Becoming a Mechanic or Automotive Technician in Massachusetts
Working as an automotive mechanic or service technician in Massachusetts can be both personally satisfying and financially rewarding for anyone who loves to service and repair vehicles. Exploring the automotive field at the career level will show that the most popular areas of auto mechanic expertise are found within these four categories: auto mechanics and service technicians, auto collision repair and auto body workers, diesel mechanics and heavy truck and bus specialists, and auto glass installers and repairers. [En Español]
While some employers prefer their mechanics to have Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification and some secondary or post-secondary training, this is not always a requirement. Many auto service shops offer entry-level positions with minimum education – a high school diploma or its equivalent. Anyone looking to work their way up with little or no training can do so if given the opportunity, and in the state of Massachusetts an auto mechanic is not obligated to have a license in order to repair, service or maintain vehicles.
On the other hand, although not required, a certificate or degree is recommended for those looking to move up faster and have higher earning potential. Anyone with an avid interest in the automotive mechanic field can reach their career goals by starting with an automotive education. High schools and vocational schools in Massachusetts are now offering more automotive technology courses than ever before. Earning a degree or certificate from an accredited program will make you a more attractive job candidate.
Penn Foster College – Online Auto Repair Technician Career Diploma
Earn your Career Diploma online through Penn Foster College’s Regionally and nationally accredited school. The Automotive Repair Technician Program, developed by ASE Master Technicians and leading experts in the field of auto repair, will teach you relevant skills and subject matter. You’ll even get preparation for the ASE certification exams on major systems such as brakes, suspension and steering, manual drive train and axles, and more! Call 1-800-851-1819 today.
Here are some steps to follow that can help you succeed if this is the route you choose to take: First, enroll in an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) accredited program while in vocational or high school; Second, complete a degree or certificate program at an accredited automotive technical college; Next, apply for the ASE license by meeting the requirements; and then take and pass the ASE exam. Once these steps are completed, you will be a certified mechanic with many opportunities in the automotive job market.
The Job Outlook in Massachusetts
In May 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the total number of employees in the automotive field working in Massachusetts was 23,810. This total consisted of 13,660 auto mechanics and service technicians, 4,550 diesel mechanics, 2,860 auto body and collision specialists, and 360 auto glass installers and repairers. While the overall U.S. job growth rate is expected to be seven percent over the next several years, the auto mechanic job rate is expected to grow by an average of one percent in Massachusetts.
Mechanic Salaries in Massachusetts
Based on the information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) from May 2021, the annual salaries were $49,500 for an auto glass worker, $47,970 for auto mechanics and service technicians, $56,310 for auto body mechanics and $60,550 for diesel mechanics. It is important to remember that more skills, training and certifications equal more pay.
Salaries in Massachusetts by Occupation
| Occupation | Total Employed | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary | Lowest 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 13,660 | $23.06 | $47,970 | $31,300 |
| Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers | 360 | $23.80 | $49,500 | $37,530 |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairers | 2,860 | $27.07 | $56,310 | $30,190 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists | 4,550 | $29.11 | $60,550 | $38,270 |
Auto Mechanic Salaries in Massachusetts by Region
| Region | Total Employed | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town, MA | 550 | $25,54 | $53,120 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | 9,030 | $26,41 | $54,940 |
| Leominster-Gardner, MA | 300 | $21,78 | $45,300 |
| New Bedford, MA | 250 | $23,47 | $48,820 |
| Pittsfield, MA | 210 | $23,44 | $48,750 |
| Springfield, MA-CT | 1,440 | $23,70 | $49,300 |
| Worcester, MA-CT | 1,360 | $25,10 | $52,210 |
Auto Mechanic Schools in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has some good choices for automotive technology education and training programs. Here are some institutions offering auto mechanic degree and certificate programs:
- Mass Bay Community College. MBCC has an Automotive Technology Associate Degree program that has four different manufacturer-specific training options that include BMW, Chrysler, GM and Toyota/Lexus programs. MBCC also has a certificate option for an Automotive Technology Certification, which takes only about a year to complete and has a concentration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.
- Springfield Technical Community College. STCC offers two automotive technology choices. The Automotive Technology Associate Degree program takes approximately two years to complete, and the Automotive Technology Certificate program takes one year to complete.
- Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology. BFIT offers students either a Bachelor degree program or an Associate degree program for automotive technology. Students who graduate from either of these programs can expect quality careers in the automotive technology field. BFIT also gives its students an edge due to the school’s close association with Boston area car dealerships and national manufacturers like Audi, BMW, Ford, GM, Subaru, Honda, Chrysler, Nissan, Volkswagen, Toyota and Lexus.
ASE Certification
The Automotive Service Excellence certificate is extremely helpful to any aspiring auto mechanic looking to further his or her career. Auto mechanics wanting to earn their ASE certification need to meet certain requirements to take the ASE exams: They 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. The certificate verifies that the recipient is competent in the mechanical areas of automobiles and light trucks, collision repair and refinishing, and the servicing of truck equipment, heavy trucks and other automotive vehicles.
Working as a Mechanic in Massachusetts
Massachusetts auto mechanic jobs are largely found in the Boston area car dealerships and auto shop garages within the metro area. Springfield, Worcester and Framingham are also good places to find work within the state. In smaller towns, independent shops are always looking for well-educated and trained mechanics with good customer service skills too.