Becoming a Mechanic or Automotive Repair Technician in Georgia
If you are mechanically inclined and not afraid to get your hands dirty, automotive mechanics may be a field to explore. In Georgia, most of the better paying auto technician jobs will require specialized training and certification. Obtaining this should allow you to have an edge and be competitive. [En Español]
The Job Outlook for Automotive Repair in Georgia
The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) reports that, in 2020, Georgia had 22,320 automotive service technicians and mechanics gainfully employed throughout the state. Georgia had 8,240 people working as heavy vehicle mechanics, making this a high-demand choice. Unfortunately, accidents happen and you might decide to be the one who handles the cosmetic damage. The 2020 BLS report shows Georgia had 5,560 people working in auto body repair and 340 auto glass workers at the time.
Employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow at a rate of 7 percent between 2020 and 2030, adding 45,900 jobs in the field.
Salaries for Automotive Repair Workers in Georgia
This data includes information for 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 salary data is presented by percentile and region, highlighting significant variations based on experience and geographic location.
In Georgia, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earn between $25,000 and $61,000 annually. Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers have salaries ranging from $23,000 to $59,000. Automotive Body and Related Repairers earn between $28,000 and $70,000, while Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists earn between $30,000 and $75,000.
Salaries in Georgia by Occupation
| Occupation | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $12.00 / $25,000 | $15.00 / $31,200 | $19.00 / $39,520 | $24.00 / $49,920 | $29.00 / $60,320 |
| Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers | $11.00 / $23,000 | $14.00 / $29,120 | $18.00 / $37,440 | $23.00 / $47,840 | $28.00 / $58,240 |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairers | $13.00 / $28,000 | $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 / $30,000 | $18.00 / $37,440 | $23.00 / $47,840 | $29.00 / $60,320 | $35.00 / $72,800 |
Auto Mechanic Salaries in Georgia 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | $26,000 – $56,000 | $24,000 – $52,000 | $28,000 – $62,000 | $32,000 – $68,000 |
| Augusta | $25,000 – $55,000 | $23,000 – $50,000 | $27,000 – $60,000 | $31,000 – $66,000 |
| Savannah | $26,000 – $57,000 | $24,000 – $53,000 | $28,000 – $63,000 | $32,000 – $69,000 |
| Macon | $27,000 – $58,000 | $25,000 – $54,000 | $29,000 – $64,000 | $33,000 – $70,000 |
Auto Mechanic Schools in Georgia
Almost every reputable employer in the automobile repair industry will prefer that you have a degree or a certificate. There are numerous post-secondary school choices in Georgia that will prepare you to become a competent and marketable automotive repair technician. High school students often will have access to automotive mechanic programs at vocational technical schools that will give them a head start when they graduate. Here are just a few of the auto mechanic training options available:
- Augusta Technical College. A diploma program in automotive technology can be pursued at the Augusta and Waynesboro campuses, requiring 55 credit hours. The curriculum focuses on a combination of automotive mechanical and electrical/electronic theory, which prepares students for entry-level jobs. Other certifications can be obtained that require fewer credit hours, including automotive transmission/transaxle, climate control, electrical/electronic systems, engine performance and chassis technician programs.
- Georgia Piedmont Technical College. A five-semester Associate in Applied Science degree in automotive technology is available at the DeKalb campus. If you are looking for something that takes less time, consider one of their diploma programs including automotive technology, bus maintenance technician, mobility/light vehicle technician, automotive fundamentals and motorcycle service technology. An even faster solution to getting into the workforce is their Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) programs in automotive chassis, climate control, engine performance, engine repair, transmission/transaxle and electrical/electronic systems.
- Chattahoochee Technical College. An associate degree program and a diploma program in automotive technology are available at the Appalachian, Marietta and North Metro campuses. These give you everything you need to start as a mechanic with an entry-level position. This college also offers six certification programs in automotive transmission/transaxle, electrical/electronic systems, engine performance, engine repair, climate control and chassis. Another option available at the Appalachian campus is a diploma program in automotive collision repair, along with several related certificate programs. Nationally-recognized Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) training certificates are received upon graduation. The program is also industry-recognized by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF).
- Coastal Pines Technical College. This college has all three of the major automotive repair technician programs: automotive technology, diesel equipment technology and automotive collision repair diplomas or certifications. The diesel equipment technology program combines truck, heavy equipment, marine systems and emergency power generator repair theory and practical application. This program is NATEF certified and qualifies graduates to be major collision repair technicians, painting and refinishing technicians or mechanical and electrical helpers. Automotive technology at Coastal Pines is similar to the aforementioned colleges, except they have an additional Motorsports Fabrication Technician certificate available.
ASE Certification
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications make the difference when looking for potential employment in auto repair. There are more than 40 ASE tests you can pursue in the following categories:
- Light truck certification tests
- Transit bus certification tests
- Medium-Heavy Truck
- Alternate fuels certification test
- School & Transit Buses
- Auto & Truck Parts
- Estimating certification test
- Light repair certification test
In order to qualify to take these tests you will first need to have one to three years of work and education experience. Once you pass a test, you will receive the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence in that area.
Working in the Auto Repair Field in Georgia
By successfully completing a program and continuing to obtain certifications through ASE, more doors will open for you. Some places that hire automobile repair technicians include dealerships, private garages, oil and tire change locations, and auto body shops. Those who choose to pursue the heavy diesel mechanic route can expect to find jobs with businesses that have fleets of delivery and moving trucks, as well as government agencies and tractor shops.
Population density means more open positions in this field and higher wages. When looking for a job, consider searching in the Atlanta, Sandy Springs and Roswell areas. Savannah and the Augusta/Richmond County, SC, vicinities are also hotspots for mechanic jobs. A close look at the BLS 2017 information reveals that East Georgia’s nonmetropolitan area is the place to be if you are considering an automotive body repair career. The average salary there exceeds $53,180 per year.
College Listings
| School | Type | Tuition and fees per year | Net price per year | Auto Mechanic programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Albany Technical CollegeAlbany, GA(229) 430-35001704 South Slappey BoulevardAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | $3,3642024-25 | $3,928 to $7,356by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Athens Technical CollegeAthens, GA(706) 355-5000800 U.S. Hwy 29 NorthAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $3,3902024-25 | $4,500 to $8,745by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Atlanta Technical CollegeAtlanta, GA(404) 225-44001560 Metropolitan Pkwy SWAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | $3,3822024-25 | $2,153 to $7,365by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Augusta Technical CollegeAugusta, GA(706) 771-40003200 Augusta Tech DriveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,2822024-25 | $7,668 to $12,309by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Central Georgia Technical CollegeWarner Robins, GA(478) 757-340080 Cohen Walker DriveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $3,4482024-25 | $4,141 to $10,566by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Chattahoochee Technical CollegeMarietta, GA(770) 528-4545980 S Cobb Drive Dr SEAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $3,5402024-25 | $3,946 to $8,494by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Coastal Pines Technical CollegeWaycross, GA(912) 287-58181701 Carswell AveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $3,2682024-25 | not published |
|
Columbus Technical CollegeColumbus, GA(706) 649-1800928 Manchester ExpresswayAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,0522024-25 | $4,528 to $7,209by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Georgia Northwestern Technical CollegeRome, GA(706) 295-6963One Maurice Culberson DriveAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | $3,3002024-25 | $287 to $8,915by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Georgia Piedmont Technical CollegeClarkston, GA(404) 297-9522495 N Indian Creek DrAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $3,3862024-25 | $6,566 to $14,732by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Gwinnett Technical CollegeLawrenceville, GA(770) 962-75805150 Sugarloaf ParkwayAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $3,5242024-25 | $11,156 to $18,207by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Lanier Technical CollegeGainesville, GA(770) 533-70002535 Lanier Tech DriveAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | $3,9802024-25 | $4,969 to $9,173by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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North Georgia Technical CollegeClarkesville, GA(706) 754-77001500 Georgia Hwy 197 NAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | $3,3302024-25 | $3,119 to $7,119by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Oconee Fall Line Technical CollegeSandersville, GA(478) 553-20501189 Deepstep RdAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | $3,3802024-25 | $1,126 to $7,303by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Ogeechee Technical CollegeStatesboro, GA(912) 681-5500One Joseph E. Kennedy BlvdAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | $3,3882024-25 | $4,514 to $12,384by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Savannah Technical CollegeSavannah, GA(912) 443-57005717 White Bluff RdAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $3,3362024-25 | $5,083 to $9,900by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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South Georgia Technical CollegeAmericus, GA(229) 931-2394900 South GA Tech ParkwayAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | $3,9922024-25 | $387 to $4,383by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Southeastern Technical CollegeVidalia, GA(912) 538-31003001 E First StAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | $3,4002024-25 | $5,513 to $9,275by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Southern Crescent Technical CollegeGriffin, GA(770) 229-3327501 Varsity RdAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $3,5162024-25 | $3,445 to $12,732by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Southern Regional Technical CollegeThomasville, GA(229) 225-409615689 US Hwy 19 NorthAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $3,0072024-25 | $366 to $8,501by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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United Education Institute-MorrowMorrow, GA(678) 422-45001564 Southlake ParkwayAccredited by Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training |
Private for-profit | not published | $34,259 to $35,276by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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West Georgia Technical CollegeWaco, GA(678) 821-3800176 Murphy Campus Blvd.Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $3,4102024-25 | $717 to $8,791by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Wiregrass Georgia Technical CollegeValdosta, GA(229) 333-21004089 Val Tech RdAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | $3,4802024-25 | $365 to $4,514by 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. 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.