Becoming a Mechanic or Automotive Technician in Maine
Becoming an auto mechanic can be a great option for anyone who likes to service and repair all types of vehicles. Automotive mechanics in Maine have lots of career choices available to them, but the most common include service technicians, collision repair and auto body workers, diesel mechanics and auto glass installers and repairers. Each area of the automotive field has different requirements that need to be met in order for an employer to consider a potential candidate. [En Español]
In Maine, auto mechanics are not required to possess a license to maintain and repair cars and other light vehicles. Those who choose not to earn a post-secondary degree or certificate can still get a job as an auto mechanic in Maine, because some entry-level positions require only a minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalent. Entering the workforce as an auto mechanic without a formal education can still be a rewarding career as you can work your way up with skill and hard work. You can always enroll in a technical college down the line, and many vocational, technical and community colleges have programs that start every three-to-six weeks.
If you are looking to earn a degree or certificate in automotive technology, you will find a broader range of job prospects available to you upon completion. Manufacturer-specific and specialized auto mechanic jobs often require certifications or degrees in automotive technology from an accredited post-secondary institution. Depending on your professional goals, you may want to consider earning an auto technology degree or certificate, which can help you attain your dream job faster and often a higher salary.
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.
The Job Outlook in Maine
In May 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a total of 6,020 auto mechanics employed in the state of Maine. Of that total, there were 4,540 auto mechanics and service technicians, 860 auto body and collision specialists, 1,510 diesel mechanics and 80 auto glass workers. The BLS also stated that the overall U.S. job growth rate for auto mechanic workers will be six percent over the next several years.
Mechanic Salaries in Maine
This 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 categorized by percentile and region, highlighting significant variations based on experience and geographic location.
In Maine, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earn between $26,000 and $65,000 annually. Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers have salaries ranging from $24,000 to $61,000. Automotive Body and Related Repairers earn between $28,000 and $72,000, while Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists earn between $30,000 and $75,000.
Salaries in Maine by Occupation
| Occupation | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $13.00 / $27,040 | $16.00 / $33,280 | $20.00 / $41,600 | $25.00 / $52,000 | $31.00 / $64,480 |
| Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers | $12.00 / $24,960 | $15.00 / $31,200 | $18.50 / $38,480 | $23.00 / $47,840 | $29.00 / $60,320 |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairers | $13.50 / $28,080 | $17.00 / $35,360 | $21.50 / $44,720 | $27.00 / $56,160 | $34.50 / $71,760 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists | $14.00 / $29,120 | $18.00 / $37,440 | $23.50 / $48,880 | $30.00 / $62,400 | $36.50 / $75,920 |
Auto Mechanic Salaries in Maine 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland | $28,000 – $60,000 | $26,000 – $58,000 | $30,000 – $66,000 | $34,000 – $72,000 |
| Lewiston | $27,000 – $58,000 | $25,000 – $56,000 | $29,000 – $64,000 | $33,000 – $70,000 |
| Bangor | $26,000 – $57,000 | $24,000 – $55,000 | $28,000 – $63,000 | $32,000 – $69,000 |
| Auburn | $27,000 – $59,000 | $25,000 – $57,000 | $30,000 – $65,000 | $34,000 – $71,000 |
Auto Mechanic Schools in Maine
Maine has plenty of colleges with modern automotive labs and experienced instructors. Students can earn both degrees and certificates in automotive technology that will prepare them for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certificate exams. A couple of community colleges where students can improve their skills and their future as an auto mechanic are:
- Southern Maine Community College.Students can enroll in an Associate Degree in Applied Science for the Automotive Technology program. Shops at the SMCC campus are state-of-the-art, and students receive hands on training from their instructors.
- Eastern Maine Community College. The Automotive Technology program at EMCC provides students with the theoretical foundation as well as practical application in the diagnosing, maintaining, servicing and repairing of modern automobiles.
ASE Certification
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence offers a certification credential that is used to identify auto mechanics who have the necessary knowledge and experience needed to meet quality standards in the automotive industry. Auto mechanics who earn the ASE certificate have proven that they can accurately diagnose, repair and service automotive vehicles, including standard automobiles and light trucks and diesel engines in heavy trucks and buses.
Below are some of the exams made available to aspiring automotive techs:
- Truck equipment certification tests
- Light truck certification tests
- Engine machinist certification tests
- Light repair certification test
- Transit bus certification tests
- Parts specialist certification test
- Alternate fuels certification test
- Damage analysis and estimating certification test
In order to qualify to take the ASE exam, mechanics must have at least two years of auto mechanic work experience or one year of related work experience plus a post-secondary certificate or degree in automotive technology. The ASE certificate provides proof of a mechanic’s proficiency in the field and that he or she has met the national requirements.
Working as an Auto Mechanic in Maine
Maine has auto mechanic jobs available throughout the state, but the highest concentration of jobs are found in the Portland and South Portland areas, where there were a total of 1,030 mechanics reported by the BLS in May 2020. Bangor and Portsmouth areas have about half as many jobs but are still solid cities to look for mechanic work.
Most jobs for auto mechanics in Maine are at places like car dealerships, custom auto body shops, lube and brake shops, tire stores and diesel fleet companies. Skilled mechanics who are good at working with customers and their vehicles are in demand all over the state.