by our College Data Analytics TeamMechanics and repairers are responsible for troubleshooting and repairing vehicles, tools and other machines as required by the business they work for. They may also help maintain machines to ensure they don't fail unexpectedly. Parts can be replaced and the devices themselves can be cleaned to ensure continued smooth operation.
Mechanics and repairers need to have on the job training and this is best done through certificate programs in automotive repair and maintenance. Most trade schools will offer certificates based on the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) program. ASE certification requires you to have two years of on the job experience and passage of an exam. ASE certification is often required by automotive repair shops - especially those run by the main automotive manufacturers.
If you want to advance further and be a lead mechanic or start your own business, it is recommended you pursue an associate's degree. You may also want to pursue taking some business courses if you are especially interested in running your own business. You'll need to be able to provide accurate quotes to customers and will need to be able to track inventory and your finances.
A degree in Mechanics & Repairers involves the study of Mechanics And Repairers, General. Read on to learn the important information every mechanics & repairers major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering mechanics & repairers programs.
Nationwide, mechanics & repairers is a widely-pursued major, with 433 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Mechanics & Repairers Schools ranking analyzes these 17 schools to determine the best overall colleges for mechanics & repairers students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of mechanics & repairers programs later in this article.
Studies in Mechanics & Repairers develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations mechanics & repairers graduates commonly enter.
Mechanics and repairers need to have a number of skills including the ability to troubleshoot and think creatively. Troubleshooting a symptom of a nonfunctioning machine is a critical skill mechanics must have. You may not always be able to see the source of the issue, so being able to come up with tests to determine the root cause of the issue is important.
You will also need to have good dexterity as you will often be working with small parts and tools in confined spaces. You must also have strength as you may be working with large or heavy components.
Mechanics and repairers must also be organized in order to properly disassemble and reassemble components.
Skills built by a mechanics & repairers program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a mechanics & repairers major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several mechanics & repairers degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 153 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 222 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 58 |
People currently working in careers related to mechanics & repairers tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 57.3% |
| Some college courses | 15.7% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 15.1% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 5.5% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.7% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 2.2% |
| Doctoral degree | 1.5% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in mechanics & repairers careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
With advanced ASE training or associates degree, further advancement opportunities open up. Other repairer careers are highly specialized and typically require specialized training. You may focus on the repair of large machinery or elevators for example.
Studying mechanics & repairers prepares you for many career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to mechanics & repairers.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to mechanics & repairers.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | 110,130 | 1.2% |
| Geothermal Technicians | 39,974 | 0.1% |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other | 28,851 | 13.1% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of mechanics & repairers graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $24,070 |
| 4 years | $19,553 |
| 5 years | $22,196 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for mechanics & repairers graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers mechanics & repairers grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | $85,639 |
| Geothermal Technicians | $64,661 |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other | $39,581 |
With 17 different mechanics & repairers programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased mechanics & repairers school rankings to help you.
Students interested in mechanics & repairers, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Mechanics and Repairers, General | 433 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
