How long does diesel mechanic training take in Massachusetts?

Most paths into the diesel mechanic field take 1 to 5 years, depending on whether you complete a trade school program, a registered apprenticeship, or a combination of both.

Do diesel mechanics need a license in Massachusetts?

No statewide license is required for diesel mechanics in Massachusetts. Most employers expect industry certifications such as ASE Medium-Heavy Truck Certification.

What apprenticeships are available for diesel mechanics in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, registered apprenticeships are administered through the Massachusetts Division of Apprentice Training, which works with employers and trade union locals to register programs. See the apprenticeship section above for office contact details.

How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Massachusetts (2026)

Q: How much do diesel mechanics earn in Massachusetts?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (May 2025), diesel mechanics in Massachusetts earned a median annual wage of approximately $73,270. Employment concentration in Massachusetts is roughly 0.72 of the national average, meaning fewer workers per capita than the U.S. as a whole.

Q: What is the job outlook for diesel mechanics in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts currently employs approximately 4,870 workers, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 2.4% national employment change for this occupation from 2024 to 2034.

Updated September 2, 2026 | TradeCareerPath Editorial Team

Massachusetts bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists earn a median annual wage of $73,270 ($35.23/hr) according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (May 2025), with about 4,870 workers employed statewide. The state median is approximately 18.6% above the national median of $61,770 for the same occupation.

Key Takeaways

Median annual pay: $73,270 ($35.23/hr)
25th percentile: $59,920 per year
75th percentile: $84,410 per year
Top 10% earn: more than $99,460 per year
Entry-level (bottom 10%): under $49,400 per year
Workers employed in Massachusetts: 4,870
Versus national median: 18.6% above the U.S. median of $61,770
Job concentration: Location quotient 0.72 - this occupation is less concentrated in Massachusetts than the national average

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. Last reviewed September 2, 2026.

Massachusetts employs about 4,870 diesel mechanics earning a median $73,270 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 (Massachusetts): $73,270/yr (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
Employed in Massachusetts: 4,870 workers (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
Location quotient: 0.72x U.S. average (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
Projected growth: 2.4% (2024-2034) (Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024)

Diesel Mechanic Wages by Metro Area in Massachusetts

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Wages by Metro Area in Massachusetts

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists wages in Massachusetts vary by metro area.

Metro Area	Employment	Median Annual Wage	Avg. Annual Wage	Entry Level (10th pctile)	Experienced (90th pctile)
Boston-Cambridge-Newton	3,110	$75,770	$76,610	$52,030	$103,850
Providence-Warwick	820	$65,620	$68,390	$50,530	$87,130
Worcester	660	$71,780	$72,790	$51,970	$97,500
Springfield	410	$65,200	$65,800	$47,990	$83,930
Barnstable Town	140	$70,770	$71,790	$49,330	$95,440
Amherst Town-Northampton	110	$63,260	$65,610	$46,740	$87,740
Pittsfield	100	$63,360	$64,480	$46,750	$82,660

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 (Massachusetts): $73,270 per year ¹

Quick Answers About How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Massachusetts

How to become a diesel mechanic in Massachusetts? Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts? 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 Massachusetts? The median annual wage for diesel mechanics in Massachusetts is $73,270 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $49,400 and experienced professionals can earn $99,460 or more ¹.

How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Massachusetts

Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts

Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts for details on certification preparation courses.

Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship Information in Massachusetts

Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Massachusetts’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Massachusetts Division of Apprentice Training ⁴.

Contact Information:

Office: Division of Apprentice Training, Department of Workforce Development
Address: 100 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114
Phone: (617) 626-5442
Email: [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job outlook for diesel mechanics in Massachusetts? Massachusetts currently employs approximately 4,870 diesel mechanics ¹. Nationally, diesel mechanic employment is projected to grow 2.4% from 2024 to 2034 ².

What training programs are available in Massachusetts? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Massachusetts. You can also contact the Massachusetts Division of Apprentice Training for apprenticeship opportunities.

How much do diesel mechanics earn in Massachusetts compared to the national average? The median annual wage for diesel mechanics in Massachusetts is $73,270, which is $12,630 above the national median of $60,640 according to BLS data ¹.

In Massachusetts

Best Trade Schools in Massachusetts (2026)

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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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
ASE - National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence: https://www.ase.com/ ↩︎
Massachusetts Division of Apprentice Training: https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2017/01/oi/all-active-sponors.xlsx ↩︎

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)