Diesel Mechanic in Wisconsin: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Wisconsin employs 6,750 diesel mechanics, with a statewide median of $62,450 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Wisconsin licensing picture, and where to train.
What Diesel mechanics Earn in Wisconsin (May 2025)
- Wisconsin median pay
- $62,450 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $45,250
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $74,800
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $82,210
- Employed in Wisconsin
- 6,750
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $60,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for diesel mechanics in major Wisconsin markets:
- Minneapolis
- $73,730 (4,290 employed)
- Duluth
- $68,240 (370 employed)
- Appleton
- $63,860 (270 employed)
- Madison
- $63,850 (840 employed)
- Milwaukee
- $62,920 (1,380 employed)
- Green Bay
- $60,860 (430 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Wisconsin
Prices in Wisconsin run about 6% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $62,450 median stretches to roughly $66,366 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Wisconsin (2024–2034)
Wisconsin is projected to grow diesel mechanics employment +2.6%, about in line with the +2.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 650 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Wisconsin License and Certification Requirements
No state license; ASE (Medium/Heavy Truck) certification — regulated by the No license required — ASE certification is the standard.
- Wisconsin does not license diesel technicians.
- Complete a diesel technology program or an employer apprenticeship.
- Earn ASE medium/heavy truck certifications as you gain experience.
Official requirements: No license required — ASE certification is the standard →
Training in Wisconsin
Trucking, agriculture, and manufacturing drive demand. Engine-specific training (Cummins, Cat) raises pay.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Wisconsin include:
- Blackhawk Technical College — Certificate
- Chippewa Valley Technical College — Certificate
- Fox Valley Technical College — Certificate / Associate
- Gateway Technical College — Certificate / Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who like large, powerful machinery and want solid wages without a 4-year degree.
Think twice if: Grease, diesel exhaust, heavy components, and shop environments sound miserable rather than satisfying.
Why it's resilient: Diesel engines power trucks, buses, heavy equipment, and generators — hands-on diagnosis and repair that cannot be done remotely.
First Steps
Look for diesel technology programs at community colleges and vocational schools, or apply directly as a shop helper.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do diesel mechanics make in Wisconsin?
The median wage for diesel mechanics in Wisconsin is $62,450 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $45,250, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $82,210. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Diesel Mechanic in Wisconsin?
No state license; ASE (Medium/Heavy Truck) certification, overseen by the No license required — ASE certification is the standard. Wisconsin does not license diesel technicians.
Is being a Diesel Mechanic a good career in Wisconsin?
Diesel engines power trucks, buses, heavy equipment, and generators — hands-on diagnosis and repair that cannot be done remotely.
Which Wisconsin metros pay diesel mechanics the most?
Among Wisconsin metro areas, Minneapolis leads at $73,730, followed by Duluth ($68,240), Appleton ($63,860). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Diesel Mechanic in Wisconsin?
Real Wisconsin options include Blackhawk Technical College, Chippewa Valley Technical College, Fox Valley Technical College. Most diesel mechanics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Diesel Mechanic a growing career in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin projects diesel mechanics employment to change +2.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 650 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Wisconsin statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-3031. Licensing summary compiled from the No license required — ASE certification is the standard (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Wisconsin wages · Wisconsin licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.