Becoming an Auto Mechanic or Automotive Technician in Oklahoma
Auto mechanics that have up-to-date skills are in demand today more than ever before, as automobile manufacturers continue to release new models that use the latest technologies. High school students can already start building a career in the automotive service industry by choosing a school that offers a program certified by Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) – that will help prepare them for entry-level employment right after graduation.
However, the chances of getting hired immediately and with a higher salary will depend on whether they finish a certificate or a two- or four-year degree program that is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). After earning a certificate or degree, post-secondary graduates should aim to get Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification, as this will greatly increase their chances of landing their dream job. [En Español]
In order to obtain ASE certification, auto mechanics must first pass one or more ASE exams, some of which include:
- Truck equipment certification tests
- Engine machinist certification tests
- Alternate fuels certification test
- School bus certification tests
- Transit bus certification tests
- Parts specialist certification tests
There are ASE exams for different skill levels, so mechanics can start by taking the entry-level exam and then move on to more advanced exams as their career progresses.
Some employers may require their employees to have a certain level of ASE certification, so it is important to check with potential employers before beginning the certification process. Once a mechanic has ASE certification, they should keep their skills up-to-date by taking additional ASE exams as new technologies are developed and new models of vehicles are released.
Various schools, community colleges and universities in Oklahoma provide quality education programs that give students a head start to a bright future as an auto service technician, auto body repairer or truck mechanic.
Job Outlook in Oklahoma
According to the May 2017 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a total of 7,340 auto mechanics, 3,070 diesel mechanics, 1,750 auto body and related repairers, and 160 automotive glass installers and repairers were employed in Oklahoma at the time. The greatest concentration of auto mechanics were found in Oklahoma City and Tulsa at 2,820 and 1,980, respectively. Meanwhile, Lawton could hire more automotive body repairers and bus mechanics, as the area employed just 30 and 50 workers in each specialty according to the BLS. Overall, automotive service job vacancies in the Oklahoma are expected to rise of 6.6 percent up to the year 2024, greater than the nationwide prediction of 5.3 percent.
Mechanic Salaries in Oklahoma
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 Oklahoma, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earn between $25,000 and $65,000 annually. Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers have salaries ranging from $23,000 to $60,000. Automotive Body and Related Repairers earn between $27,000 and $70,000, while Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists earn between $30,000 and $75,000.
Salaries in Oklahoma by Occupation
| Occupation | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $12.00 / $25,000 | $15.00 / $31,200 | $19.00 / $39,520 | $24.00 / $49,920 | $29.00 / $60,320 |
| Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers | $11.00 / $23,000 | $14.00 / $29,120 | $18.00 / $37,440 | $23.00 / $47,840 | $28.00 / $58,240 |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairers | $13.00 / $27,040 | $16.00 / $33,280 | $21.00 / $43,680 | $27.00 / $56,160 | $33.00 / $68,640 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists | $14.00 / $29,120 | $18.00 / $37,440 | $23.00 / $47,840 | $29.00 / $60,320 | $35.00 / $72,800 |
Auto Mechanic Salaries in Oklahoma 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | $28,000 – $62,000 | $26,000 – $58,000 | $30,000 – $66,000 | $34,000 – $72,000 |
| Tulsa | $27,000 – $61,000 | $25,000 – $56,000 | $29,000 – $64,000 | $33,000 – $70,000 |
| Norman | $26,000 – $60,000 | $24,000 – $55,000 | $28,000 – $63,000 | $32,000 – $69,000 |
| Broken Arrow | $27,000 – $61,000 | $25,000 – $56,000 | $29,000 – $64,000 | $33,000 – $70,000 |
Auto Mechanic Schools in Oklahoma
Community colleges and universities from nearby states such as Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas and Missouri have automotive technology programs that are also available for Oklahoma residents.
Post-Secondary Programs
- Lincoln Tech – This campus in Grand Prairie, TX, specializes in building students’ skills needed to succeed in automotive technology. In partnership with BMW, Lincoln Tech (LT) offers an optional four-month, free training called MINI Service Technician Education Program (MINI STEP). After graduation, students can qualify as Level 1 MINI automotive technicians and apply in MINI dealerships. LT also offers NATEF-compliant automotive technology and collision repair and refinishing technology diplomas, an automotive mechanics certificate and an associate of applied science degree in automotive service management, with programs handled by ASE-certified instructors. An online learning program combined with hands-on application is also available.
- Oklahoma City Community College – OCCC partners with two automobile manufacturers: Honda, through the Honda Professional Automotive Career Training (PACT), and General Motors, through its GM Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP, both of which give students a chance to work in their dealerships after graduation. OCCC also offers an associate degree in automotive technology and a certificate of mastery in automotive maintenance and light vehicle repair. The latter requires 18 credit hours and a minimum of 384 clock hours of work experience. Lastly, their associate degree in applied science in vehicle service management is suited for anyone who wants to get into a management position while still being skilled in the actual application of auto mechanics.
- Oklahoma Technical College – OTC has automotive and diesel technology programs that will prepare students for careers as auto service technicians and diesel mechanics in as little as eight months. They also gear up students to pass the ASE certification in nine areas: engine repair, maintenance and light repair, automatic transmission, manual drive transmission, brake system, suspension and steering, heating and air conditioning, electrical systems and engine performance.
Secondary Programs
- Tulsa Technology Center – Tulsa Tech in Broken Arrow offers full-time program areas in automotive maintenance and light repair, automotive service, collision refinishing, collision repair, and medium or heavy diesel service. Their programs are accredited by NATEF and will help prepare students for entry-level positions as auto and diesel mechanics and auto body repairers.
Where to Find Work in Oklahoma
Auto dealerships, repair shops, fleet service departments and independent businesses will be in need of automotive and bus mechanics across Oklahoma as we see a steady rise in passenger vehicles, medium- and heavy-duty trucks, and tractors in need of diagnosis, repair and maintenance services. Automotive and diesel technology program graduates can also work as brake technicians, mechanic’s helpers, HVAC technicians, retail parts sales reps, fleet superintendents, service advisers and service station operators.
College Listings
| School | Type | Tuition and fees per year | Net price per year | Auto Mechanic programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Autry Technology CenterEnid, OK(580) 242-27501201 W WillowAccredited by Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education |
Public | not published | not published |
|
Caddo Kiowa Technology CenterFort Cobb, OK(405) 643-55111415 N. 7th StreetAccredited by Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education |
Public | not published | not published |
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Canadian Valley Technology CenterEl Reno, OK(405) 262-26296505 E Hwy 66Accredited by Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education |
Public | not published | not published |
|
Central Technology CenterDrumright, OK(918) 352-25513 CT CircleAccredited by Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education |
Public | not published | not published |
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Chisholm Trail Technology CenterOmega, OK(405) 729-8324283 State Highway 33Accredited by Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education |
Public | not published | not published |
|
Eastern Oklahoma County Technology CenterChoctaw, OK(405) 390-95914601 N Choctaw RdAccredited by Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education |
Public | not published | $6,737 to $11,517by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Francis Tuttle Technology CenterOklahoma City, OK(405) 717-779912777 N Rockwell AveAccredited by Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education |
Public | not published | not published |
|
Gordon Cooper Technology CenterShawnee, OK(405) 273-74931 John C Bruton BlvdAccredited by Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education |
Public | not published | $3,892 to $4,750by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Great Plains Technology CenterLawton, OK(580) 355-63714500 SW Lee BlvdAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | $8,828 to $11,161by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
High Plains Technology CenterWoodward, OK(580) 256-66183921 34th StAccredited by Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education |
Public | not published | $5,713 to $10,207by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Indian Capital Technology Center-MuskogeeMuskogee, OK(918) 687-63832403 N 41st St EAccredited by Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education |
Public | not published | $3,841 to $12,572by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Kiamichi Technology Center-McAlesterMcalester, OK(918) 465-2323301 Kiamichi DrAccredited by Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education |
Public | not published | not published |
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Meridian Technology CenterStillwater, OK(405) 377-33331312 South Sangre RoadAccredited by Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education |
Public | not published | not published |
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Metro Technology CentersOklahoma City, OK(405) 424-83241900 Springlake DriveAccredited by Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education |
Public | not published | $5,750 to $12,420by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Mid-America Technology CenterWayne, OK(572) 215-206027438 State Hwy 59Accredited by Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education |
Public | not published | not published |
|
Mid-Del Technology CenterMidwest City, OK(405) 739-17071621 Maple DrAccredited by Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education |
Public | not published | $11,698 to $14,569by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Moore Norman Technology CenterNorman, OK(405) 801-50004701 12th Avenue NWAccredited by Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education |
Public | not published | not published |
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Northeast Technology CenterPryor, OK(918) 825-7040511 S Elliott StAccredited by Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education |
Public | not published | not published |
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Northwest Technology Center-AlvaAlva, OK(580) 327-03441801 11th StAccredited by Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education |
Public | not published | not published |
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Oklahoma City Community CollegeOklahoma City, OK(405) 682-16117777 S May AveAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $4,0592024-25 | $4,481 to $11,352by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Oklahoma State University Institute of TechnologyOkmulgee, OK(918) 293-46781801 E 4th StAccredited by Higher Learning Commission |
Public | $5,7742024-25 | $8,334 to $16,749by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Oklahoma Technical CollegeTulsa, OK(918) 610-00274444 South SheridanAccredited by Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools |
Private nonprofit | not published | $25,240 to $32,293by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Pioneer Technology CenterPonca City, OK(580) 762-83362101 N AshAccredited by Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education |
Public | not published | not published |
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Pontotoc Technology CenterAda, OK(580) 310-2200601 W 33rdAccredited by Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education |
Public | not published | not published |
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Red River Technology CenterDuncan, OK(580) 255-29033300 W Bois D ArcAccredited by Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education |
Public | not published | not published |
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Southern Oklahoma Technology CenterArdmore, OK(580) 223-20702610 Sam Noble ParkwayAccredited by Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education |
Public | not published | $2,614 to $7,260by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Southwest Technology CenterAltus, OK(580) 477-2250711 W. TamarackAccredited by Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education |
Public | not published | not published |
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Tulsa Technology CenterTulsa, OK(918) 828-50003420 S Memorial DriveAccredited by Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education |
Public | not published | $8,095 to $8,778by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Western Technology CenterBurns Flat, OK(580) 562-3181621 Sooner DriveAccredited by Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology 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. 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.