Becoming a Mechanic or Automotive Technician in Arizona
Working as an automotive mechanic or technician is a great career for anyone interested in hands-on work and interacting with customers. In Arizona, most employers of mechanics, service technicians and auto body and collision repair workers prefer their job candidates have some post-secondary education or training, but this is not necessarily required. [En Español]
Mechanics and people in related fields do a lot of their training on the job, but having an associate’s degree or a certificate in automotive technology or repair can give any candidate the edge in getting hired and even a salary boost.
The following topics may be covered in an automotive technology program:
- Conducting auto repair
- Auto maintenance
- Engine repair
- Diesel engines
- Air conditioning
- Electronic systems
- Steering
- Brakes
Some future mechanics begin their training in high school vocational programs. There are several opportunities for all types of training and preparation for an automotive career in Arizona.
The Job Outlook in Arizona
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 15,850 automotive service technicians and mechanics working in Arizona in 2020. Additionally, there were 4,720 diesel specialists and bus and truck mechanics, 2,930 auto body repair workers, and 530 auto glass installers and repairers. These careers are growing in Arizona and in all states, with an expected 14 percent growth for service technicians in the ten years to 2030. This makes automotive and mechanic jobs a great choice for anyone who wants a career with job security.
Penn Foster College – Online Auto Repair Technician Career Diploma
Earn your Career Diploma online through Penn Foster College’s Regionally and nationally accredited school. The Automotive Repair Technician Program, developed by ASE Master Technicians and leading experts in the field of auto repair, will teach you relevant skills and subject matter. You’ll even get preparation for the ASE certification exams on major systems such as brakes, suspension and steering, manual drive train and axles, and more! Call 1-800-851-1819 today.
Mechanic Salaries in Arizona
Working as a mechanic requires a lot of specialized knowledge and training, and this is reflected in the salary potential. According the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics data from May 2021, auto body workers earn $23.07 per hour, or $47,980 annually. The highest paid workers in this field earn $76,220 each year in Arizona, which means with training and experience, salaries can go up significantly.
Auto service technicians and mechanics are not far behind collision workers in salary, earning $21.61 per hour or $44,950 per year on average, with the potential to earn up to $73,650. Truck and diesel mechanics in Arizona earned $23.17 per hour and $48,480 per year, while auto glass workers can expect an average salary of $11,41, or $29,970 annually. Conditions in your area may vary.
Salaries in Arizona by Occupation
| Occupation | Total Employed | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary | Lowest 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 15,850 | $21,61 | $44,950 | $29,500 |
| Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers | 530 | $14,41 | $29,970 | $27,600 |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairers | 22,930 | $23,07 | $47,980 | $34,910 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists | 4,720 | $23,31 | $48,480 | $36,760 |
Auto Mechanic Salaries by Region
| Region | Total Employed | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flagstaff, AZ | 350 | $22,90 | $47,620 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | 540 | $21,23 | $44,150 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | 10,990 390 | $23,07 | $47,980 |
| Prescott, AZ | 490 | $22,69 | $47,190 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | 240 | $22,39 | $46,560 |
| Tucson, AZ | 2,110 | $21,26 | $44,230 |
| Yuma, AZ | 390 | $20,65 | $42,960 |
Auto Mechanic Schools in Arizona
There are a lot of choices for high school students or graduates in Arizona interested in starting a career in the auto mechanic profession. Some of the automotive schools include:
- Universal Technical Institute. This school has campuses in Avondale and Phoenix. It offers a training program in automotive mechanics, diesel mechanics and, in Phoenix only, motorcycle mechanics and repair. The school also has manufacturer-specific programs, including the BMW Motorrad program, which qualifies students to become Level 1 Certified BMW Motorcycle Technicians. The Avondale campus also offers the Ford FACT, GM ASEP, Volvo SAFE, and Daimler Trucks North America Programs. UTI students earn an associate’s degree in about two years.
- Arizona Automotive Institute. The AAI is located in Glendale and offers programs in automotive service technology and diesel/heavy trucks. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. In addition to hands-on training, the programs include career placement assistance.
- East Valley Institute of Technology. Located in Mesa, East Valley offers a certificate program in collision repair. The program is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and provides students with the skills they need for entry-level work and ongoing job training in body work, painting and collision repair. The program takes one to two years to complete.
- Coconino High School. This high school in Flagstaff offers a program for students interested in automotive repair. Students still in high school can train to work in the industry by going through this NATEF-certified program. It is just one of seven high schools in the entire state that is certified, and it prepares students to go right to work after graduating.
Students interested in an auto mechanic education program may qualify for financial aid. Contact the financial office of the institution that you are interested in for more information.
ASE Certification
Individuals who want to work as auto mechanics can further their careers and potentially earn a better salary by achieving ASE certification. ASE is the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, an independent organization that certifies automotive workers in areas including automobile and light truck, collision repair and refinish, truck equipment, medium-heavy truck and others. Candidates for certification must have either two years of work experience or one year work experience as well as a post-secondary certificate or degree to qualify for the test.
Working as a Mechanic in Arizona
There are plenty of opportunities for trained, certified, and entry-level mechanics, diesel mechanics, and collision and body repair workers in Arizona. The most work is found in the larger cities, like Phoenix and Tucson. Here mechanics can work for dealerships, automotive repair shops and body shops. There are also significant numbers of opportunities in smaller, independent shops in Yuma, Prescott and Flagstaff.
Working in auto repair and maintenance can be rewarding, providing people with the comfort of knowing their vehicles are operating safely. There are opportunities to work in a variety of settings in Arizona and the chance to become certified, to keep up with training and education and to earn a good living.