Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeships in Illinois
Illinois has 14 registered apprenticeship sponsors training diesel mechanics — 4 of them union or joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one and finish without tuition debt.
Registered sponsors
14
Union / joint programs
4
Median diesel mechanic wage
$62,750
Illinois, all experience levels
Job growth 2022–2032
+1.7%
760 openings/yr
Largest Registered Sponsors
Union and joint labor-management programs are listed first — they typically pay the best apprentice rates and charge no tuition.
| Sponsor | City | Program type |
|---|---|---|
| AAWSTLU JATC Union / joint | Pembrooke Township | Multiple Employer |
| MCLAUGHLIN BODY COMPANY/UNITED AUTO WORKERS LU 1414 Union / joint | MOLINE | Single Employer |
| MCLAUGHLIN BODY COMPANY/UNITED AUTO WORKERS LU 1414 Union / joint | MOLINE | Single Employer |
| RAYNOR GARAGE DOORS Union / joint | DIXON | Single Employer |
| ICI - East Moline Correctional Center | East Moline | Single Employer |
| Kaskaskia College | Centralia | Multiple Employer |
| Man-Tra-Con Corporation | Marion | Multiple Employer |
| Parkland College | Champaign | Multiple Employer |
| Rend Lake College | Ina | Multiple Employer |
| SELOC LLC | CHICAGO | Multiple Employer |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov).
What Diesel Mechanics Earn in Illinois
Wages
- Median annual wage: $62,750
- Average annual wage: $67,140
- Diesel Mechanics employed statewide: 9,920
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. Apprentices typically start at 40–50% of the journeyman rate and get scheduled raises.
10-year outlook
- Projected growth 2022–2032: +1.7%
- Average openings per year: 760
- Employment: 8,970 → 9,120
Source: Projections Central / state workforce agencies.