Becoming a Mechanic or Automotive Technician in Florida

If you like working with cars and you are looking for a job working with your hands, a career as an auto mechanic or technician could be the perfect job for you. Whether you’re most interested in working as an auto service technician or mechanic, working on cars that have been damaged in auto accidents and making auto body repairs, repairing or installing auto glass, or bus and truck service and diesel mechanics, the career field for automotive technicians is vast. This page will help you find the best automotive mechanic schools in Florida and provide all the career information you need. [En Español]

In the state of Florida, there are no license requirements to work on automobiles in the auto service industry. However, you will find that job opportunities increase with the amount of additional education and experience that you have. Whether you want to pursue educational opportunities through colleges and trade schools, or even start in high school, you will find that Florida has many specialized training programs in automotive technology.

The Job Outlook in Florida

Florida is a thriving area for those looking for employment as an auto service technician. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in May 2020 that a total of 48,640 auto service technicians and mechanics were employed in the state. Additionally, there were 9,480 auto body and related repairers, 1,010 auto glass installers and repairers, and 13,810 bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists. These numbers are predicted to grow over the next decade by 19 percent.

Mechanic Salaries in Florida

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. This data is segmented by percentile and region, revealing significant differences in salaries based on experience and location.

In Florida, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earn between $24,960 and $60,320 annually. Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers have salaries ranging from $22,880 to $58,240. Automotive Body and Related Repairers earn between $27,040 and $68,640, while Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists earn between $29,120 and $72,800.

Salaries in Florida by Occupation

Auto Mechanic Salaries in Florida by Region

Auto Mechanic Schools in Florida

The state of Florida has numerous options for furthering your education in the field of automotive technology, with many colleges, technical institutes and schools throughout the state. There are three schools that offer exceptional opportunities for those who are interested in attending an auto mechanic school:

• Broward College. Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Broward College offers a variety of classes and specialty tracks in their Automotive Technology Associate Degree program. Students also have the option of completing the GM Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP). GM ASEP is a partnership between GM, dealers and select colleges across the country to prepare students for work in the industry through a combination of classroom and hands-on work experience at GM dealerships.
• Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College. A variety of certificate options are available in Auto Service Technology for students who wish to further their education in this field. Additionally, the school offers an option for students to complete the Toyota T-Ten program, a cooperative partnership between Toyota and Lexus dealers and auto mechanic programs that offer a more intensive learning experience with hands-on, practical experience in the service departments of dealerships.
• Pinellas Technical College Clearwater. The Clearwater campus of this technical institute has a certificate-level auto technology program that has a variety of course offerings. They also offer the Honda PACT for interested students, pairing students with dealerships in the area in an internship setting.

Many high schools and state colleges offer automotive technology and a variety of classes and coursework in auto body repair and diesel mechanics. All high schools offering these options are accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, or NATEF.

ASE Certification

ASE Certification is offered to those working in the auto service industry by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. This certification confirms that the recipient has passed the testing required and has the experience and skills to meet the quality standards for the auto service technology industry. Earning an ASE Certification typically takes two years of training and experience in the field.

Auto Mechanic Jobs in Florida

Automotive career opportunities in the state of Florida are abundant for those looking to pursue a career in automotive technology. Most opportunities are found in the Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach region, where the BLS reported in 2017 that there were 13,350 service technicians and mechanics, as well as 3,120 bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists. The highest paying market for service technicians and mechanics was the Naples area, where the average salary was $41,990 annually or $20.07 hourly. However, the market is small there with only 650 total auto service technicians in this area. Many jobs can also be found in the St. Petersburg, Tampa and Clearwater region.

Most entry-level jobs can be found at dealerships, service stations, and tire, lube and brake shops. Florida requires a driver’s license and a clean driving record for employment.

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