How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Illinois (2026)
Illinois employs about 11,320 diesel mechanics earning a median $64,340 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). No statewide license is required; most diesel mechanics train through a certificate program and earn an industry certification before employers will hire them.
Key Facts
- Median wage (Illinois): $64,340/yr (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
- Employed in Illinois: 11,320 workers (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
- Location quotient: 1.00x U.S. average (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
- Projected growth: 2.4% (2024-2034) (Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024)
Sponsored - request program info
Illinois employs approximately 11,320 diesel mechanics according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $64,340 1. Nationally, diesel mechanic employment is projected to grow 2.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 26,500 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a diesel mechanic in Illinois, including certification options, training programs, and salary data.
Diesel Mechanic Wages by Metro Area in Illinois
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Wages by Metro Area in Illinois
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists wages in Illinois vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | 8,660 | $65,680 | $71,390 | $45,830 | $98,660 |
| St. Louis | 2,610 | $62,280 | $63,830 | $46,290 | $85,460 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | 520 | $61,270 | $62,510 | $44,580 | $78,120 |
| Rockford | 310 | $61,020 | $63,790 | $39,030 | $95,970 |
| Peoria | 250 | $63,850 | $67,270 | $44,690 | $93,600 |
| Paducah | 190 | $78,900 | $76,290 | $45,760 | $102,330 |
| Champaign-Urbana | 160 | $62,180 | $66,390 | $39,270 | $96,100 |
| Bloomington | 130 | $61,470 | $62,240 | $38,830 | $86,820 |
| Springfield | 130 | $62,000 | $65,690 | $40,090 | $98,830 |
| Decatur | 110 | $62,790 | $66,230 | $47,050 | $95,450 |
| Kankakee | 110 | $58,230 | $57,610 | $38,160 | $80,270 |
| Cape Girardeau | 90 | $51,260 | $57,190 | $37,850 | $93,960 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Illinois): $64,340 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Illinois
How to become a diesel mechanic in Illinois? Illinois does not require a state license for diesel mechanics, but employers typically expect industry certifications such as ASE Medium-Heavy Truck Certification. Complete a training program to prepare.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Illinois? No state license is required, but certifications such as ASE Medium-Heavy Truck Certification are expected by most employers.
What do diesel mechanics earn in Illinois? The median annual wage for diesel mechanics in Illinois is $64,340 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $44,760 and experienced professionals can earn $97,670 or more 1.
How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Illinois
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Illinois training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an accredited trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in Illinois that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor; confirm the exact total currently required with the licensing board.
- Earn an industry certification. While Illinois does not require a statewide license, earn ASE Medium-Heavy Truck Certification to meet employer expectations and improve hiring prospects.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Diesel Mechanic Certification Options in Illinois
Illinois does not require a state license to work as a diesel mechanic. However, industry certifications can strengthen your resume and may be required by employers.
Common certifications for diesel mechanics include:
- ASE Medium-Heavy Truck Certification
For more information, visit the ASE - National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence 3. Contact training programs in Illinois for details on certification preparation courses.
Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship Information in Illinois
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Illinois’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Illinois Department of Employment Services - Registered Apprenticeship 4.
Contact Information:
- Office: BEST, Inc
- Address: 815 N. Orlando Smith Ave., Oglesby, IL 61348
- Phone: (815) 224-0375
- Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for diesel mechanics in Illinois? Illinois currently employs approximately 11,320 diesel mechanics 1. Nationally, diesel mechanic employment is projected to grow 2.4% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Illinois? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Illinois. You can also contact the Illinois Department of Employment Services - Registered Apprenticeship for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do diesel mechanics earn in Illinois compared to the national average? The median annual wage for diesel mechanics in Illinois is $64,340, which is $3,700 above the national median of $60,640 according to BLS data 1.
Related guides
In Illinois
Related trades & nearby areas
- Best Carpenter Schools in Illinois (2026)
- Best Electrician Schools in Illinois
- Best HVAC Schools in Illinois (2026)
- Best Plumber Schools in Illinois
- Best Plumbing Schools in Illinois (2026)
- Best Welder Schools in Illinois
Explore More Trades in Illinois
- Electrician in Illinois
- Plumber in Illinois
- HVAC Technician in Illinois
- Welder in Illinois
- Carpenter in Illinois
- Solar Installation Technician in Illinois
- Auto Mechanic in Illinois
- CNC Machinist in Illinois
- Certified Nursing Assistant in Illinois
- Medical Assistant in Illinois
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
ASE - National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence: https://www.ase.com/ ↩︎
Illinois Department of Employment Services - Registered Apprenticeship: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |