Training
18 months to 2 years, or learn in a shop
State license
None required
New graduates
About $52K–$56K median
Statewide typical pay
$85,100 a year
Becoming a diesel mechanic in Washington State doesn’t require a state license or a four-year degree. Most people either finish an 18-month to two-year college program or start as a shop helper and learn on the job, then add ASE certifications as they go. Diesel techs keep Washington’s trucks, buses, ferries, farm equipment and construction machines running, from the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma to the wheat fields of Eastern Washington.
From the dean’s desk
I got my first diesel job as a military contractor, and it took me a while to transition into the civilian world. Brake systems on military vehicles and civilian ones were really different back then, and the Army didn’t do as much as it does now for people transitioning out, so I definitely had some hiccups.
I got my first civilian job through a temp-to-hire agency and had a boss who was really patient with me and taught me a lot. The Army taught me how to persevere, practice integrity and show up on time. The civilian world built on that and taught me the technical side of the house.
— Lester Burkes, Dean of Automotive & Trades and former Army diesel mechanic
How to become a diesel mechanic in Washington, step by step
1
Cover the basics
Most programs and employers want you to be 18 with a high school diploma or GED. Solid reading and math skills help, and you’ll need to handle heavy parts and work in all kinds of weather.
2
Choose your path: college program or shop helper
You can enroll in a diesel program at a Washington community or technical college, or get hired as a shop helper or lube tech and learn on the job. Both work. The section below covers how to choose.
3
Earn ASE certifications
Washington doesn’t license diesel mechanics, so ASE certifications are how you prove your skills. The Medium/Heavy Truck series covers engines, brakes, electrical, drivetrain and more. Each test requires passing an exam plus hands-on work experience, and formal training counts toward part of it.
4
Consider a CDL
Many shops want techs who can road-test and move trucks. A commercial driver’s license isn’t always required, but it makes you more useful and can open doors. See our Washington CDL guide.
5
Build experience and specialize
After a few years you can move into lead tech, shop foreman or service manager roles, or specialize in marine diesel, agricultural equipment, heavy construction equipment or transit buses.
College program or start in the shop?
A college program gives you a technical foundation in electrical systems, engines, brakes, drivetrains and hydraulics before you ever work on a customer’s truck. Starting as a shop helper gets you earning right away, but the learning curve is steeper because today’s equipment is so technical.
From the dean’s desk
I would start in the shop. They will teach you. It’s going to be a slower go, because the work is getting more technical and the person coming out of college will have a technical foundation you don’t have if you just start in the shop. But both people have to apply themselves, and if you’re willing to work hard at it, you will be fine.
— Lester Burkes, Dean of Automotive & Trades and former Army diesel mechanic
Diesel programs in Washington
Washington’s community and technical colleges offer diesel programs across the state. Here are two, with outcomes reported by the state’s Career Bridge program database:
| Program | Length | Cost | Graduates’ median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bates Technical College (Tacoma) Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician, AAS | 18 months | $13,284 tuition + $2,250 fees | $55,917 |
| Walla Walla Community College Diesel Technology, AAS | 2 years | $20,840 tuition | $52,100 |
Diesel programs are also offered at Spokane Community College, Bellingham Technical College, Centralia College and Perry Technical Institute in Yakima. Search “diesel” on Career Bridge for current costs and outcomes, and see How to Pay for Trade School for grants that can cover most of the tuition.
What Washington employers look for
From the dean’s desk
More than anything, they want someone who is going to show up on time every day, do the right thing, ask questions and work with a sense of urgency. Nobody is perfect or knows everything, and there’s no expectation for you to be. If you have a great attitude and a strong work ethic, you will do great in diesel, because they will always teach you.
— Lester Burkes, Dean of Automotive & Trades and former Army diesel mechanic
Where diesel mechanics work in Washington
- Trucking and logistics: fleet shops, freight companies and port operations around Seattle and Tacoma.
- Public fleets and transit: city, county and state fleets, transit agencies and school bus shops.
- Dealerships: truck and equipment dealers, often with manufacturer training.
- Agriculture: tractors, combines and irrigation equipment in Eastern Washington.
- Construction and marine: heavy equipment contractors, ferries, tugs and fishing vessels.
Common questions about becoming a diesel mechanic in Washington
Do diesel mechanics need a license in Washington?
No. Washington doesn’t license diesel mechanics. Employers look at your training, ASE certifications and work ethic instead.
How long does it take?
College programs take about 18 months to two years. If you start as a shop helper, expect to spend a few years building skills on the job.
How much do diesel mechanics make in Washington?
Washington’s Career Bridge lists typical statewide earnings of $85,100 a year for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists. New graduates of the programs above report median earnings of about $52,000 to $56,000.
I’m a veteran. Will my military experience count?
Your work ethic and mechanical experience will, but expect a learning curve on civilian equipment. Your GI Bill can also pay for an approved college program. See our guide for veterans.
Sources
- Career Bridge: Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician, Bates Technical College
- Career Bridge: Diesel Technology, Walla Walla Community College
Related: How to Get Your CDL in Washington · Top 10 Diesel Technology Careers · All Washington guides
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