How Long Does It Take to Become an Automotive Mechanic?
How long does it take to become an auto mechanic? Explore this role and how to pursue a career in the industry with training from UTI!
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Key Points
- Automotive technicians perform diagnostics, maintenance, repairs and inspections on vehicles.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for automotive technicians in the United States was $47,770 in May 2023.25
- The top 10 areas with the highest median annual salaries for automotive technicians in the U.S. are the District of Columbia, California, Alaska, Washington, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, Colorado, Massachusetts and Minnesota.
- Completing postsecondary automotive technician training can help prepare individuals for entry-level positions in the industry.
- Universal Technical Institute offers a 51-week Automotive Technology program that provides the knowledge and skills needed for a career as an automotive technician.1,7
Wondering if a career as an automotive technician is right for you?
If you want to work on cars and perform diagnostics, maintenance, repairs and inspections, the answer might be… yes, it is!
All of these tasks are typical automotive technician (also known as automotive mechanic) duties that are critical in keeping vehicles on the road running smoothly.
Fortunately, students can learn these skills at Universal Technical Institute's 51-week Automotive Technology training program7 and pursue work in a variety of different settings such as:1
- Dealerships
- Repair shops
- Specialty shops
- Rental agencies
- Racing teams and race shops
But how much do they get paid?
Keep reading to learn more! We’ll key you in on the most recent automotive technician salary figures and what could potentially influence these numbers.
Average Automotive Technician Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics in the United States was $47,770 in May 2023.25 This means that half of automotive technicians earned more while the other half earned less.
Top 10 State-Specific Annual Median Automotive Technician Salaries
Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including years of experience, employer requirements, industry demand and local cost of living.
An excellent option for those seeking a career in the industry is Universal Technical Institute's 51-week Automotive Technology program, which hosts automotive courses that help students gain hands-on automotive repair skills. These courses can help graduates pursue auto tech careers in any state!
The BLS has also reported the median salaries of automotive technicians across the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Looking at these figures can help you understand how salaries vary across the country and plan your next career move. (Rankings based on BLS median annual salary figures from May 2023). Note that these are not entry-level salaries and are dependent on factors like experience, location, and employer compensation.
Read: What Is a Fleet Mechanic?
1. District of Columbia: $62,940
Washington, D.C., has a rich history and culture and is the location of major national political processes. The city is also densely packed with museums, monuments, major league sports teams and fantastic restaurants.
D.C.-based mechanics can also pursue a wide range of unique career opportunities, including positions with the CIA and the United States Capitol Police. Of course, positions with dealerships and repair shops are also available. This can be an exciting city to work in!
2. California: $61,610
California, the third-largest state in the country, is the most populated state in the U.S. As a result, the Golden State is home to a large number of vehicles that require maintenance. Additionally, many out-of-state visitors come to California to enjoy its many attractions, which include several major amusement parks, film studio tours, Napa Valley wine tastings and the many miles of the Pacific Ocean coastline.
That means business for automotive technicians in California! The coastal state also has one of the highest costs of living, which may explain why its automotive technicians are paid more than technicians from some other states.
3. Alaska: $60,810
For those who enjoy the outdoors and being off the grid, Alaska could be a fitting place to live. Various industries such as oil and gas, fishing, timber, mining and agriculture fuel this state's economy.
Automotive mechanics in Alaska can also work in dealerships, repair shops and insurance companies. Some even become agricultural automotive mechanics, maintaining and repairing farm equipment to support one of the state's driving industries!
Read: How to Train to Become an Auto Electrician
4. Washington: $57,550
Known for its coffee culture (the birthplace of Starbucks), wine and tech industries, Washington state has a lot to offer. The state is also a haven for nature lovers, with waterfalls, lakes, numerous hiking trails and other pristine landscape features winding through forests and mountains abounding in the state.
For the aspiring automotive mechanic, there’s always something exciting going on in Seattle, a bustling metropolis that often attracts tourist traffic, meaning techs are needed! Automotive mechanics of all skill levels, from entry-level to master technicians, can pursue careers in this state.
5. Maryland: $55,190
Maryland is another historically significant state known for its fresh seafood; charming small towns; proximity to Washington, D.C.; and scenic water views.
The state can also be an apt place to work as an automotive technician. It’s home to some big names in the automotive industry, which can offer opportunities to auto mechanics seeking a change.
6. New Jersey: $53,280
New Jersey is the state of beautiful beaches, a plethora of historical landmarks and the sixth-highest median annual salary for automotive mechanics.
New Jersey can also be a suitable place to live and work since transportation is its top industry. The state's need for technicians is also one of the reasons UTI chose to open its Bloomfield campus in 2018.
Read: What is an Automotive Service Manager?
7. Delaware: $51,430
Delaware might be small, but it’s packed with charm and excitement. From the historic streets of Wilmington to the sunny shores of Rehoboth Beach, there’s often something fun to explore. Auto mechanics will find Delaware opportunities, thanks to its diverse industries with a strong presence in transportation, manufacturing and tourism sectors.
8. Colorado: $50,940
Colorado’s impressive landscapes provide a wide range of nature-based experiences, from mountain skiing to forest hiking. Its capital, Denver, is also home to world-class museums and a thriving nightlife scene.
Manufacturing, mining and agriculture are among Colorado's most important industries. Automotive technicians can find work in any of these industries, especially since their skills can service vehicles that transport goods used in manufacturing.
9. New Hampshire: $50,000
With top industries in this state including tourism and manufacturing, New Hampshire can be a great place for the automotive technician. It also has some big names in the automotive industry, which can offer opportunities for those seeking a change.
Beyond that, the state’s White Mountain Forest, charming historic beaches and stunning autumn foliage make it a great place for both the adventurous outdoor enthusiast and the more leisurely-inclined lifestyle.
10. Hawaii: $49,700
For many, Hawaii's laid-back lifestyle and opportunities to participate in water sports such as surfing, sailing and scuba diving make it an ideal place to live and work. Tourism, defense, agriculture, fishing, manufacturing and power are all major industries in the state.
Whether you want to work in a dealership, maintain fleet vehicles or even open your own shop, this state could be a viable place to start! Like those in other states, residents and businesses in Hawaii also rely on auto mechanics to keep their vehicles running.
Read: Automotive Shop Safety Rules
How Long Does It Take To Become an Automotive Technician?
Completing essential automotive technician work requires the right skills, knowledge and persistence to succeed. However, the amount of time needed to pursue and secure an entry-level position in the industry varies. Fortunately, future automotive technicians can gain more in-depth skills through options such as technical training.
An automotive trade school can provide industry-standard instruction and technology, both of which help future technicians in honing key automotive technician traits. A career path may include some or all of these steps:
- Get a high school diploma/GED
- Enroll in a trade program
- Get certified (if needed)
- Get licensed (if needed)
- Continually seize learning opportunities
As you can see, the path toward becoming an automotive technician could evolve even after you obtain an entry-level position. That is, if you maintain a constant state of curiosity and a willingness to seize opportunities. Doing so will allow you to adapt to rapidly changing trends and advancements in your industry!
Read: Automotive Specialized Training Programs
Train in Automotive Technology at UTI!
Auto mechanic jobs are available throughout the country, so there are likely opportunities in whichever state you want to work! After learning about each state's automotive technician salary trends, you can make a more informed decision about where you want to work.
According to the BLS, completing postsecondary automotive technician training is a great way to prepare for entry-level positions. In just 51 weeks, UTI's Automotive Technology program will provide you with the knowledge and skills that today's employers seek.
To learn more about how UTI can help you succeed in your career, visit our website today to request information and speak with an Admissions Representative! Apply to our automotive technician school when you’re ready to learn.
UTI Campuses That Offer Automotive Technician Training
- Austin, Texas
- Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
- Houston, Texas
- Miramar, Florida
- Orlando, Florida
- Long Beach, California
- Rancho Cucamonga, California
- Sacramento, California
- Avondale, Arizona
- Bloomfield, New Jersey
- Exton, Pennsylvania
- Lisle, Illinois
- Mooresville, North Carolina
NASCAR Technical Institute Campuses That Offer Automotive Technician Training
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1 ) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2 ) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
7 ) Some programs may require longer than one year to complete.
18 ) UTI now offers all of its automotive, diesel, motorcycle and marine technician training in a blended-learning format consisting of online lecture courses along with in-person, hands-on lab training.
25 ) UTI’s Automotive Technology Program prepares graduates for entry-level positions using the provided training, primarily as automotive technicians. Estimated annual salary shown above is for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics as published in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wages. Entry-level salaries are lower for UTI graduates. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Individual circumstances and wages depend on economic factors, personal credentials, work experience, industry certifications, the location of the employer, and their compensation programs. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than as an automotive technician, such as service writer, smog inspector, and parts associate. Salary information for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: The average annual entry-level salary for persons employed as Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics (49-3023) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is $36,730 (Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development, May 2022 data https://lmi.dua.eol.mass.gov/lmi/OccupationalEmploymentAndWageAllIndustries/OEWResult?A=01&GA=000025&OG=493023&Dopt=TEXT) Salary information for North Carolina: The U.S. Department of Labor estimates the hourly median wage for skilled automotive technicians in North Carolina is $22.39 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wages, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics). The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish entry-level salary data. However, the 25th and 10th percentile of hourly earnings in North Carolina are $16.63 and $14.06, respectively.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
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