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.
Mechanic Salaries in Arizona
Arizona, including Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers, Automotive Body and Related Repairers, and Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists. Below, two HTML tables compare the salaries and percentiles for these occupations by region in Arizona.
Salaries in Arizona by Occupation
| Occupation | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $15.00 / $31,200 | $18.00 / $37,440 | $22.00 / $45,760 | $27.00 / $56,160 | $32.00 / $66,560 |
| Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers | $14.00 / $29,120 | $17.00 / $35,360 | $21.00 / $43,680 | $26.00 / $54,080 | $31.00 / $64,480 |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairers | $15.50 / $32,240 | $19.00 / $39,520 | $24.00 / $49,920 | $30.00 / $62,400 | $36.00 / $74,880 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists | $16.00 / $33,280 | $20.00 / $41,600 | $25.00 / $52,000 | $31.00 / $64,480 | $37.00 / $76,960 |
Auto Mechanic Salaries by Region
| Region | Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers | Automotive Body and Related Repairers | Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | $30,000 – $60,000 | $28,000 – $58,000 | $32,000 – $70,000 | $35,000 – $72,000 |
| Tucson | $29,000 – $58,000 | $27,000 – $56,000 | $31,000 – $68,000 | $34,000 – $70,000 |
| Flagstaff | $28,000 – $55,000 | $26,000 – $54,000 | $30,000 – $65,000 | $33,000 – $68,000 |
| Yuma | $27,000 – $53,000 | $25,000 – $52,000 | $29,000 – $63,000 | $32,000 – $66,000 |
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.
College Listings
| School | Type | Tuition and fees per year | Net price per year | Auto Mechanic programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Arizona Western CollegeYuma, AZ(928) 317-60002020 S. Avenue 8E8,038 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $3,0602024-25 | $8,887 to $14,357by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Cochise County Community College DistrictSierra Vista, AZ(520) 515-0500901 N Colombo Ave3,782 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $2,2802024-25 | $6,731 to $13,638by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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East Valley Institute of TechnologyMesa, AZ(480) 461-40001601 W Main St522 undergraduates, fall 2023 | Public | priced per program | $14,964 to $18,548by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Eastern Arizona CollegeThatcher, AZ(928) 428-8272615 N. Stadium Ave.5,076 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $2,3522024-25 | $8,571 to $15,217by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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GateWay Community CollegePhoenix, AZ(602) 392-5000108 N. 40th Street5,123 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $2,3582024-25 | $12,010 to $18,316by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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GateWay Community College-Central CityPhoenix, AZ(602) 238-43001245 E Buckeye477 undergraduates, fall 2023 | Public | priced per program | $3,448 to $6,018by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Glendale Community CollegeGlendale, AZ(623) 845-30006000 W Olive Ave13,480 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $2,3582024-25 | $10,978 to $16,914by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Mesa Community CollegeMesa, AZ(480) 461-70001833 W Southern Ave16,624 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $2,3582024-25 | $12,407 to $18,916by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Miller-Motte College-Arizona Automotive InstituteGlendale, AZ(623) 934-72736829 N 46th Ave513 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges | Private for-profit | priced per program | $19,573 to $25,114by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Mohave Community CollegeKingman, AZ(928) 757-43311971 Jagerson Ave3,693 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $2,2082024-25 | $5,638 to $9,922by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Pima Community CollegeTucson, AZ(520) 206-45004905C East Broadway Blvd.15,819 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $2,4422024-25 | $2,256 to $8,872by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Rio Salado CollegeTempe, AZ(480) 517-80002323 W 14th St18,631 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $2,3582024-25 | $7,976 to $13,740by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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UEI College-MesaMesa, AZ(408) 885-89011420 W. Southern Avenue, Suite D565 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training | Private for-profit | priced per program | $33,389 to $38,635by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Universal Technical Institute of Arizona IncAvondale, AZ(800) 510-584510695 West Pierce Street1,791 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges | Private for-profit | priced per program | $24,650 to $31,387by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Yavapai CollegePrescott, AZ(928) 445-73001100 E Sheldon St7,200 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Higher Learning Commission | Public | $2,9482024-25 | $5,501 to $8,969by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Tuition and fees are from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS) for the year shown. Net price is the range of the average net prices each school published for different family incomes, from CareerSpy; it covers first-time, full-time students who received federal aid, so yours may differ. Schools that have closed are not listed.