by our College Data Analytics TeamA major in Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician involves the study of Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Technical Knowledge And Skills To Repair, Service, And Maintain All Types Of Automobiles. Includes Instruction In Brake Systems, Electrical Systems, Engine Performance, Engine Repair, Suspension And Steering, Automatic And Manual Transmissions And Drive Trains, And Heating And Air Condition Systems. Examples: [Automotive Service Technician], [Motor Vehicle Mechanic]. Read on to learn the important information every automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician programs.
Across the country, automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician is a widely-pursued major, with 41,728 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician Schools ranking analyzes these 751 schools to determine the best overall colleges for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician programs later in this article.
Coursework for Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates commonly enter.
Skills emphasized by a automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician 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 | 13,259 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 10,327 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 26 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 15,409 |
People currently working in careers related to automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate | 48.4% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 37.7% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 5.7% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 5.5% |
| Some college courses | 2.1% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.7% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Majoring in automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician opens doors to numerous career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment | 238,330 | 14.0% |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 168,346 | 6.9% |
| Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles | 161,124 | -1.9% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $37,744 |
| 4 years | $43,612 |
| 5 years | $49,558 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment | $63,098 |
| Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles | $61,541 |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $40,917 |
With 751 different automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician school rankings to help you.
Students interested in automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
