How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Iowa (2026)
Iowa employs about 4,140 diesel mechanics earning a median $59,680 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a Diesel Mechanic here means completing a postsecondary automotive, diesel, motorcycle, marine, or collision program plus ASE or OEM credentials. This is not a default RAPIDS apprenticeship.
Iowa employs approximately 4,140 diesel mechanics according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $59,680 1. The state’s concentration of diesel mechanic jobs is 1.42x the national average, indicating strong demand. 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 Iowa, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade-school or community-college program in the specialty (find programs)
- Typical timeline: a postsecondary automotive, diesel, motorcycle, marine, or collision program plus ASE or OEM credentials. This is not a default RAPIDS apprenticeship
- Exam: ASE or OEM certification
- Median wage (Iowa): $59,680 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Iowa
How to become a Diesel Mechanic in Iowa? Complete a postsecondary automotive, diesel, motorcycle, marine, or collision program plus ASE or OEM credentials. This is not a default RAPIDS apprenticeship. Confirm credential rules with the program and employer.
How long does it take? Most people finish a postsecondary automotive, diesel, motorcycle, marine, or collision program plus ASE or OEM credentials. This is not a default RAPIDS apprenticeship. Confirm current hour totals with the program and employer.
Do I need a license in Iowa? Most states do not require a statewide occupational license. Employers typically expect ASE or OEM certification. See the licensing section below.
What do diesel mechanics earn in Iowa? The median annual wage for diesel mechanics in Iowa is $59,680 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $43,710 and experienced professionals can earn $80,080 or more 1.
How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Iowa
- Meet program entry rules. Programs typically require a high school diploma or GED.
- Complete a specialty program. Finish an automotive, diesel, motorcycle, marine, or collision program. Some union shops use apprenticeships; the default national path is a certificate plus ASE, not DAS as the only option.
- Earn ASE or OEM credentials. Pass ASE tests or OEM training the employer requires. Some states add a separate smog or emissions credential; it is not the whole mechanic license.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the program and employer before you enroll.
Diesel Mechanic License Requirements in Iowa
Most states do not license auto, diesel, motorcycle, marine, or collision techs as a statewide journeyman card. Employers expect ASE or OEM credentials. Some states add a smog or emissions credential.
Typical path
Complete a specialty program.
Earn ASE or OEM credentials.
Add a state smog or emissions credential only if that state and the job require one.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with the employer before you enroll.
Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship Information in Iowa
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Iowa’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Iowa Office of Registered Apprenticeship 3.
Contact Information:
- Office: Iowa Workforce Development
- Address: 1000 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319
- Phone: (515) 725-3675
- Email: [email protected]
Diesel Mechanic Wages by Metro Area in Iowa
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Wages by Metro Area in Iowa
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists wages in Iowa vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha | 1,120 | $60,960 | $62,220 | $45,580 | $81,250 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | 1,050 | $61,630 | $62,620 | $46,560 | $79,260 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | 520 | $61,270 | $62,510 | $44,580 | $78,120 |
| Cedar Rapids | 490 | $60,010 | $65,290 | $46,310 | $88,090 |
| Sioux City | 180 | $60,600 | $62,000 | $46,290 | $82,860 |
| Dubuque | 170 | $57,630 | $59,340 | $45,720 | $78,060 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | 150 | $58,190 | $58,260 | $43,850 | $75,030 |
| Iowa City | 120 | $60,150 | $60,990 | $45,320 | $76,290 |
| Ames | 80 | $61,360 | $61,800 | $46,820 | $82,640 |
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 .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for diesel mechanics in Iowa? Iowa currently employs approximately 4,140 diesel mechanics 1. Nationally, diesel mechanic employment is projected to grow 2.4% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Iowa? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Iowa. You can also contact the Iowa Office of Registered Apprenticeship for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do diesel mechanics earn in Iowa compared to the national average? The median annual wage for diesel mechanics in Iowa is $59,680, which is $960 below the national median of $60,640 according to BLS data 1.
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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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Iowa Office of Registered Apprenticeship: https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/registered-apprenticeship ↩︎
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) |