Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeships in Tennessee
Tennessee has 10 registered apprenticeship sponsors training diesel mechanics — 1 of them union or joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one and finish without tuition debt.
Registered sponsors
10
Union / joint programs
1
Median diesel mechanic wage
$59,120
Tennessee, all experience levels
Job growth 2022–2032
+10.5%
650 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 | ALCOA | Single Employer |
| DAVIDSON TRANSIT ORGANIZATION (WeGo/MTA) | NASHVILLE | Multiple Employer |
| EASTMAN CHEMICAL CO. - TN OPERATIONS | Kingsport | Single Employer |
| FORD MOTOR CO.NASHVILLE | NASHVILLE | Single Employer |
| Nashville Electric Service | NASHVILLE | Single Employer |
| Sumner County Truck & Trailer Repair | GALLATIN | Single Employer |
| TDS Disposal, LLC. | RED BOILING SPRINGS | Single Employer |
| U.S. Xpress, Inc. | Chattanooga | Single Employer |
| Vulcan Materials Company | Hermitage | Single Employer |
| Worldwide Equipment, Inc. | Knoxville | Single Employer |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov).
What Diesel Mechanics Earn in Tennessee
Wages
- Median annual wage: $59,120
- Average annual wage: $60,820
- Diesel Mechanics employed statewide: 6,640
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: +10.5%
- Average openings per year: 650
- Employment: 6,730 → 7,440
Source: Projections Central / state workforce agencies.