High Performance and Custom Engine Mechanics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
This program equips students with advanced technical expertise to optimize and maintain high-performance diesel and automotive engines. Emphasis is placed on enhancing vehicle power, precision tuning, and the systematic repair of performance-oriented vehicles through hands-on training and industry-standard methodologies.
- Performance Engine Modifications: Focuses on advanced techniques to reconfigure internal combustion engines for increased output, including cylinder head porting, camshaft selection, and forced induction integration.
- Powertrain System Tuning: Explores the optimization of transmission, drivetrain components, and torque transfer systems to match enhanced engine performance and ensure durability under stress.
- Custom Exhaust and Intake Systems: Covers the design and installation of high-flow exhaust manifolds, headers, and air intake solutions to improve engine breathing and overall efficiency.
- Suspension and Handling Enhancements: Addresses the engineering of performance suspension setups, including coilovers, sway bars, and alignment calibration for improved vehicle dynamics and cornering stability.
- Dynamometer and Diagnostic Applications: Provides training in the use of engine dynamometers, data acquisition systems, and electronic diagnostic tools to measure, analyze, and fine-tune performance parameters.
- Performance Accessory Integration: Teaches the selection, installation, and compatibility assessment of aftermarket components such as turbochargers, intercoolers, performance fuel systems, and high-output alternators.
High Performance and Custom Engine Mechanics Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
High Performance and Custom Engine Mechanics Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with High Performance and Custom Engine Mechanics degrees, including First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers and Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics. 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 1,289,520 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers 49-1011 | $78,300 | $48,460 - $124,280 | 600,680 | $37.64 |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics 49-3023 | $49,670 | $33,660 - $80,850 | 688,840 | $23.88 |
High Performance and Custom Engine Mechanics Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $52,085 in West Virginia to $82,100 in District of Columbia—a 58% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Alaska, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,289,520 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 High Performance and Custom Engine Mechanics by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 11 institutions offering High Performance and Custom Engine Mechanics 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 High Performance and Custom Engine Mechanics is found at University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) (223 graduates), Lanier Technical College (Lanier Tech) (58 graduates), Kauai Community College (KCC) (49 graduates), Leeward Community College (LCC) (38 graduates), and Hawaii Community College (37 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 470 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
223 | Lima, Ohio | Private | unoh.edu |
| Lanier Technical College (Lanier Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
58 | Gainesville, Georgia | Public | laniertech.edu |
| Kauai Community College (KCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
49 | Lihue, Hawaii | Public | kauai.hawaii.edu |
| Leeward Community College (LCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
38 | Pearl City, Hawaii | Public | leeward.hawaii.edu |
| Hawaii Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
37 | Hilo, Hawaii | Public | hawaii.hawaii.edu |
| Honolulu Community College (HCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
19 | Honolulu, Hawaii | Public | honolulu.hawaii.edu |
| Ranken Technical College |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
16 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | ranken.edu |
| University of Hawaii |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
14 | Kahului, Hawaii | Public | maui.hawaii.edu |
| School of Automotive Machinists & Technology (SAM Tech) |
Other Award
|
8 | Houston, Texas | Private | samtech.edu |
| South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
7 | Americus, Georgia | Public | southgatech.edu |
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about High Performance and Custom Engine Mechanics programs
How much can I earn with a High Performance and Custom Engine Mechanics degree?
Salaries for High Performance and Custom Engine Mechanics graduates vary by role and location. First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers earn a median of $78,300 annually, while Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earn around $49,670. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $82,100 compared to $52,085 in West Virginia. Approximately 1,289,520 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 High Performance and Custom Engine Mechanics programs?
Currently 11 accredited institutions offer High Performance and Custom Engine Mechanics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) (223 graduates), Lanier Technical College (Lanier Tech) (58 graduates), and Kauai Community College (KCC) (49 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 High Performance and Custom Engine Mechanics growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 227 in 2010 to 470 in 2023-24. This represents a 107% 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 High Performance and Custom Engine Mechanics degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, . Related occupations employ approximately 1,289,520 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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