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.
Those interested in an automotive technology program can expect the following topics to be covered:
- Electrical and electronic systems
- Suspension systems
- Air conditioning
- Heating systems
- Automotive steering
- Basic maintenance
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 Opportunities in New York
In May 2020, there were 38,720 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 6,720 people working as auto body and glass repairers, as well as an additional 12,510 working as diesel engine specialists. Employment for automotive mechanics in New York is predicted to increase by 29 percent until 2030, 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
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 New York, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earn between $30,000 and $75,000 annually. Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers have salaries ranging from $28,000 to $68,000. Automotive Body and Related Repairers earn between $32,000 and $80,000, while Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists earn between $35,000 and $85,000.
Salaries in New York by Occupation
| Occupation | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $14.50 / $30,160 | $18.50 / $38,480 | $23.50 / $48,880 | $31.00 / $64,480 | $36.00 / $74,880 |
| Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers | $13.50 / $28,080 | $17.00 / $35,360 | $21.50 / $44,720 | $27.00 / $56,160 | $32.50 / $67,600 |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairers | $15.50 / $32,240 | $19.50 / $40,560 | $24.50 / $50,960 | $31.50 / $65,520 | $38.50 / $80,080 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists | $17.00 / $35,360 | $21.50 / $44,720 | $27.00 / $56,160 | $34.00 / $70,720 | $40.50 / $84,240 |
Auto Mechanic Salaries in New York 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | $32,000 – $72,000 | $30,000 – $68,000 | $34,000 – $75,000 | $38,000 – $82,000 |
| Buffalo | $31,000 – $70,000 | $29,000 – $66,000 | $33,000 – $73,000 | $37,000 – $80,000 |
| Rochester | $30,000 – $68,000 | $28,000 – $64,000 | $32,000 – $71,000 | $36,000 – $78,000 |
| Syracuse | $31,000 – $69,000 | $29,000 – $65,000 | $33,000 – $72,000 | $37,000 – $79,000 |
Auto Mechanic Schools 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.
College Listings
| School | Type | Tuition and fees per year | Net price per year | Auto Mechanic programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Apex Technical SchoolLong Island City, NY(212) 645-330011-05 44th DriveAccredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
Private nonprofit | not published | $15,002 to $21,530by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Clinton Essex Warren Washington BOCESPlattsburgh, NY(518) 561-01001585 Military TurnpikeAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | $8,978 to $17,865by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Columbia-Greene Community CollegeHudson, NY(518) 697-64004400 Route 23Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Public | $6,0482024-25 | $3,565 to $12,441by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
CUNY Bronx Community CollegeBronx, NY(718) 289-51002155 University AvenueAccredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Public | $5,2062024-25 | $3,703 to $10,937by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Erie Community CollegeBuffalo, NY(716) 851-1000121 Ellicott StAccredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Public | $11,3002024-25 | $4,379 to $12,039by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Hudson Valley Community CollegeTroy, NY(518) 629-482280 Vandenburgh AveAccredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Public | $6,7962024-25 | $3,200 to $13,224by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Lincoln Technical Institute-WhitestoneWhitestone, NY(718) 640-980015-30 Petracca PlAccredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $31,464 to $37,207by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Monroe Community CollegeRochester, NY(585) 292-20001000 E Henrietta RdAccredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Public | $6,0062024-25 | $3,809 to $13,462by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
New York Automotive and Diesel InstituteJamaica, NY(718) 658-0006178-18 Liberty AvenueAccredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $22,101 to $24,016by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Onondaga Community CollegeSyracuse, NY(315) 498-26224585 West Seneca TurnpikeAccredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Public | $6,1022024-25 | $3,993 to $13,914by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Rockland Community CollegeSuffern, NY(845) 574-4000145 College RdAccredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Public | $6,3982023-24 | $6,283 to $14,665by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Suffolk County Community CollegeSelden, NY(631) 451-4110533 College RdAccredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Public | $6,6302024-25 | $2,771 to $11,022by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
SUNY College of Technology at AlfredAlfred, NY(800) 425-373310 Upper College DriveAccredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Public | $8,8922024-25 | $9,813 to $21,280by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
SUNY College of Technology at CantonCanton, NY(315) 386-701134 Cornell DriveAccredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Public | $8,7422024-25 | $10,087 to $20,794by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
SUNY College of Technology at DelhiDelhi, NY(607) 746-4000454 Delhi DriveAccredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Public | $8,7722024-25 | $12,432 to $23,952by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
SUNY MorrisvilleMorrisville, NY(315) 684-600080 Eaton StreetAccredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Public | $8,8252024-25 | $13,361 to $23,806by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Western Suffolk BOCESNorthport, NY(631) 261-3600152 Laurel Hill RdAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | not published |
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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.