How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in North Carolina (2026)
North Carolina employs about 11,070 diesel mechanics earning a median $57,490 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 (North Carolina): $57,490/yr (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
- Employed in North Carolina: 11,070 workers (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
- Location quotient: 1.20x U.S. average (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
- Projected growth: 2.4% (2024-2034) (Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024)
- Licensing/credentialing body: NC Department of Revenue - Motor Fuel (Source: State licensing agency, 2025)
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North Carolina employs approximately 11,070 diesel mechanics according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $57,490 1. The state’s concentration of diesel mechanic jobs is 1.20x 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 North Carolina, including certification options, training programs, and salary data.
Diesel Mechanic Wages by Metro Area in North Carolina
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists Wages by Metro Area in North Carolina
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists wages in North Carolina vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | 3,350 | $60,300 | $59,730 | $38,370 | $78,970 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk | 1,360 | $59,200 | $59,260 | $43,720 | $73,800 |
| Raleigh-Cary | 1,070 | $60,310 | $61,050 | $46,750 | $77,210 |
| Greensboro-High Point | 970 | $58,190 | $58,470 | $39,190 | $77,360 |
| Winston-Salem | 580 | $58,100 | $57,710 | $41,450 | $73,930 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton | 410 | $54,480 | $54,670 | $38,600 | $72,000 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | 370 | $60,540 | $62,100 | $44,460 | $82,210 |
| Wilmington | 360 | $55,560 | $57,440 | $40,820 | $75,620 |
| Asheville | 320 | $57,170 | $59,380 | $46,770 | $75,550 |
| Fayetteville | 270 | $55,770 | $55,060 | $39,380 | $71,540 |
| Burlington | 180 | $60,680 | $59,140 | $40,500 | $78,360 |
| Greenville | 160 | $49,850 | $52,170 | $37,770 | $72,470 |
| Rocky Mount | 130 | $55,890 | $56,710 | $40,430 | $76,130 |
| Jacksonville | 100 | $52,710 | $54,080 | $37,580 | $68,260 |
| Goldsboro | 80 | $53,980 | $52,970 | $39,520 | $60,780 |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines | 40 | $55,800 | $55,760 | $39,400 | $72,920 |
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
- Licensing authority: NC Department of Revenue - Motor Fuel
- Median wage (North Carolina): $57,490 per year 1
- Exam requirement: No exam required
Quick Answers About How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in North Carolina
How to become a diesel mechanic in North Carolina? North Carolina requires credentials such as Dyed Diesel Distributor. The licensing authority is the NC Department of Revenue - Motor Fuel 3. You also need to complete an approved training program or apprenticeship.
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 North Carolina? Yes. North Carolina has licensing or registration requirements for diesel mechanics. The NC Department of Revenue - Motor Fuel oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do diesel mechanics earn in North Carolina? The median annual wage for diesel mechanics in North Carolina is $57,490 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $39,890 and experienced professionals can earn $76,240 or more 1.
How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in North Carolina
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 License Requirements in North Carolina
The NC Department of Revenue - Motor Fuel oversees diesel mechanic licensing in North Carolina 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Dyed Diesel Distributor | Any person who acquires dyed diesel fuel from either of the following, A person who is not required to be licensed under Article 36C and who maintains storage facilities for dyed diesel fuel to be use… |
Additional Requirements
- Exam: No exam required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship Information in North Carolina
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. North Carolina’s apprenticeship program is administered by the North Carolina Division of Workforce Solutions - Apprenticeships 5.
Contact Information:
- Office: Forsyth Tech Apprenticeship Program
- Address: 2100 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
- Phone: (336) 723-0371
- Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for diesel mechanics in North Carolina? North Carolina currently employs approximately 11,070 diesel mechanics 1. Nationally, diesel mechanic employment is projected to grow 2.4% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a diesel mechanic in North Carolina with an out-of-state license? Contact the NC Department of Revenue - Motor Fuel for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in North Carolina? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in North Carolina. You can also contact the North Carolina Division of Workforce Solutions - Apprenticeships for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do diesel mechanics earn in North Carolina compared to the national average? The median annual wage for diesel mechanics in North Carolina is $57,490, which is $3,150 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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
NC Department of Revenue - Motor Fuel - Licensing Information: https://www.ncdor.gov/taxes-forms/motor-fuels-tax ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
North Carolina Division of Workforce Solutions - Apprenticeships: 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) |