Auto Mechanic Schools

Schools by State
for Auto Mechanics:

AK AL AR AZ CA CO CT DE FL GA HI IA ID IL IN KS KY LA MA MD ME MI MN MO MS MT NC ND NE NH NJ NM NV NY OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VA VT WA WI WV WY

Career Highlights for
Automotive Mechanics

Training generally required for this career includes: Postsecondary vocational award.

Jobs and Salary
Median Salary (2008)	$35,100
Unemployment Vs. Other Jobs	Very High
Jobs (2006)	773,000
Job Growth (2006-2016)	14.3%
Jobs (2016 forecast)	883,000

Flexibility
Working Part-Time	6%
Self-Employed	17%

Education of Current Workers
Bachelor Degree or Higher	4%
Some College	34%
High School or Less	62%

Relevant Job Titles

(Supplied by experts and industry contributors for this career category)

Aerial Installer
Air Conditioning Specialist
Air Conditioning Technician (A/C Technician)
Air-Conditioning Mechanic
Alignment Specialist
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Maintenance Technician (AFV Maintenance Technician)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Repair Technician (AFV Repair Technician)
Ambulance Mechanic
Antenna Installer
Antenna Specialist
ASE Master Mechanic (Automotive Service Excellence Master Mechanic)
Audio Installer
Auto Accessories Installer
Auto Air Conditioning Apprentice
Auto Air Conditioning Installer
Auto Air Conditioning Mechanic
Auto Bench Mechanic
Auto Brake Mechanic
Auto Brake Technician
Auto Engine Mechanic
Auto Garage Mechanic
Auto Headlight Mechanic
Auto Heater Mechanic
Auto Mechanic
Auto Mechanic
Auto Mechanic Apprentice
Auto Motor Mechanic
Auto Overhauler
Auto Radiator Mechanic
Auto Radiator Specialist
Auto Rebuilder
Auto Service Mechanic
Auto Technician
Auto Transmission Mechanic
Auto Tune Up Mechanic
Auto Wheel Alignment Specialist
Auto, Automobile, or Automotive Technician
Automatic Transmission Mechanic
Automatic Window Seat and Top Lift Repairer
Automobile Mechanic
Automobile Mechanic (Auto Mechanic)
Automobile Mechanic Apprentice
Automobile Radiator Mechanic
Automobile Service Advisor
Automobile Service Advisor
Automobile Service Station Mechanic
Automobile Technician
Automotive Accessory Installer
Automotive Cooling System Diagnostic Technician
Automotive Drivability Technician
Automotive Engineer
Automotive Mechanic
Automotive Repair Technician
Automotive Repair Technician
Automotive Service Technician
Automotive Technician
Automotive Technician (Auto Technician)
Automotive Worker
Autos Disassembler
Block Mechanic
Body Wirer
Brake Adjuster
Brake Drum Lathe Operator
Brake Liner
Brake Reliner
Brake Repairer
Brake Shoe Rebuilder
Brake Specialist
Brake Technician
Brakeman
Car Mechanic
Carburetor Expert
Carburetor Mechanic
Carburetor Rebuilder
Carburetor Specialist
Certified ASE Master Automotive Technician (Certified Automotive Service Excellence Master Automotive Technician)
Chassis Mechanic
Chassis Wirer
Clutch Mechanic
Clutch Rebuilder
Clutch Specialist
Cylinder Block Mechanic
Diesel Mechanic
Diesel Retrofit Installer
Drivability Technician
Electric Vehicle Electrician
Electrical Technician
Emission Technician
Emissions Repair Technician
Engine Mechanic
Experimental Mechanic
Experimental Worker
Floorperson
Frameman
Framer
Front End Alignment Specialist
Front End Mechanic
Front End Specialist
Front End Technician
Fuel Conversion Technician
Fuel Injection Servicer
Fuel Retrofitting Technician
Gear Changer
Hand Spring Repairer
Headlight Adjuster
Heater Installer
Heavy Duty Mechanic
Heavy Line Technician
Heavy Repairer
Heavy Truck Mechanic
Hydramatic Mechanic
Hydramatic Specialist
Hydraulic Mechanic
Hydraulic Specialist
Ignition Expert
Ignition Mechanic
Ignition Specialist
Instrument Repairer
Jeep Mechanic
Jeep Mechanic
Light Adjuster
Line Mechanic
Lube Technician
Lubrication Technician
Magneto Specialist
Maintenance Electrician
Make Ready Mechanic
Master Automotive Technician
Master Technician
Mechanic
Mechanic
Mechanical Car Checker
Motor Adjuster
Motor Analyst
Motor Block Mechanic
Motor Electrician
Motor Expert
Motor Mechanic
Motor Tester
Motor Tune Up Specialist
Muffler Installer
Muffler Mechanic
Nascar Pit Crew Person
New Car Get-Ready Mechanic
New Car Make Ready Mechanic
Oil Bay Technician
Power Brake Rebuilder
Propulsion Motor and Generator Repairer
Race Car Mechanic
Race Car Mechanic
Racing Mechanic
Radiator Cleaner
Radiator Mechanic
Radiator Specialist
Radiator Tester
Radio Aerial Installer
Radio Antenna Installer
Radio Installer
Reconditioner
Remote Control Mirror Installer
Safety Belt Installer
Service Counselor
Service Technician
Shop Foreman
Speedometer Mechanic
Spring Floor Service Worker
Squeak, Rattle, and Leak Repairer
Suspension and Steering Mechanic
Tear Down Man
Tear Down Worker
Technician
Tractor Engine Mechanic
Transmission Mechanic
Transmission Rebuilder
Transmission Specialist
Transmission Technician
Trim Technician
Trouble Shooter
Truck Technician
Tune-Up Mechanic
Undercar Specialist
Used Car Make Ready Mechanic
Vehicle Fuel Systems Converter
Vehicle Mechanic
Wheel Adjuster
Wheel Aligner
Wheel Alignment Mechanic
Wheel Alignment Technician
Wheel Tuner
Wheelwright

Information Sources

BrainTrack's information on colleges and careers is drawn from many sources, including government databases, BrainTrack's own research, and results from original data analysis algorithms.

Automotive Mechanic Job Description

Career tips, salaries, and lists of schools.

Automotive mechanics combine experience and knowledge of mechanical, electronic, fuel and computer systems to inspect, maintain and repair engines and related components in all states of disrepair. Motivated by the challenge of diagnosing the problem, they rely on their senses and computerized testing to find problems. Customer service skills are essential, as many clients are negatively impacted by a car or truck that isn't working and in dire need of fast, flexible, effective service.

Knowledge of electric power systems and alternative fuels is a relatively new requirement for automotive mechanics. As new diagnostic and engineering technologies continue to emerge, mechanics must stay up-to-date in order to meet the needs of their customers. Teachers of engine repair and maintenance are therefore important to the industry.

Many automotive mechanics aspire to become Master Automobile Technicians by obtaining certification in several areas of specialization:

engine repair
brake systems
electrical systems
heating and air-conditioning
suspension and steering

Automotive Mechanic Degrees and Automotive Mechanic Schools

Two-year associate's degree programs in applied science that award certificates in automotive technology are offered by many community colleges and vocational schools. Technical or trade schools typically offer intensive certificate programs that last 6-12 months. Organizations such as the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation award school accreditation.

Some high schools offer four-year automotive certification programs, which can vary widely in scope and curricula. Automotive Youth Education Service (AYES) is a partnership between high school automotive repair programs, franchised automotive dealers and automotive manufacturers to provide more extensive, standardized programs. The NIASE certifies AYES programs.

In most cases, employers take ASE certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence into consideration more than the level of schooling that a candidate employee has completed.

Automotive Mechanic Classes

Coursework for an automotive mechanic degree program is divided between class time and hands-on practice. Courses usually include:

automotive repair
computers and electronics
physics and chemistry
English and mathematics
customer service and stress management
business and supervisory skills

Some schools have internship programs with car dealerships, repair shops and service centers.

Online Automotive Mechanic Classes and Programs

Because of the hands-on nature of a good education for automotive mechanics, programs are usually campus based. There are a few online automotive schools, but they are less likely to provide internship opportunities or access to supervised practice.

Automotive Mechanic Requirements

ASE certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is required by almost all employers. To obtain certification, students must pass a written exam and show proof of two years experience (1,000 hours of work) on cars. Completion of an accredited automotive training program can be substituted one year of experience. Although employers typically regard graduates of postsecondary programs as the best candidates, high school students who have completed a program certified by the NIASE are also considered qualified for entry-level positions.

How to Evaluate Automotive Mechanic Schools

Aspiring automotive mechanics should consider asking these questions when comparing certification:

Accreditation - Has the school been accredited by the NATEF or NIASE? Has a distance learning accreditation organization approved an online program?
School and class size - What is the student-teacher ratio in most courses? Larger schools frequently are more affordable, offer more amenities and provide more options for financial aid. How many students graduate each year?
Practical experience - What facilities are offered for hands-on practice? Does the program have alliances with manufacturers to help students acquire their own tools? Is there a variety of internships available?
Graduate success - How many graduates become ASE certified?

Relevant Schools That Respond Quickly to Info Requests Through This Site

School names link to detailed profiles. Use the Info from the School link to contact the school directly for more information. You may request information from as many schools as you like.

School	Campuses	Awards	Info
ATI Career Training Center	FL, TX	Diploma	Info From School
ATI Technical Institute	TX	Diploma	Info From School
Advanced Technology Institute	VA	Associate, Diploma	Info From School
Arizona Automotive Institute	AZ	Diploma	Info From School
Ashworth College	Online	Diploma	Info From School
Baker College Campus	MI	Associate, Certificate	Info From School
ICS Canada	Online	Diploma	Info From School
Lincoln College of Technology	CO, IL, IN, FL, Online	Coursework	Info From School
Lincoln Tech®	NJ, MD, NY, TX, PA	Coursework	Info From School
Nashville Auto-Diesel College	TN	Associate, Coursework, Diploma	Info From School
New England Institute of Technology	RI	Associate, Bachelor	Info From School
Penn Foster Career School	Online	Diploma	Info From School
Stratford Career Institute	Online	Diploma	Info From School
Universal Technical Institute	AZ, IL, NC, PA, TX, CA, FL, MA	Certificate	Info From School
Westwood College	CO	Associate	Info From School
WyoTech	CA	Diploma	Info From School

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Engineering and Technology