections of equipment and prepare safety documentation
    • Move trailers throughout the property
    • Operate a hostler in all types of weather; safely walk and stand for extended periods of time

    What you need to succeed at XPO:

    At a minimum, you will need:

    • 1 year of experience in general heavy truck repair, automotive repair, or equipment repair; equivalent trade school/technical school time may be applied toward this requirement
    • Your own technician hand tools required for tractor/trailer and forklift repairs and maintenance
    • A valid drivers license
    • Availability to work a variety of shifts, including days, evenings, and weekends

    It would be great if you also have:

    • Previous or current ASE certifications
    • Basic computer skills
    • Basic welding skills such as Oxy/Acetylene, ARC and MIG

    This job requires the ability to:

    • Lift objects of various shapes, sizes, and weights up to 50 lbs. frequently and greater than 75 lbs. occasionally
    • Reach (including above your head), bend, climb, push, pull, twist, squat and kneel
    • Walk and stand for extended periods of time on a loading dock that is not climate-controlled and may be slippery or in various locations that may be outside

    Be part of something big.

    Eligible participants who are hired while the program is in effect will receive a $1,000sign-on bonus, subject to repayment if the employee voluntarily terminates their employment with XPO Logistics within the first 6 months. Bonuses are subject to all applicable taxes. All other rules governing this program will apply. Current XPO employees are not eligible for sign-on bonuses.

    A $2,000retention bonus will be paid to those eligible participants who are hired while the program is in effect and attain 6 months of continuous employment with XPO Logistics in their current qualified position. Eligible participants who are hired while the program is in effect and attain 12 months of continuous employment in their current qualified position will receive another $2,000bonus. The bonuses are subject to all applicable taxes. All other rules governing this program will apply.Current XPO employees are not eligible for retention bonuses.

    We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, disability, veteran or other protected status.

    All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment may be required to take and pass a pre-employment drug test.

    The above statements are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties and skills for this job classification.

    Review XPO's candidate privacy statementhere.

    PandoLogic. Keywords: Diesel Technician, Location: Minneapolis, MN - 55432 , PL: 546719118
  5. Post your job

    There are a few common ways to find diesel mechanic apprentices for your business:

    • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your diesel mechanic apprentice job on Zippia to find and recruit diesel mechanic apprentice candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Recruiting diesel mechanic apprentices requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

    Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new diesel mechanic apprentice

    Once you've decided on a perfect diesel mechanic apprentice candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

    You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new diesel mechanic apprentice. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a diesel mechanic apprentice?

There are different types of costs for hiring diesel mechanic apprentices. One-time cost per hire for the recruitment process. Ongoing costs include employee salary, training, onboarding, benefits, insurance, and equipment. It is essential to consider all of these costs when evaluating hiring a new diesel mechanic apprentice employee.

Diesel mechanic apprentices earn a median yearly salary is $46,455 a year in the US. However, if you're looking to find diesel mechanic apprentices for hire on a contract or per-project basis, hourly rates typically range between $16 and $28.

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