Automotive Mechanics Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for aspiring automotive technicians, this program equips students with the technical expertise and hands-on proficiency needed to diagnose, repair, and maintain modern vehicles across diverse makes and models. Emphasis is placed on mastering core mechanical and electronic systems essential for safe and efficient vehicle operation in today’s evolving automotive landscape.
- Brake Systems: Study of hydraulic and pneumatic braking mechanisms, including disc and drum brake components, anti-lock systems (ABS), and proper maintenance protocols.
- Electrical Systems: In-depth exploration of vehicle wiring, battery function, alternators, starters, and advanced diagnostics using digital multimeters and scan tools.
- Engine Performance: Analysis of fuel delivery, air intake, emission controls, and sensor integration to optimize engine efficiency and troubleshoot performance issues.
- Engine Repair: Practical training in engine disassembly, component inspection, rebuilding, and reassembly with attention to tolerances and specifications.
- Suspension and Steering: Examination of alignment principles, shock absorbers, struts, tie rods, and power steering systems for improved handling and safety.
- Automatic and Manual Transmissions and Drive Trains: Comprehensive study of gear mechanisms, torque converters, clutch systems, differential units, and driveline diagnostics.
- Heating and Air Conditioning Systems: Instruction in refrigerant handling, system diagnostics, compressor operation, and climate control integration for passenger comfort and efficiency.
Automotive Mechanics Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Automotive Mechanics Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Automotive Mechanics Technology degrees, including Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics and Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 706,290 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment 49-2093 | $82,730 | $49,490 - $106,110 | 7,310 | $39.77 |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics 49-3023 | $49,670 | $33,660 - $80,850 | 688,840 | $23.88 |
| Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles 49-2096 | $47,940 | $31,680 - $70,480 | 10,140 | $23.05 |
Automotive Mechanics Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $34,895 in Mississippi to $72,080 in Washington—a 107% difference. The highest-paying states include Washington, District of Columbia, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 706,290 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Automotive Mechanics Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering Automotive Mechanics Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Automotive Mechanics Technology is found at Dallas College (768 graduates), Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (729 graduates), Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc (UTI) (647 graduates), Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Dallas Fort Worth (630 graduates), and Universal Technical Institute of California Inc (UTI) (539 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 22,974 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
768 | Dallas, Texas | Public | dallascollege.edu |
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
729 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc (UTI) |
Associate's
|
647 | Avondale, Arizona | Private | uti.edu |
| Universal Technical Institute (UTI) |
Associate's
|
630 | Irving, Texas | Private | uti.edu |
| Universal Technical Institute of California Inc (UTI) |
Associate's
|
539 | Rancho Cucamonga, California | Private | uti.edu |
| NASCAR Technical Institute (NTI) |
Associate's
|
506 | Mooresville, North Carolina | Private | uti.edu |
| WyoTech |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
477 | Laramie, Wyoming | Private | wyotech.edu |
| Universal Technical Institute of Texas Inc. (UTI) |
Associate's
|
468 | Houston, Texas | Private | uti.edu |
| Mech-Tech College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
457 | Caguas, Puerto Rico | Private | mechtech.edu |
| Universal Technical Institute (UTI) |
Associate's
|
423 | Long Beach, California | Private | uti.edu |
| Universal Technical Institute (UTI) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
415 | Bloomfield, New Jersey | Private | uti.edu |
| GateWay Community College (GWCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
413 | Phoenix, Arizona | Public | gatewaycc.edu |
| Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
399 | Louisville, Kentucky | Public | jefferson.kctcs.edu |
| Universal Technical Institute of Northern California Inc (UTI) |
Associate's
|
394 | Sacramento, California | Private | uti.edu |
| Universal Technical Institute of Illinois Inc (UTI) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
391 | Lisle, Illinois | Private | uti.edu |
| Universal Technical Institute-Auto Motorcycle & Marine Mechanics Institute Division (MMI) |
Associate's
|
380 | Orlando, Florida | Private | uti.edu |
| College of Lake County (CLC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
335 | Grayslake, Illinois | Public | clcillinois.edu |
| St Philip's College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
326 | San Antonio, Texas | Public | alamo.edu |
| Metropolitan Community College Area (MCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
309 | Omaha, Nebraska | Public | mccneb.edu |
| Front Range Community College (FRCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
302 | Westminster, Colorado | Public | frontrange.edu |
| Chattahoochee Technical College |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
291 | Marietta, Georgia | Public | chattahoocheetech.edu |
| Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania Inc (UTI) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
283 | Exton, Pennsylvania | Private | uti.edu |
| Tidewater Community College (TCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
269 | Norfolk, Virginia | Public | tcc.edu |
| Gateway Community and Technical College (GCTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
265 | Florence, Kentucky | Public | gateway.kctcs.edu |
| University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
265 | Lima, Ohio | Private | unoh.edu |
| Cypress College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
258 | Cypress, California | Public | cypresscollege.edu |
| Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
249 | Charlotte, North Carolina | Public | cpcc.edu |
| Universal Technical Institute (UTI) |
Associate's
|
249 | Austin, Texas | Private | uti.edu |
| Aims Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
240 | Greeley, Colorado | Public | aims.edu |
| Lincoln Technical Institute |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
238 | Whitestone, New York | Private | lincolntech.edu |
| South Seattle College (SSC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
231 | Seattle, Washington | Public | southseattle.edu |
| Mesa Community College (MCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
230 | Mesa, Arizona | Public | mesacc.edu |
| Glendale Community College (GCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
225 | Glendale, Arizona | Public | gccaz.edu |
| College of the Sequoias (COS) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
225 | Visalia, California | Public | cos.edu |
| Spokane Community College (SCC) |
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
225 | Spokane, Washington | Public | scc.spokane.edu |
| Hazard Community and Technical College (HCTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Residency
Other Award
|
222 | Hazard, Kentucky | Public | hazard.kctcs.edu |
| Shoreline Community College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
219 | Shoreline, Washington | Public | shoreline.edu |
| Lincoln Technical Institute |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
215 | Union, New Jersey | Private | lincolntech.edu |
| Pasadena City College (PCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
214 | Pasadena, California | Public | pasadena.edu |
| Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
214 | Colorado Springs, Colorado | Public | pikespeak.edu |
| Lincoln Technical Institute |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
213 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | lincolntech.edu |
| Lone Star College System (LSC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
213 | The Woodlands, Texas | Public | lonestar.edu |
| Lincoln College of Technology (Lincoln Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
207 | Denver, Colorado | Private | lincolntech.edu |
| Gwinnett Technical College (Gwinnett Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
203 | Lawrenceville, Georgia | Public | gwinnetttech.edu |
| UEI College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
199 | Bakersfield, California | Private | uei.edu |
| Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
198 | Fayetteville, North Carolina | Public | faytechcc.edu |
| Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
197 | Los Angeles, California | Public | lattc.edu |
| Joliet Junior College (JJC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
186 | Joliet, Illinois | Public | jjc.edu |
| Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
185 | Santa Rosa, California | Public | santarosa.edu |
| Cerritos College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
184 | Norwalk, California | Public | cerritos.edu |
| Lincoln College of Technology |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
184 | Columbia, Maryland | Private | lincolntech.edu |
| Oakton College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
181 | Des Plaines, Illinois | Public | oakton.edu |
| Saddleback College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
180 | Mission Viejo, California | Public | saddleback.edu |
| Waubonsee Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
169 | Sugar Grove, Illinois | Public | waubonsee.edu |
| Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Residency
Other Award
|
169 | Lacombe, Louisiana | Public | northshorecollege.edu |
| Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) |
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
168 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | bluegrass.kctcs.edu |
| Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (ECTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
165 | Elizabethtown, Kentucky | Public | elizabethtown.kctcs.edu |
| New York Automotive and Diesel Institute (NYADI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
164 | Jamaica, New York | Private | nyadi.edu |
| Elgin Community College (ECC) |
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
160 | Elgin, Illinois | Public | elgin.edu |
| San Diego Miramar College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
156 | San Diego, California | Public | sdmiramar.edu |
| Automeca Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
156 | Bayamon, Puerto Rico | Private | automeca.com |
| Colorado Mesa University (CMU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
155 | Grand Junction, Colorado | Public | coloradomesa.edu |
| Wake Technical Community College (Wake Tech) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
155 | Raleigh, North Carolina | Public | waketech.edu |
| Sinclair Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
155 | Dayton, Ohio | Public | sinclair.edu |
| Lincoln College of Technology |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
154 | Nashville, Tennessee | Private | lincolntech.edu |
| De Anza College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
149 | Cupertino, California | Public | deanza.edu |
| Austin Community College District (ACC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
147 | Austin, Texas | Public | austincc.edu |
| Somerset Community College (SCC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Residency
Other Award
|
144 | Somerset, Kentucky | Public | somerset.kctcs.edu |
| Amarillo College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
142 | Amarillo, Texas | Public | actx.edu |
| Pueblo Community College (PCC) |
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
138 | Pueblo, Colorado | Public | pueblocc.edu |
| Lake Land College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
138 | Mattoon, Illinois | Public | lakelandcollege.edu |
| Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Other Award
|
137 | Warner Robins, Georgia | Public | centralgatech.edu |
| Universal Technical Institute (UTI) |
Associate's
|
136 | Miramar, Florida | Private | uti.edu |
| Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
132 | Springfield, Illinois | Public | llcc.edu |
| UEI College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
132 | Chula Vista, California | Private | uei.edu |
| UEI College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
130 | West Covina, California | Private | uei.edu |
| Central Community College (CCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
129 | Grand Island, Nebraska | Public | cccneb.edu |
| Advanced Training Institute (ATI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
128 | Las Vegas, Nevada | Private | atitraining.edu |
| Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
127 | Griffin, Georgia | Public | sctech.edu |
| Indian Capital Technology Center (ICTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
127 | Muskogee, Oklahoma | Public | ictech.edu |
| Trinidad State College (TSC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
126 | Trinidad, Colorado | Public | trinidadstate.edu |
| Stark State College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
124 | North Canton, Ohio | Public | starkstate.edu |
| Lincoln College of Technology |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
122 | Grand Prairie, Texas | Private | lincolntech.edu |
| Collin County Community College District (CCCCD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
122 | McKinney, Texas | Public | collin.edu |
| UEI College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
122 | Oceanside, California | Private | uei.edu |
| Lanier Technical College (Lanier Tech) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
119 | Gainesville, Georgia | Public | laniertech.edu |
| Lincoln Technical Institute |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
119 | Mahwah, New Jersey | Private | lincolntech.edu |
| UEI College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
119 | Garden Grove, California | Private | uei.edu |
| National Park College (NPC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
118 | Hot Springs, Arkansas | Public | np.edu |
| Lincoln College of Technology |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
118 | Melrose Park, Illinois | Private | lincolntech.edu |
| Chabot College (CC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
117 | Hayward, California | Public | chabotcollege.edu |
| San Jacinto Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
117 | Pasadena, Texas | Public | sanjac.edu |
| Lincoln College of Technology (LTI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
116 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Private | lincolntech.edu |
| Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
116 | Clarkston, Georgia | Public | gptc.edu |
| Moraine Valley Community College (MVCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
115 | Palos Hills, Illinois | Public | morainevalley.edu |
| Oxnard College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
113 | Oxnard, California | Public | oxnardcollege.edu |
| Santa Ana College (SAC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
111 | Santa Ana, California | Public | sac.edu |
| Colorado Mountain College (CMC) |
Other Award
|
111 | Glenwood Springs, Colorado | Public | coloradomtn.edu |
| Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
111 | Ankeny, Iowa | Public | dmacc.edu |
| Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) |
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
111 | Owensboro, Kentucky | Public | owensboro.kctcs.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Automotive Mechanics Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Automotive Mechanics Technology degree?
Salaries for Automotive Mechanics Technology graduates vary by role and location. Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment earn a median of $82,730 annually, while Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earn around $49,670. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Washington average $72,080 compared to $34,895 in Mississippi. Approximately 706,290 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Automotive Mechanics Technology programs?
Currently 751 accredited institutions offer Automotive Mechanics Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Dallas College (768 graduates), Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (729 graduates), and Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc (UTI) (647 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Automotive Mechanics Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 33,272 in 2010 to 41,728 in 2023-24. This represents a 25% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Automotive Mechanics Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, and Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles. Related occupations employ approximately 706,290 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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