by our College Data Analytics TeamThe field of mechanic and repair technologies\technicians can encompass several careers besides just auto mechanic. For example, while auto mechanics focus on the physical, mechanical side of automotive repair and maintenance, automotive technicians tend to focus on the technical aspects of the items they are maintaining. For example, they may be responsible for troubleshooting and repairing an automotive computer system.
Similar to auto mechanics, auto technicians will require a high school diploma and most likely a certification from ASE (National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence). ASE certificates are broken into multiple series from automobile and light truck to heavy trucks, collision and alternative fuels.
Note that some automotive shops will only hire candidates with their ASE certifications in hand, while others may pay for you to attend and obtain your certificate. Auto shops run by the main manufacturers will certainly require ASE certification and may go a step further and require you to have an associate degree, especially if you wish to advance further than the shop technician position.
A major in Mechanic & Repair Tech (Other) covers Mechanic And Repair Technologies/technicians, Other. Continue reading for the essential details every mechanic & repair tech (other) student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering mechanic & repair tech (other) programs.
Nationwide, mechanic & repair tech (other) draws strong interest, with 1,335 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Mechanic & Repair Tech (Other) Schools ranking analyzes these 40 schools to determine the best overall colleges for mechanic & repair tech (other) students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of mechanic & repair tech (other) programs later in this article.
Technicians need to have a high school diploma and as mentioned above, will also need to pursue additional training and education to advance further in their career.
As with certified mechanics, technicians need to have a good technical aptitude in order to troubleshoot issues and to pinpoint possible areas that need repair or maintenance. Issues may not always have a visible sign so technicians need to be able to troubleshoot issues like this. They must also have good attention to detail and dexterity as they may be working in small confined spaces.
There are several mechanic & repair tech (other) 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 | 267 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 974 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 94 |
With 40 different mechanic & repair tech (other) programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased mechanic & repair tech (other) school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in mechanic & repair tech (other), you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians, Other | 1,335 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
