Becoming a Mechanic or Automotive Technician in Michigan
A career as a mechanic, automotive service tech, diesel engine mechanic, or body and collision repair worker is as easy in Michigan as completing a secondary or post-secondary program and landing an entry-level position. From there you will be able to work while still learning and training and while being supervised by master mechanics. While there are degree programs available in the state, you can choose a shorter certificate program, and you can also choose to work toward becoming certified and earning an even better income. [En Español]
There are various topics that will be covered in an auto mechanic training program, these may include:
- Auto maintenance
- Fuel systems
- Engines Transmissions
- Brakes
- Electrical systems
- Air conditioning and heating
The Job Outlook for Mechanics in Michigan
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 20,670 automotive service technicians working in Michigan in 2017. Also employed in the state that year were 8,600 bus, truck and diesel specialists and 4,980 auto body repairers. The highest numbers were employed in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn area and Grand Rapids. The BLS estimates that all of these jobs are on the rise in Michigan and across the country and that there will be thousands of new jobs in the coming years.
Salaries for Auto Service Technicians in Michigan
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 Michigan, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earn between $28,000 and $70,000 annually. Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers have salaries ranging from $26,000 to $66,000. Automotive Body and Related Repairers earn between $30,000 and $76,000, while Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists earn between $32,000 and $80,000.
Salaries in Michigan by Occupation
| Occupation | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $14.00 / $29,120 | $17.50 / $36,400 | $21.50 / $44,720 | $28.00 / $58,240 | $34.00 / $70,720 |
| Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers | $13.00 / $27,040 | $16.50 / $34,320 | $20.00 / $41,600 | $25.00 / $52,000 | $31.00 / $64,480 |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairers | $14.50 / $30,160 | $18.00 / $37,440 | $23.50 / $48,880 | $30.50 / $63,440 | $37.50 / $78,000 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists | $15.50 / $32,240 | $19.50 / $40,560 | $25.00 / $52,000 | $32.50 / $67,600 | $38.50 / $80,080 |
Auto Mechanic Salaries in Michigan 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | $30,000 – $65,000 | $28,000 – $62,000 | $33,000 – $72,000 | $36,000 – $78,000 |
| Grand Rapids | $29,000 – $63,000 | $27,000 – $60,000 | $32,000 – $70,000 | $35,000 – $76,000 |
| Lansing | $28,000 – $62,000 | $26,000 – $58,000 | $31,000 – $68,000 | $34,000 – $74,000 |
| Ann Arbor | $30,000 – $64,000 | $28,000 – $61,000 | $33,000 – $71,000 | $36,000 – $77,000 |
Auto Mechanic Schools in Michigan
There is no requirement that mechanics complete a degree or certificate program to work in Michigan, but many employers prefer to hire people who have had this education. There are many options for two-year programs or even shorter programs that can get you into an entry-level position in the state.
- Henry Ford Community College. This Dearborn community college works in partnership with Ford Motor Company to offer students the Automotive Student Service Educational Training (ASSET) program. It prepares students to work in Ford and Lincoln dealerships and is a two-year associate degree-granting program. This is the only Ford ASSET program in Michigan. The school also has a general automotive technology degree that prepares students for any entry-level auto mechanic job.
- Macomb Community College. Located in Warren, Michigan, this school has a general automotive technology associate degree program as well as a shorter automotive tech certificate, but it also offers a number of specialty certificate programs. These include engine machining, maintenance and light repair, and master automobile service technology. The school also works with General Motors to offer the GM ASEP (Automotive Service Educational Program).
- Ferris State University. Ferris, which is in Big Rapids, has both a certificate and a degree program. Each prepares students for entry-level work by providing an overall education in automotive service, maintenance and repair. Students can also earn two additional certificates, either separately or while in enrolled in the automotive tech programs. These include a certificate in performance machining and one in performance motorsports.
- Delta College. Delta, in Bay City, offers a number of certificate options and associate degrees for students interested in automotive careers. These include an associate degree through the GM ASEP program and an automotive tech degree with a focus on management. Certificates include diesel technician, automotive technology and heavy duty diesel service technology.
Secondary Automotive Tech Programs
Many high schools and school districts offer young people the chance to earn a certificate in automotive technology through vocational, tech and career centers. These allow students to gain the skills they need to begin working in the industry immediately upon graduation. Secondary programs are offered in conjunction with Automotive Youth Educational Systems. A few of the many programs in Michigan are at Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor, Oakland Technical Center in Clarkston, Breithaupt Career and Technical Center in Detroit, and Genesee Career Institute in Flint.
ASE Certification
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifies mechanics and other auto tech workers through examinations. ASE certification is often expected by employers when they hire young workers, although it requires some work experience to qualify to take the tests. Either two years of work experience or one year on the job plus a certificate or degree qualifies an individual to take a certification exam. There are several areas of specialization for the ASE certifications.
There are over 40 tests available through ASE, covering a wide range of auto mechanic topics. Some of these tests include:
- Truck equipment certification tests
- Light repair certification test
- Light truck certification tests
- Engine machinist certification tests
- School bus certification tests
- Alternate fuels certification test
- Transit bus certification tests
- Parts specialist certification tests
Working as a Mechanic in Michigan
There are many career opportunities for mechanics, auto body workers, and diesel and truck specialists in Michigan. Recent graduates may be hired by dealerships, service stations, repair shops and collision or paint shops. The most opportunities for jobs in Michigan are in Detroit and area suburbs, and in and around Grand Rapids, the two major population centers in the state.
By earning a degree or certificate and being prepared to train on the job after graduating, you can expect to have a great career and earn a fantastic living working on cars or trucks in Michigan.
College Listings
| School | Type | Tuition and fees per year | Net price per year | Auto Mechanic programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Alpena Community CollegeAlpena, MI(989) 356-9021665 Johnson StAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $8,0102024-25 | $1,336 to $10,113by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Baker CollegeOwosso, MI(855) 487-78881020 S Washington StAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Private nonprofit | $12,8102023-24 | $12,467 to $19,154by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Bay de Noc Community CollegeEscanaba, MI(906) 786-58022001 N Lincoln RoadAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $8,8482024-25 | $6,819 to $15,236by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Delta CollegeUniversity Center, MI(989) 686-90001961 Delta RoadAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $7,5502024-25 | $2,466 to $10,931by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids, MI(231) 591-20001201 S State StAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $13,6302023-24 | $5,957 to $19,308by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Glen Oaks Community CollegeCentreville, MI(269) 467-994562249 Shimmel RdAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $5,7602024-25 | $5,421 to $14,117by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Gogebic Community CollegeIronwood, MI(906) 932-4231E4946 Jackson RdAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $6,6302024-25 | $2,687 to $12,847by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Grand Rapids Community CollegeGrand Rapids, MI(616) 234-4000143 Bostwick Ave NEAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $8,2892024-25 | $9,228 to $15,347by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Henry Ford CollegeDearborn, MI(313) 845-96005101 Evergreen RdAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $5,6442024-25 | $55 to $8,653by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Kalamazoo Valley Community CollegeKalamazoo, MI(269) 488-41006767 West O AveAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $6,9042024-25 | $888 to $8,714by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Kirtland Community CollegeGrayling, MI(989) 275-50004800 W 4 Mile RoadAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $7,3502024-25 | $7,115 to $15,227by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Lansing Community CollegeLansing, MI(517) 483-1957610 N Capitol AveAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $7,7002024-25 | $2,607 to $9,411by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Macomb Community CollegeWarren, MI(586) 445-799914500 E Twelve Mile RdAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $6,6302024-25 | $4,136 to $10,688by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Michigan Career and Technical InstitutePlainwell, MI(269) 664-446111611 West Pine Lake RoadAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | $8,3002023-24 | $7,721 to $13,407by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Mid Michigan CollegeHarrison, MI(989) 386-66221375 S Clare AveAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $8,8102024-25 | $6,997 to $13,956by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Monroe County Community CollegeMonroe, MI(734) 242-73001555 South Raisinville RoadAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $7,5112024-25 | $2,982 to $9,117by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Mott Community CollegeFlint, MI(810) 762-02001401 E Court StAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $8,4052024-25 | $3,919 to $10,783by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Muskegon Community CollegeMuskegon, MI(231) 773-9131221 S Quarterline RdAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $11,9702024-25 | $3,903 to $7,577by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Northern Michigan UniversityMarquette, MI(906) 227-10001401 Presque Isle AvenueAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $14,2772024-25 | $9,098 to $22,762by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Northwestern Michigan CollegeTraverse City, MI(231) 995-10001701 E Front StAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $10,7222024-25 | $3,620 to $11,821by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Oakland Community CollegeAuburn Hills, MI(248) 232-41002900 Featherstone RoadAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $5,5602024-25 | $2,628 to $11,208by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Siena Heights UniversityAdrian, MI(517) 263-07311247 E. Siena Heights Dr.Accredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Private nonprofit | $29,7782023-24 | $15,075 to $19,918by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Southwestern Michigan CollegeDowagiac, MI(269) 782-100058900 Cherry Grove RdAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $7,8642024-25 | $5,185 to $14,599by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Washtenaw Community CollegeAnn Arbor, MI(734) 973-33004800 E Huron River DrAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $4,7042024-25 | $2,202 to $11,161by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Wayne County Community College DistrictDetroit, MI(313) 496-2600801 W. Fort StreetAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $3,3332024-25 | $4,752 to $12,642by 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.