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
| Occupation | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $12.00 / $24,960 | $15.00 / $31,200 | $19.00 / $39,520 | $24.00 / $49,920 | $29.00 / $60,320 |
| Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers | $11.00 / $22,880 | $14.00 / $29,120 | $18.00 / $37,440 | $23.00 / $47,840 | $28.00 / $58,240 |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairers | $13.00 / $27,040 | $16.00 / $33,280 | $21.00 / $43,680 | $27.00 / $56,160 | $33.00 / $68,640 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists | $14.00 / $29,120 | $18.00 / $37,440 | $23.00 / $47,840 | $29.00 / $60,320 | $35.00 / $72,800 |
Auto Mechanic Salaries in Florida 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami | $26,000 – $56,000 | $24,000 – $52,000 | $28,000 – $62,000 | $32,000 – $68,000 |
| Orlando | $25,000 – $55,000 | $23,000 – $50,000 | $27,000 – $60,000 | $31,000 – $66,000 |
| Tampa | $26,000 – $57,000 | $24,000 – $53,000 | $28,000 – $63,000 | $32,000 – $69,000 |
| Jacksonville | $27,000 – $58,000 | $25,000 – $54,000 | $29,000 – $64,000 | $33,000 – $70,000 |
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.
College Listings
| School | Type | Tuition and fees per year | Net price per year | Auto Mechanic programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
American Advanced Technicians InstituteHialeah, FL(305) 362-55196801 W 20th StAccredited by Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training |
Private for-profit | not published | not published |
|
Aparicio-Levy Technical CollegeTampa, FL(813) 740-488410119 East Ellicott StreetAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | not published |
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Atlantic Technical CollegeCoconut Creek, FL(754) 321-51004700 Coconut Creek ParkwayAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | $12,793 to $14,933by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Broward CollegeFort Lauderdale, FL(954) 201-7350111 East Las Olas BlvdAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $2,8302024-25 | $19,448 to $24,881by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Charlotte Technical CollegePort Charlotte, FL(941) 255-750018150 Murdock CircleAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | $3,1102024-25 | $9,714 to $11,247by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Chipola CollegeMarianna, FL(850) 526-27613094 Indian CircleAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $3,1202024-25 | $118 to $3,333by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
D A Dorsey Technical CollegeMiami, FL(305) 693-24907100 N. W. 17th AvenueAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | not published |
|
Daytona State CollegeDaytona Beach, FL(386) 506-30001200 W. International Speedway Blvd.Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $3,1062024-25 | $5,809 to $11,441by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Emerald Coast Technical CollegeDefuniak Springs, FL(850) 892-1241761 N 20th StAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | not published |
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First Coast Technical CollegeSaint Augustine, FL(904) 547-32822980 Collins AveAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | $7,554 to $11,079by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Florida Panhandle Technical CollegeChipley, FL(850) 638-1180757 Hoyt StreetAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | not published |
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Florida State College at JacksonvilleJacksonville, FL(904) 633-8100501 W State StAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $2,8782024-25 | $664 to $8,994by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Fort Myers Technical CollegeFort Myers, FL(239) 334-45443800 Michigan AveAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | $12,298 to $15,020by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Fred K Marchman Technical CollegeNew Port Richey, FL(727) 774-17007825 Campus Dr.Accredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | $6,807 to $10,574by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Gadsden Technical CollegeQuincy, FL(850) 875-8324201 Martin Luther King Jr BoulevardAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | not published |
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George Stone Technical CollegePensacola, FL(850) 941-62002400 Longleaf DrAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | $7,597 to $9,758by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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H W Brewster Technical CollegeTampa, FL(813) 276-54482222 N. Tampa StreetAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | $9,731 to $12,293by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Hillsborough Community CollegeTampa, FL(813) 253-700039 Columbia DriveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $2,5062024-25 | $4,905 to $10,168by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Immokalee Technical CollegeImmokalee, FL(239) 377-9900508 N 9th StAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | not published |
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Indian River State CollegeFort Pierce, FL(772) 462-47723209 Virginia AveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $2,7642024-25 | $4,763 to $9,878by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Jones Technical InstituteJacksonville, FL(904) 328-56008813 Western Way |
Private nonprofit | $15,9782023-24 | $19,104 to $24,856by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Lake Technical CollegeEustis, FL(352) 589-22502001 Kurt StreetAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | not published |
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Lindsey Hopkins Technical CollegeMiami, FL(305) 324-6070750 NW 20 StreetAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | not published |
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Lively Technical CollegeTallahassee, FL(850) 487-7555500 N Appleyard DrAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | $7,153 to $7,701by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Lorenzo Walker Technical CollegeNaples, FL(239) 377-09003702 Estey AvenueAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | $11,335 to $13,021by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Manatee Technical CollegeBradenton, FL(941) 751-79006305 State Rd 70 EastAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | $7,028 to $8,118by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Marion Technical CollegeOcala, FL(352) 671-72001014 SW 7th RdAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | $4,047 to $10,141by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Miami Dade CollegeMiami, FL(305) 237-8888300 NE 2nd AvenueAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $2,8382024-25 | $5,108 to $9,796by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical CollegeMiami Lakes, FL(305) 557-11005780 NW 158th StreetAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | not published |
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Okaloosa Technical CollegeFort Walton Beach, FL(850) 833-35001976 Lewis Turner BlvdAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | $13,412 to $15,127by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Orange Technical College-South CampusOrlando, FL(407) 251-60472900 West Oak Ridge RoadAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | not published |
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Palm Beach State CollegeLake Worth, FL(561) 967-72224200 Congress AveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $3,0502024-25 | $8,862 to $16,057by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Pinellas Technical College-ClearwaterClearwater, FL(727) 538-71676100 154th Avenue NorthAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | not published |
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Pinellas Technical College-St. PetersburgSaint Petersburg, FL(727) 893-2500901 34th St SAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | not published |
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Radford M Locklin Technical CollegeMilton, FL(850) 983-57005330 Berryhill RdAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | $5,031 to $7,381by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Ridge Technical CollegeWinter Haven, FL(863) 419-30607700 State Rd 544Accredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | $3,9302024-25 | not published |
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Riveroak Technical CollegeLive Oak, FL(386) 647-4200415 SW Pinewood DrAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | not published |
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Robert Morgan Educational Center and Technical CollegeMiami, FL(305) 253-992018180 SW 122nd AveAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | $12,537 to $14,623by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Santa Fe CollegeGainesville, FL(352) 395-50003000 Northwest 83rd StreetAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $2,5632024-25 | $10,251 to $13,579by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Seminole State College of FloridaSanford, FL(407) 708-4722100 Weldon BlvdAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $3,1222024-25 | $974 to $9,152by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Sheridan Technical CollegeHollywood, FL(754) 321-54005400 Sheridan StAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | $7,983 to $10,318by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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South Dade Technical College-South Dade Skills Center CampusHomestead, FL(305) 247-783928300 S.W. 152nd AvenueAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | $2,944 to $4,936by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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South Florida State CollegeAvon Park, FL(863) 453-6661600 W College DrAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $3,1652024-25 | $3,285 to $6,532by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Suncoast Technical CollegeSarasota, FL(941) 924-13654748 Beneva RdAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | $16,019 to $18,159by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Tom P. Haney Technical CollegePanama City, FL(850) 767-55003016 Hwy 77 NAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | not published |
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Traviss Technical CollegeLakeland, FL(863) 499-27003225 Winter Lake RdAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | not published |
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Universal Technical Institute-OrlandoOrlando, FL(877) 201-29912202 West Taft Vineland RoadAccredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $24,982 to $31,789by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Universal Technical Institute-South Florida MiramarMiramar, FL(754) 946-55952601 Southwest 145th AvenueAccredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $24,083 to $31,508by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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William T McFatter Technical CollegeDavie, FL(754) 321-57006500 Nova DriveAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | $8,355 to $9,195by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Wilton Simpson Technical CollegeBrooksville, FL(352) 797-70184057 California StreetAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | not published |
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Withlacoochee Technical CollegeInverness, FL(352) 726-24301201 W Main StAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | not published |
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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. Programs shown without a link were added from federal completions data: the school awarded this program in 2022-23 or 2023-24. We have not yet recorded its own page for the program.