Becoming a Mechanic or Automotive Technician in Colorado
Many people choose to pursue a career as an automotive service technician, a body work or collision repairer, or a diesel or heavy truck mechanic because these careers are hands-on, and skilled professionals are always in demand. In Colorado, there are no specific education requirements, but most people choose to complete a secondary program to learn the basic skills of auto repair and maintenance. With those skills you can then land an entry-level position, continue your training on the job and eventually become certified. [En Español]
The Job Outlook in Colorado
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) records that there were 12,350 auto mechanics working in Colorado in 2020. There were also 4,750 bus and truck diesel mechanics and 3,490 automotive body repair workers. The expected growth in all of these industries is positive in Colorado and other states. The statistics show that between now and 2030 there will be thousands of new jobs available for qualified workers.
Mechanic Salaries in Colorado
Data on salaries for various automotive repair occupations in Colorado. The primary categories include Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers, Automotive Body and Related Repairers, and Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists. The data is broken down by percentile and region, highlighting the differences in wages based on location and experience levels.
Salaries in Colorado by Occupation
| Occupation | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $14.00 / $29,120 | $17.00 / $35,360 | $21.00 / $43,680 | $26.00 / $54,080 | $31.00 / $64,480 |
| Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers | $13.00 / $27,040 | $16.00 / $33,280 | $20.00 / $41,600 | $25.00 / $52,000 | $30.00 / $62,400 |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairers | $14.50 / $30,160 | $18.00 / $37,440 | $23.00 / $47,840 | $29.00 / $60,320 | $35.00 / $72,800 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists | $15.00 / $31,200 | $19.00 / $39,520 | $24.00 / $49,920 | $30.00 / $62,400 | $36.00 / $74,880 |
Auto Mechanic Salaries in Colorado 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | $32,000 – $68,000 | $30,000 – $64,000 | $35,000 – $75,000 | $38,000 – $80,000 |
| Colorado Springs | $31,000 – $66,000 | $29,000 – $62,000 | $34,000 – $72,000 | $37,000 – $78,000 |
| Fort Collins | $30,000 – $64,000 | $28,000 – $60,000 | $33,000 – $70,000 | $36,000 – $75,000 |
| Boulder | $32,000 – $67,000 | $30,000 – $63,000 | $35,000 – $74,000 | $38,000 – $79,000 |
Auto Mechanic Schools in Colorado
For those interested in working with cars and trucks in Colorado, there are several educational opportunities, including general programs and those specific to a manufacturer:
- Arapahoe Community College. This school in Littleton offers an automotive technology training program, which prepares students for jobs and to become certified through ASA, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. The program is two years long and culminates in an associate’s degree. Students also have the chance to earn manufacturer-specific training through GM ASEP, Mopar CAP, Honda PACT, and Nissan’s Denver Technician Apprenticeship Program.
- Pikes Peak Community College. At this Colorado Springs campus, students can choose to earn a certificate or a two-year degree in automotive technology. The certificate programs allow students to specialize in areas like brakes, electronics, air conditioning and heating, drivetrain, and automotive parts.
- Colorado Mesa University. The Grand Junction campus of this school also offers students the option of a certificate or an associate’s degree in automotive technology and service repair. The degree program includes 70 credit hours of coursework, while the certificate program includes just 25 credits. Students can specialize in diesel mechanics or light duty automotive mechanics. The programs are offered in conjunction with Western Colorado Community College.
High school students in Colorado can often complete a program before graduating. These vocational programs are offered in several districts and schools including Overland High School in Aurora, Brighton High School in Brighton and Doherty High School in Colorado Springs. Several community college programs are also open to high school students.
ASE Certification
To become a mechanic in Colorado does not require a specific educational path or certification, but most employers want to hire people who have completed a secondary program and are on the path to becoming ASE certified. ASE provides exams that mechanics can qualify for by either having two years of work experience or by having one year or experience as well as a certificate or degree.
Other related certification tests include:
- Light truck certification tests
- Light repair certification tests
- Transit bus certification tests
- Alternate fuels certification test
- Parts specialist certification tests
- Engine machinist certification tests
- School bus certification tests
- Truck equipment certification tests
Working as a Mechanic in Colorado
Mechanics are needed in Colorado to work in dealerships, service repair shops, service stations and collision, body and paint shops. The greatest numbers of job opportunities are in the larger population settings, including Denver, Colorado Springs and Boulder. There are also jobs available in dealerships and smaller repair facilities in Fort Collins, Colorado Springs and Grand Junction.
If you are interested in a career in auto mechanics, diesel repair or auto body work, Colorado is a great choice. There are plenty of schools for training and many opportunities for jobs for those who are trained, educated and ready to get to work.
College Listings
| School | Type | Tuition and fees per year | Net price per year | Auto Mechanic programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Aims Community CollegeGreeley, CO(970) 330-80085401 W. 20th St.Accredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $3,4102024-25 | $8,584 to $13,412by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Arapahoe Community CollegeLittleton, CO(303) 797-42225900 S. Santa Fe Dr.Accredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $4,4342024-25 | $7,166 to $16,104by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Colorado Mesa UniversityGrand Junction, CO(970) 248-10201100 North AvenueAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $9,9272024-25 | $11,547 to $20,288by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Colorado Mountain CollegeGlenwood Springs, CO(800) 621-8559802 Grand Ave.Accredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $5,1122024-25 | $2,767 to $12,738by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Colorado Northwestern Community CollegeRangely, CO(970) 675-2261500 Kennedy DriveAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $4,5942024-25 | $8,045 to $17,995by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Emily Griffith Technical CollegeDenver, CO(720) 423-47001860 Lincoln StreetAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | not published |
|
Front Range Community CollegeWestminster, CO(303) 404-50003645 W 112th AveAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $4,6632024-25 | $7,977 to $18,087by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Intellitec College-Colorado SpringsColorado Springs, CO(719) 632-76262315 East Pikes Peak AvenueAccredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $20,863 to $25,628by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Intellitec College-Grand JunctionGrand Junction, CO(970) 245-8101772 Horizon Dr.Accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $16,004 to $20,053by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Lincoln College of Technology-DenverDenver, CO(303) 722-572411194 E 45th AveAccredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $30,295 to $35,479by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Morgan Community CollegeFort Morgan, CO(970) 542-3100920 Barlow RoadAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $4,2522024-25 | $5,591 to $11,867by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Northeastern Junior CollegeSterling, CO(970) 521-6600100 College AvenueAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $5,7302024-25 | $10,190 to $18,926by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Pickens Technical CollegeAurora, CO(303) 344-4910500 Airport BlvdAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | $5,1402024-25 | $3,821 to $10,806by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Pikes Peak State CollegeColorado Springs, CO(719) 502-20005675 S Academy BlvdAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $4,5102024-25 | $7,824 to $18,345by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Pueblo Community CollegePueblo, CO(719) 549-3200900 W Orman AveAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $5,0492024-25 | $9,778 to $19,251by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Red Rocks Community CollegeLakewood, CO(303) 914-660013300 W Sixth AveAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $4,8592024-25 | $7,312 to $18,048by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Trinidad State CollegeTrinidad, CO(719) 846-5011600 Prospect StreetAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $4,6082024-25 | $10,089 to $21,373by 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.