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Auto Mechanic Degree

Auto Mechanic schools that offer a formal degree program will assist those wishing to learn the intricacies of automobile repair, automotive technology, mechanic certification, and auto restoration. A variety of automotive course options are available in high school, vocational school, community college, trade school, online auto mechanic program, state university, technical institute, and career college.

A degree, high school diploma, nor certificate may be required to work on automobiles.  However, those who pursue an automotive technology associate degree will be better prepared in the work in the automotive industry and equipped to become an ASE certified automotive technician.

The typical academic requirements for colleges offering an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree programs for an automotive technician is a high school diploma or equivalent.  Mechanic training programs as an automotive service technician prepare students with the skills necessary to perform basic, advanced, and complex auto repairs in a controlled setting where risk of failure does not adversely affect a customer.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$41,400

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

10.45%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

647,380

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Auto Mechanic Schools

The Rolla Technical Institution (RTI) offers a variety of programs that students can freely choose what career paths they want to take. Expert faculty members and advanced machine equipment will nurture the ability of the students to grow more. Whatever programs may want students to pursue, it will really benefit them in their future endeavors. Here are some technical degrees they can pursue: General in Power Sport Technology, Agriculture & Turf Equipment, Powersport technology and Powersport Technology - advanced where they can earn certificates.  Learn more about the excellent RTI programs today by reaching out to the admissions team today.  

Acceptance Rate

64

Tuition

$10,800 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Rosedale Technical College offers technical related programs for over 70 years. A technical college with a knowledgeable environment with an associate in specialized (AST) that can be earned in 16 months of studying. Another, the technical school offers a variety of programs in Automotive, Collision Repair Technology, Diesel Technology, Electrical Technology, HVAC technology, Welding technician, Industrial Technician, CDL training, and more additional courses. Where in their automotive training technology, the students related to the auto mechanic, the students are more exposed in practical training. Another, the program’s instructors is ASE certified and will help the students to prepare and earn also their ASE certificates. If you are interested in pursuing auto mechanic career or simply picking up an applicable trade, RTC is an excellent choice.

Acceptance Rate

60.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The Advanced Technology Institute offers various programs. These include Automotive Technology and Associate in Occupational Science Trades Leadership with Specialization in Automotive Technology. The program Automotive Technology in ATI has offered ASE/NATEF based training in practical aspects of automotive that students can gain knowledge. Moreover, students are exposed more to laboratory activity and hands-on training so they must demonstrate specifically the proficiencies of their coursework. Further, ATI’s Automotive technology program holds a Master Certified by NATEF/ASE. 

Acceptance Rate

47.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Central Pennsylvania Institute located in Pleasant Gap, Centre County, Pennsylvania is a public school opened in 1969. It is accredited by the Pennsylvania State Board of Vocational Education. The institution offers a variety of programs in different areas of study including Automotive technology diploma degree, advanced manufacturing technician diploma degree, and other programs that are related to auto mechanics that can benefit them in a workforce automotive project. Moreover, programs are offering quality education and practical hands-on training for the student. 

Acceptance Rate

89.77

Tuition

$15,340 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The New Castle School of Trades is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology. It was founded in 1945 to help the students and train their skilled trades. Also, it is a private-for-profit technical School, thereafter, in 1982 NSCT approved to award the associate degrees in Specialized Technology by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The Automotive Technology program provides the students with entry-level job skills teaching and knowledge to enter the market world of Automotive Industry. Further, they also offer Welding, Electrical Technology, Diesel and Heavy Equipment Repair Technology, and a Career in the heavy equipment fields. 

Acceptance Rate

100

Tuition

$20,736 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

SUNY College Technology at Alfred or Alfred State College located in Alfred, New York, United States is a public college that was established in 1908. The public school is under the SUNY System which was formerly a Technical College but now it has baccalaureate degrees in 29 areas of study, certificates, and 49 associate degrees. The public college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, also a member of Rochester Area Colleges. Alfred offers qualified students a variety of top-tier academic and trade-based programs for those seeking to earn an undergraduate degree, graduate degree, or certificate of completion in a variety of trades and subjects. 

Acceptance Rate

66.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States is a public technical college that was established in 1905. The technical institute offers various programs for Associate degrees, certificates program and short-term program. Moreover, under the Collision Repair program they are offering an auto mechanic course where it is designed to provide students with the most current and complete information, skills and knowledge about what is required, complete and safety quality mechanics for automotive. Furthermore, they also provide industry-recognized and comprehensive training for a successful career in maintenance work on vehicle and technical services.  

Acceptance Rate

88.73

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Brigham Young University was founded in 1888, 132 years ago. It is a private university operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The private university offers a variety of programs including Automotive technology. Where, the students are taught to learn Automotive coursework and practical learning that will benefit them. The university encourages students to take advantage of the education they offer to further their growth with a number of affordable academic pathways.  Learn more about the BYU auto mechanic degree program today by connecting with the admissions department directly. 

Acceptance Rate

95.77

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

The Farmingdale State College is a public technology college of the State University of New York where also known as SUNY Farmingdale. It offers 45 plus academic programs under the authority of School of Engineering, Business, Art and Science, and Health Sciences. In 2009, PayScale reported that the college was ranked 88th among 200 public colleges. In Engineering, they are offering Mechanical Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, and Electrical, also Industrial Technology - Automotive Management Technology. Where, students are taught to be designed and develop the requisite skills for management positions in automotive or related automotive fields. Further, students can earn technical skills, knowledge and operational abilities to enter the industry of Automotive Technology. The BS Automotive Management Technology is Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering accredited.  

Acceptance Rate

54.89

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

New England Institute of Technology located in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, United States is a technical university that was established in 1940. The technical university offers a variety of programs including Associate Degree Programs, Bachelors, and Graduate’s programs. Moreover, under Automotive Technology they are offered a variety of majors to take on. The Automotive Technology with High Performance that offers qualified students an Auto Mechanic degree conferred as an associate’s degree.   The degree program deep dives key skills needed for an auto mechanic that include topics such as automotive repair, collision repair, and automotive mechanics. 

Acceptance Rate

63.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Utah State University located in Logan, Utah, United States is a Public land-grant research university that was established in 1888. The university offers various programs in different areas of study for undergraduate, graduate, and professional study. Moreover, the university also offered Automotive Technology and Automotive Technology and Maintenance. In this program, it is designed to establish NATED and ASE education for the students so they can easily get the certification of the two requirements in legitimacy and license in the field. The program curriculum follows the areas of focus, frames and safety requirements designed by the two agencies. 

Acceptance Rate

90.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Johnson College located in Pennsylvania and is a private technical college that was established in 1912. The private college offers a variety of programs for undergraduate, associate degrees, and certification programs. Moreover, they are also offering a course in  automotive mechanics that is designed to provide knowledge and skills as an entry-level technician in the automotive industries. Another, the programs help the student to prepare to take ASE and NATEF. 

Acceptance Rate

97.48

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Pittsburg State University was originally a branch of the Emporia State University and was founded in 1903. Over the decades, the university became a full-fledged four-year institution in1913. The university offers a variety of programs including Automotive Technology and Engineering Technology. In Engineering, they can choose Electronics Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Engineering Technology while in Automotive Technology students will be guided by the professors accomplished and exposed to the industry  and laboratories related to Automotive. Students will learn the advanced vehicle system, automotive mechanical design and technical. Afterwards, they can earn certificates in Automotive Service Technology and Diesel and Heavy Equipment. Moreover, the program offers a master’s degree in automotive technology

Acceptance Rate

95.55

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Northern Michigan University located in Marquette, Michigan, University is a public university that was established in 1899. The university offers a variety of programs for undergraduate, master’s degree and specialist certification in different areas of study. Another, the university is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. As a matter of fact, most of the programs in the institution are accredited by the (TEAC) Teacher Education Accreditation Council. The university offers an Automotive Technology trade program for qualified students.  This program is geared to help motivated students learn the essential elements of automotive technology plus advanced auto tech insights for career-minded students. Therefore, graduates of this institution are expected to have edged performing mechanical aptitude and ability to comprehend the written service manual literature about automotive. 

Acceptance Rate

65.59

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

SUNY College of Technology at Delhi aims to provide a dynamic and sustainable strategic framework of education. The College of Technology at Delhi was established in 1915 and it offers a variety of programs including Automotive Mechanics. The program is designed to provide education and training that makes the graduates stand-out in the job market. Moreover, all of the instructors of the program are ASE Certified and the program itself is a National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation accredited. 

Acceptance Rate

72.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Dunwoody College of Technology located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States is a private technical college that was established in 1914. The technical college offers a variety of programs in different areas of study.  Under Automotive study program, they are offering Automotive technology where it has auto mechanics courses designed to provide knowledge and skills on how to replace damaged body panels, complete custom and perform mechanical and electrical repairs. Through a daily practical hands-on training graduates are ready to take the I-CAR and ASE certification test. 

Acceptance Rate

96.88

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Siena Heights University was established in 1919 and it is a Roman Catholic University. It offers 40 academic programs and provides classes for high school students. This includes BAS or Bachelor of Applied Science programs, where students will learn the basis in different disciplines in technical, vocational and experience. Another, they are able to integrate liberal arts into the program that would mean students will know also about the world around them before leaving the school to design projects and solve problems. Aside from that, they are offering various areas of study including automotive technology in ASS Degrees. 

Acceptance Rate

73.4

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Ferris State University offers various programs that students can free to choose which career path they’ll take. The university leads the way of the student for their betterment. It Helps the students to acquire knowledge and skills through imparting them enough education. FSU’s Automotive Service  technology prepares the students to meet the high academic standard of their programs. Automotive service technology teaches the students principles and technical skills to support them develop their skills, instruction in vehicular systems and more. The preparation provided by the university's mentors will ensure the success of the student in the Automotive Industry. 

Acceptance Rate

86.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

SUNY College of Technology at Canton New York United States is a public college that was established in 1906. It offers a variety of programs in different areas of study for 24 undergraduate degrees, associate degrees, and certificate programs.  Moreover, the public college offers A.A.S. degree in Automotive Technology. The program is designed to provide exciting experience from lectures to practical hands-on training. The program aims to train and educate the next generation of Automotive professionals, so they develop their skills and be more innovative for the years.  This program on the other hand has auto mechanic courses that are in need to repair, improve physical features, and maintain work vehicles to keep road-worthy down the road. 

Acceptance Rate

84.62

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Champlain Valley Technical Education and Career’s Licensed Practical Nurse Program offers a variety of programs in different areas of study. Including Auto mechanics that will take twelve months to complete the program. Courses in this program will teach students through practical training in auto mechanics study that is required in automotive system repair. Moreover, the technical education school always provides an array of workforce and adult education to help the students.  Obtain admissions information from CV-Tec today to learn more about their automotive certificate programs

Acceptance Rate

27.88

Tuition

$10,607 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

2:1

Fred W Eberle Technical Center (FETC) provides an outstanding Career Training and Adult Career program since 1968. The technical college was the first multi-county career technical center that was established in West Virginia. And now, they are also offering evening classes for those industry workers to expand their knowledge in technical education. The technical center offers a variety of programs in different areas of study including Cosmetology, Collision Repair Technology, Automotive, Practical Nursing, Robotics, Truck Driving, Computer System Repair technology, Welding technology, Electrical technology, and Carpentry. As a matter of fact, most of the adult students spent one to two years in the program and for high school students spent two years at the technical center.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$2,500 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The Moore Norman Technology Center has been offering programs for high school and adults since then. It also offers accommodation for individuals with disabilities according  ADA and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Automotive Program of the MNTC is open for Adult and High School takers where they can earn training certificates and learn from the renowned technicians. The quality services and generosity they offer to the students eases the burden they have to acquire the skills and knowledge they need in their chosen career path. They are offering Automotive Service Technology and Automotive Collision Repair & Refinishing where accredited by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education and Oklahoma State Department of Education. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$2,625 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

28:1

Washburn Institute of Technology located in Topeka, Kansas, United States is a public technical Institute that was established in 1964. The technical institute offers a variety of programs in different areas of study. Moreover, the institute offers an Auto mechanics course in Automotive service technology program. Also, they are offering an Auto collision program related to auto mechanic courses. The program is designed to provide traditional learning techniques and hands-on training for current new technologies emerging in the automotive industry. Afterwards, graduates can earn 52-credit hours technical certificate and ASE certification for qualified graduates. 

Acceptance Rate

50.35

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Memphis is a public college that is governed by The Tennessee Board of Regents System. The technical college ensures competency-based training through traditional, superior, and distance learning instruction methods that will contribute opportunities to acquire marketable skills that students need.   Moreover, the public technical college offers a variety of programs including Automotive Technology accredited by NATEF or National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation and for certification programs accredited by National Coalition of Certification Center (NC3). Further, the program is designed to provide hands-on training and classroom instruction that has all courses including auto mechanics and collision repair that will prepare students for entry level employment.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$6,011 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Lex-Ray Technical Center has been providing quality technical and mechanical education opportunities for students for decades.  LRTC was founded back in 1975 and caters to a small number of students each year.  The school focuses on providing a balance of hands-on learning in addition to academic instruction various learning styles.  Their course offerings include a number of career-focused pathways and concentrations.  Specifically, the Automotive Technology course serves as a gateway program for those seeking to enter the automotive field as a mechanic or trades person.  The LRTC two-year automotive tech program provides students the opportunity to earn ASE Certification in engine repair, brakes, auto repair, air conditioning, and heating.   

Acceptance Rate

56.25

Tuition

$13,782 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

Classes at Automotive Schools

Students enrolled in accredited auto mechanic online schools or campus-based program can expect to take a variety of classes that include both classroom instruction as well as hands-on learning opportunities. A curriculum in automotive technology programs may include courses such as:

  • Electrical Systems Theory
  • Small Engine Repair & Engine Mechanics
  • Engine Performance
  • Hybrid and Alternative Fuel Cell Vehicle Repair
  • Mathematics and Scientific Principles
  • Electric and Electronic Systems
  • Brake Systems
  • Auto & Light Truck HVAC
  • Automotive Engines: Upper-end and Lower-end Assembly
  • Preventative Maintenance
  • Manual Drivetrain and Axles
  • Steering and Suspension
  • Internal Combustion Engine
  • Automatic Transmission Theory & Transaxles

Where Can I Study to Become a Mechanic?

The most common institutions where students study to become an auto mechanic are a community college, vocational school, technical college, and trade school. For accredited institutions offering Associate of Applied Science (AAS) auto mechanic programs, students will be provided with classroom lectures along with hands-on experience under the direct supervision of trained professionals.

By utilizing both learning modalities, students will be able to acquire essential industry knowledge about automotive repair and maintenance. Those principles can then be applied in a safe environment with the help of a trained, certified automotive professional. A complete list of community colleges and trade schools offering auto mechanic training programs are listed below for you to explore in greater depth.

What Vehicle Types Do Automotive Mechanics Work On?

An auto mechanic may work on a variety of vehicles and vessels during and after graduation from college depending on the area of interest and work setting chosen. The most common types of vehicles an auto mechanic works with include passenger cars & trucks, motorsports, motorcycles, watercraft, and collision repair on these vehicles.

Passenger Trucks Passenger trucks are self-powered, motorized vehicles seen on the roads every day around the country. Trucks can range from small commuter vehicles to large personal vehicles used to haul equipment or recreational vehicles.

Passenger Cars A passenger car is the most common type of vehicle an auto mechanic will work on or work with. Passenger cars are self-powered and can be propelled by an gas-powered motor, electric motor, or hybrid motor. With the tremendous technological advances, passenger cars may be akin to a computer on wheels versus the mechanical vehicles of days past.

Motorsports Motorsports or motorsport technology is a type of motorized vehicle associated with performance vehicles and competitive racing. Examples of motorsports may include NASCAR, drag racing, Grand Prix, stock car, motorcycle racing, slot car, kart, boat, motocross, and drone racing.

Motorcycles A motorcycle is also known as a cycle, bike, or motorbike depending on the geographic region and type of bike. Motorcycles can be two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles that can be used for commuting, racing, long-distance travel, off-roading, or a variety of recreational purposes.

Watercraft The watercraft domain may include a number of water-borne vehicles like boats, ships, hovercraft, and the like. A boat is often defined by its size and purpose being a vessel associated with travel on coastal or inland waters. A ship, on the other hand, is a large sea-going vessel.

Auto Body & Collision The auto body and collision discipline involving the structure or frame of the vehicle or vessel. These professionals work to design, repair, or replace a variety of frames back to their original state or change its design based on owner specifications.

Colleges Mechanic Certification

The accredited higher learning commission verifies certificates of completion issued by automotive schools. The goal is to help train and expose a student to the electrical & mechanical systems installed in the current generation of automobiles. If an individual completes a postsecondary program, he or she will be able to reduce the 2-year requirement of work experience for ASE certificationto a single year. An ASE certificate is sought after because it demonstrates to customers a high level of proficiency for an auto repair technician.

TheNational Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) provides auto mechanics with a broad range of program certifications. These certification options may be a singular process or taken in clusters as a student works towards an ASE Master Status. In either case, it is important to know the sub-disciplines within auto mechanics to help your understanding of the industry and better pin-point areas of interest. These certifications include:

  • Alternative Fuels
  • Advanced Engine Performance Specialist
  • Transit Bus
  • Automotive Service Technicians
  • Medium-Heavy Truck
  • Auto Repair Maintenance and Light Repair
  • Hybrid Electric
  • Electronic Diesel Engine Performance
  • Automobile and Light Truck
  • Exhaust Systems
  • Engine Machinist
  • Diesel Technology
  • Collision Repair and Refinish
  • Parts Specialist
  • Damage Analysis and Estimating
  • Truck Equipment
  • Automotive Service Consultant

Auto Mechanic Schools Certificates

The most common automotive technician certification within the ASE certification process is for passenger automobiles. Programs within this ASE certification hierarchy are broken into eight parts for passengerautomobiles:

  1. Engine Repair
  2. Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
  3. Manual Drive Train & Axles
  4. Suspension & Steering
  5. Brakes
  6. Electrical/Electronic Systems
  7. Heating & Air Conditioning
  8. Engine Performance

If an individual can pass these eight certification exams, they will be recognized as an ASE Master Technician. Passing these 8 tests can greatly increase the potential income earned by an individual in this field. Certification and master status can also be obtained in other forms of automotive repair such as heavy equipment, motorcycle repair, medium-heavy trucks, or school buses.

Auto Mechanic Salary and Career Outlook

The average wage for automotive mechanic is $18.50 per hour but can be as high as $34.76 per hour based on post high school experience, quality of service, and certification.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for mechanics looks bright.  In fact, an estimated 237,200 new auto mechanic job openings will exist through 2024 with an average annual income of $38,470 during that time frame.

Car mechanics salary will vary by location, shop configuration, hours worked, quality repair work, skills, experience, efficiency, and customer service.  A student searching the internet to learn more about locating mechanic schools near me, can simply request admissions information from any number of accredited schools through our vast digital portal.

Top States with Highest Employment of Auto Mechanics
  • California               63,550
  • Texas                      47,080
  • Florida                    45,810
  • New York               34,830
  • Pennsylvania          31,720
Top 5 Highest Paying States for Auto Mechanics
  1. District of Columbia       $64,560
  2. Alaska                                $54,544
  3. Maryland                          $47,100
  4. New Jersey                       $47,010
  5. California                          $46,650

Automotive Technology Programs and Mechanic Schools

Automotive repair shops come in all varieties, from the small local shop to large dealerships. Additionally, a specialty business can range from radiator repair to transmission overhauls and auto salvage. Individuals looking for a career as an auto service repair tech can pursue work through these niche service providers, eventually garnering enough experience to open their own business.

The increasing complexity of automobiles can be a limiting factor in opening one's own location, as many modern automobiles require diagnostic tools that are either cost prohibitive or considered proprietary by the manufacturer and only available through dealerships. Tool makers will attempt to provide diagnostic machines for modern vehicles, but calibration and diagnostic technology may or may not be immediately available.

Automotive Technician Restoration

Another facet for an auto repair technology is restoration work, which is often considered an art form. The taking of classic automobiles and returning them to factory quality standards is a time-consuming job, but can be lucrative, especially if one obtains notoriety for their work. Often restoration specialists will focus on a particular type of automobile, such as only working on British automobiles, or only working on Porsches, as the knowledge necessary to put together a vehicle from scratch is extensive and requires an understanding the minutiae of that particular type of automobile.

An experienced automotive technician will often demand a premium for service, which usually translates to a higher quality repair. Individuals looking to apprentice under a mechanic should consider the reputation, experience, and quality of work of their possible mentors. By taking the time to research their employer, an aspiring mechanic can ensure longevity in his or her career due to obtaining the proper practical experience necessary to work on vehicles and operating a business.

Schools Information for Auto Mechanics

Those interested in auto mechanics technology training programs may also be curious aboutengine machining,aircraft mechanics and maintenance, diesel technology, auto body, welding, automotive engineering, andmotorcycle maintenance and repair. For additional information about a career in auto mechanics,check out ourEssential Auto Mechanic Career Guideon ourblog. Lastly, you can reach out directly to reputable schools such as Universal Technical Institute and Area Technical College.

Car Mechanic Resources

Students may be interested in learning more about auto mechanic career pathways through associations. The ASA, AMRA, and the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) are national mechanic associations that may be worth investigating for students serious about their future. Students may find value in the education, continuing education, research, and networking opportunities associations provide its members across the nation.

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