Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeships in Iowa
Iowa has 13 registered apprenticeship sponsors training diesel mechanics — 2 of them union or joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one and finish without tuition debt.
Registered sponsors
13
Union / joint programs
2
Median diesel mechanic wage
$58,800
Iowa, all experience levels
Job growth 2022–2032
+8%
480 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Arconic Union / joint | BETTENDORF | Single Employer |
| MidAmerican Energy Company - International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 499 and Local 109 Union / joint | Adel | Single Employer |
| Apprenticeship America | Ankeny | Multiple Employer |
| Brown Nationlease | Urbandale | Single Employer |
| Clear Lake Community School District | CLEAR LAKE | Multiple Employer |
| Iowa Western Community College | Council Bluffs | Multiple Employer |
| Kirkwood Community College (Industrial Programs) | Cedar Rapids | Multiple Employer |
| Manatts Inc | Brooklyn | Single Employer |
| Perishable Distributors of Iowa LTD | Ankeny | Single Employer |
| Rueter's Equipment | Elkhart | Single Employer |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov).
What Diesel Mechanics Earn in Iowa
Wages
- Median annual wage: $58,800
- Average annual wage: $60,290
- Diesel Mechanics employed statewide: 4,270
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: +8%
- Average openings per year: 480
- Employment: 5,110 → 5,520
Source: Projections Central / state workforce agencies.