Becoming an Auto Mechanic or Automotive Technician in New York

Most employers in New York prefer people working in the automotive field to have some post-secondary schooling. They also usually require industry specialized certification once a person is hired. A high school diploma, or its equivalent, is required for most entry-level positions in this field. [En Español]

While post-secondary training isn’t a requirement to become an auto mechanic or automotive technician, it can help a person be more marketable and obtain a higher salary. If that is the path you decide to take, then you want to search for a program accredited by National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) that will end with earning the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification.

If post-secondary education isn’t for you, there are many options at the secondary level to prepare you for an automotive career upon graduation. Many high schools are a part of the Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) Education Foundation that meet the accreditation criteria. So, if you enjoy getting greasy and inspecting, maintaining and repairing cars and light trucks, then pursuing an automotive career might be for you.

Job Outlook in New York

In May 2017, there were 34,220 people working as automotive service technicians or auto mechanics in the state of New York as detailed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Furthermore, there were 8,240 people working as auto body and glass repairers, as well as an additional 13,740 working as diesel engine specialists. Employment for automotive mechanics in New York is predicted to increase by 6 percent until 2026, which is about average across all occupations. New York is one of the top five employers of auto mechanics in the United States.

Mechanic Salaries in New York

In May 2017, the average salary for auto service technicians and mechanics in New York was $42,160 (BLS). This is equal to an hourly wage of $20.27. Auto body repairers earned an average annual salary of $45,020, or $21.64 per hour, while bus and truck engine mechanics earned $54,950 per year or $26.42 per hour. Automotive glass installers and repairers earned on the lower end, with an average annual salary of $31,830, which is equal to an hourly wage of $15.30. All of these fields are above the national average of $39,550, or $19.02 per hour, except for automotive glass installers and repairers.

Salaries in New York by Occupation

Auto Mechanic Salaries in New York by Region

Popular Programs in New York

While there are many options for automotive training programs in New York, there are some that are more popular than others.

Post-Secondary Programs:

• Erie Community College (ECC): ECC is located in Buffalo, NY, and is a two-year public school in a large city. They offer a variety of automotive programs such as an Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology, Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology (MOPAR Chrysler College Automotive Program Option) and an Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology (Ford Asset Option). The general associate program consists of 67 credit hours. The cooperative programs with Ford and Chrysler provide hands-on experience with those respective dealerships.
• CUNY Bronx Community College (BCC): BCC is located in New York City and is also a two-year public school in the largest city in New York. They offer an Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology and a Certificate in Automotive Mechanics. Students at this school take coursework in brake systems, engine repair and diesel technology, along with other related topics.
• Corning Community College (CCC): CCC is a two-year public program located in rural Corning, NY, near the Pennsylvania border. They offer a Certificate in Automotive Mechanics, Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology and an Associate in Occupational Studies in Automotive Technology. Students in the applied science program prepare students for entry-level careers as service technicians or shop supervisors. The occupational studies program is for people interested in specializing in specific areas of automotive maintenance.

Secondary Programs:

• Capital Region Career & Technical School: This program is part of the Capital Region BOCES and is located in Albany, NY. They also have a program in Schoharie, NY. This AYES Automotive Technician program is a national auto industry curriculum supported by BMW, GM, Toyota, Audi, Honda, Subaru and more. It is a NATEF-accredited program that gives students the opportunity to earn college credit and work toward an associate’s degree through the University in High School Program.

Where to Find Work in New York

Most auto mechanics in New York work in automobile dealerships and independent repair shops. Those that specialized as bus and truck engine mechanics (also known as diesel technicians) can also work on the road driving trucks and transporting goods. While working in the automotive field does not require post-secondary schooling, it is highly recommended to give an individual a step up as the technologies continue to advance. Those without some form of training will find it harder and harder to obtain work in this field.

Popular Colleges

College Programs

• Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
• Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY
• Capital/Northern New York nonmetropolitan area
• Central New York nonmetropolitan area
• East Central New York nonmetropolitan area
• Nassau-Suffolk, NY Metropolitan Division
• Rochester, NY
• Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area
• Syracuse, NY

Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY Area

Hudson Valley Community College

80 Vandenburgh Ave, Troy, New York 12180
(518) 629-4822
Automotive Technology – Associate Program

Hudson Valley Community College’s Associate program in Automotive Technology is based at their campus in the city of Troy. The college has about 11,796 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Furthermore, the college has NATEF program accreditation. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is roughly in the order of $5,426 and for students from outside the state around $9,726 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $1,200, although this varies from program to program.

SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill

State Route 7, Cobleskill, New York 12043
(518) 255-5525
Diesel Technology – Associate Program

SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill offers various Associate program options for mechanics. Classes are taken at their campus in the town of Cobleskill. The college has around 2,441 students in total, with the majority of students on 4-year programs. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Fees for tuition for in-state students are about $7,929 and for students from other states likely to be about $17,779 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,200, although this varies from program to program.

Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY Area

Erie Community College

121 Ellicott St, Buffalo, New York 14203-2698
(716) 851-1322
Automotive Technology – Associate Program

Erie Community College’s Associate-level Automotive Technology program is based at their campus in the city of Buffalo, New York. Most of the school’s 12,022 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Furthermore, the college has NATEF program accreditation. The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually about $5,408 and for students from other states in the order of $10,141 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,100, although this will vary with the program.

Capital/Northern New York nonmetropolitan area Area

Clinton Essex Warren Washington BOCES

1585 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh, New York 12901-0455
(518) 561-0100
Automotive Technology – Certificate Program

Clinton Essex Warren Washington BOCES’s Certificate program is taught at their campus in the town of Plattsburgh. Most of the school’s 74 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The retention rate of full-time students at this college is 84%. Tuition fees for the Automotive Technology program are, as a rough guide, in the order of $12,276 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $477. Program completion is normally 12 months.

Fulton-Montgomery Community College

2805 State Hwy 67, Johnstown, New York 12095-3790
(518) 762-3622
Automotive Technology – Certificate Program

Fulton-Montgomery Community College’s Certificate-level Automotive Technology program is based at their campus in Johnstown in Fulton County, NY. The college has in the order of 2,551 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The cost of tuition for in-state students is about $4,770 and for students from other states in the order of $8,970 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $900, depending on the program chosen.

SUNY College of Technology at Canton

34 Cornell Drive, Canton, New York 13617-1098
(315) 386-7011
Automotive Technology – Associate Program, Automotive Technology – Certificate Program

SUNY College of Technology at Canton offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the town of Canton, NY. This public college has round 3,140 students in total, with most students on 4-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Furthermore, the college has NATEF program accreditation. Tuition fees for in-state students are about $7,881 and for students from other states approximately $12,271 annually, while books and supplies may cost about $1,300, although this varies from program to program.

Central New York nonmetropolitan area Area

SUNY College of Technology at Delhi

2 Main Street, Delhi, New York 13753-1100
(607) 746-4000
Automotive Technology – Associate Program

The Automotive Technology Associate’s degree program in Automotive Technology at SUNY College of Technology at Delhi is offered at their campus in the town of Delhi. Of the 3,457 students, about 1% are postgraduates. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Furthermore, the college has NATEF program accreditation. Fees for tuition for in-state students are likely to be about $7,875 and for students from other states likely to be about $12,245 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,600, although this varies from program to program.

East Central New York nonmetropolitan area Area

Columbia-Greene Community College

4400 Route 23, Hudson, New York 12534
(518) 828-4181
Automotive Technology – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Automotive Technology at Columbia-Greene Community College is offered at their campus in Hudson in Columbia County. This public college has about 1,777 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Furthermore, the college has NATEF program accreditation. Tuition fees for in-state students are generally around $4,744 and for out-of-state students approximately $9,136 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $1,200, although this will depend on the program.

Nassau-Suffolk, NY Metropolitan Division Area

Suffolk County Community College

533 College Rd, Selden, New York 11784-2899
(631) 451-4110
Automotive Technology – Associate Program

Suffolk County Community College’s Associate program is based at their campus in Selden in Suffolk County, New York. The majority of of the school’s 26,829 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Additionally, the college has NATEF program accreditation. The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually in the order of $5,500 and for students from outside the state in the order of $10,270 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,440, although this will vary with the program.

Western Suffolk BOCES

152 Laurel Hill Rd, Northport, New York 11768
(631) 261-3600 x200
Automotive Technology – Certificate Program

Western Suffolk BOCES offers various Certificate program options for mechanics. All programs are offered at their campus in Northport in Suffolk County. Most of the school’s 357 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences. Additionally, the college has NATEF program accreditation. Tuition fees for the Automotive Technology program are in the order of $15,449 yearly. Books and supplies can cost about $1,000. The typical program completion time is 16 months.

New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division Area

Apex Technical School

24-02 Queens Plaza South, Long Island City, New York 11101
(212) 645-3300
Automotive Technology – Certificate Program

Apex Technical School’s Certificate-level Automotive Technology program is taught at their campus in the city of Long Island City. Most of the school’s 1,152 students are on diploma programs of under two years. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Additionally, the college has NATEF program accreditation. Tuition fees for the Automotive Technology program are generally around $17,284 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $605. The typical program completion time is 7 months.

CUNY Bronx Community College

2155 University Avenue, Bronx, New York 10453
(718) 289-5100
Automotive Technology – Certificate Program

The Certificate program in Automotive Technology at CUNY Bronx Community College is taught at their campus in the city of Bronx. The college has in the order of 11,434 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Additionally, the college has NATEF program accreditation. The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually in the order of $5,206 and for students from outside the state in the order of $8,086 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,364, although this will vary with the program.

Lincoln Technical Institute-Whitestone

15-30 Petracca Pl, Whitestone, New York 11357
(718) 640-9800 x41800
Automotive Technology – Certificate Program

Lincoln Technical Institute offers various Certificate program options for mechanics. All programs are based at their Whitestone campus in the city of Whitestone. Most of the school’s 656 students are on diploma programs of under two years. The Automotive Technology program, with a duration of 1560 contact hours, is the college’s largest program. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Furthermore, the college has NATEF program accreditation. Tuition fees are around $32,230 annually. Study materials can cost around $1,320, depending on the program chosen.

New York Automotive and Diesel Institute

178-18 Liberty Avenue, Jamaica, New York 11433-1433
(718) 658-0006
Automotive Technology – Certificate Program

New York Automotive and Diesel Institute offers various Certificate program options for mechanics. All programs are based at their campus in the city of Jamaica. The college has roughly 135 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Additionally, the college has NATEF program accreditation. Tuition fees for the Automotive Technology program are in the order of $14,850 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,299. Program completion is usually 12 months.

Rockland Community College

145 College Rd, Suffern, New York 10901-3699
(845) 574-4000
Automotive Technology – Associate Program

The Associate’s degree program in Automotive Technology at Rockland Community College can be taken at their campus in Suffern in Rockland County, NY. Most of the school’s 7,180 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Tuition fees for in-state students are usually in the order of $4,815 and for students from outside the state in the order of $9,245 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,320, although this will vary with the program.

Technical Career Institutes

320 W 31st St, New York, New York 10001
(212) 594-4000
Automotive Technology – Associate Program

Technical Career Institutes offers various Associate program options for mechanics. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of New York, New York. The college has roughly 2,081 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Tuition fees are broadly around $13,800 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $1,600, depending on the program.

Rochester, NY Area

Monroe Community College

1000 E Henrietta Rd, Rochester, New York 14623
(585) 292-2000
Automotive Technology – Certificate Program

Monroe Community College’s Certificate program in Automotive Technology is offered at their campus in Rochester in Monroe County, New York. Most of the school’s 14,586 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Additionally, the college has NATEF program accreditation. The Automotive Technology program is offered with the option of completing a GM ASEP program. The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually about $4,959 and for students from other states in the order of $9,059 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,200, although this will depend on the program.

Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area Area

Corning Community College

1 Academic Dr, Corning, New York 14830
(607) 962-9011
Automotive Technology – Certificate Program

Corning Community College’s Certificate-level Automotive Technology program is offered at their campus in Corning in Steuben County. The majority of of the school’s 3,972 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Tuition fees for in-state students are about $4,872 and for students from other states approximately $9,186 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $1,200, although this will depend on the program.

SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

10 Upper College Drive, Alfred, New York 14802
(800) 425-3733
Automotive Technology – Associate Program

The Associate’s program in Automotive Technology at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred is offered at their campus in the town of Alfred, NY. Most of the school’s 3,699 students are on 4-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Furthermore, the college has NATEF program accreditation. The college’s retention rate for full-time students is 88%. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is roughly in the order of $8,075 and for students from outside the state around $14,635 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $1,200, although this will vary with the program.

Syracuse, NY Area

Center for Instruction Technology & Innovation (CiTi)

179 County Route 64, Mexico, New York 13114
(315) 963-4256
Automotive Technology – Certificate Program, Automotive Technology – Bachelor Program, Auto Body Technology – Associate Program

Center for Instruction Technology & Innovation (CiTi) offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program, a Bachelor program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their campus in Mexico in Oswego County. This public college has in the order of 114 students in total, with the majority of students on programs that last under 2 years. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The retention rate of full-time students at this college is 85%. Tuition fees for the Automotive Technology program are about $6,850 per year. Typically, the program is completed in 7 months.

Morrisville State College

80 Eaton Street, Morrisville, New York 13408
(315) 684-6000
Automotive Technology – Associate Program

Morrisville State College’s Associate program in Automotive Technology is taught at their campus in Morrisville in Madison County, New York. Most of the school’s 2,940 students are on 4-year programs. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Furthermore, the college has NATEF program accreditation. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is in the order of $8,023 and for students from outside the state around $18,073 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $1,400, although this will vary with the program.

Onondaga Community College

4585 West Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse, New York 13215-4585
(315) 498-2622
Automotive Technology – Associate Program

The Automotive Technology Associate’s degree program in Automotive Technology at Onondaga Community College can be taken at their campus in Syracuse in Onondaga County, NY. The college has about 11,886 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is around $5,154 and for out-of-state students around $9,724 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $1,230, although this will vary with the program.

Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES

Main Campus, Liverpool, New York 13088
(315) 453-4455
Automotive Technology – Certificate Program

Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES’s Certificate-level Automotive Technology program is based at their campus in Liverpool in Onondaga County, New York. This public college has around 511 students in total, with the majority of students on programs that last under 2 years. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The college’s retention rate for full-time students is 80%. Fees for tuition are, as a rough guide, about $12,050 for each academic year, while books and supplies may cost roughly , although this varies from program to program.

* Tuition fees and accredition status are correct at the time of writing, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Confirm with college before applying.

Neighbor States

See options in the neighboring states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut and Vermont.

NATEF Accredited Secondary School Programs

Below is a list of NATEF accredited high school programs, offering training in automotive technology, autobody and collision repair and diesel mechanic programs in the state of New York. Please note that accreditation status is correct at the time of writing and may have since changed. Please check with the school and with NATEF before making any commitment.

Albany • Belmont • Binghamton • Bronx • Buffalo • Cortland • Dix Hills • East Aurora • Elliicottville • Glenmont • Goshen • Hudson Falls • Ithaca • Jamaica • Levittown • Medina • Mexico • Mount Morris • New Hartford • Northport • Olean • Oneonta • Riverhead • Sanborn • Saratoga Springs • Schoharie • Spencerport • Staten Island • Syracuse • Troy • Valhalla • Watertown • West Nyack • Westbury • Yorktown Heights