Becoming an Auto Mechanic or Automotive Technician in Pennsylvania
A majority of employers in Pennsylvania prefer that people working in the automotive field have some post-secondary training that leads to an industry specialized certification or degree. 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 that is accredited by National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and will conclude with earning the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification.
To become ASE certified, a person must pass one or more exams that cover specific knowledge areas related to the automotive field. After successfully passing an ASE exam, a person is considered ASE certified in that particular area. There are currently 40 ASE certification tests available, some of which include:
- Truck equipment certification tests
- Engine machinist certification tests
- School bus certification tests
- Transit bus certification tests
- Alternate fuels certification test
- Parts specialist certification tests
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, with programs 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 Pennsylvania
In May 2020, there were 32,230 people working as automotive service technicians or auto mechanics in Pennsylvania as detailed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Furthermore, there were 7,640 people working as auto body and glass repairers, as well as an additional 12,250 working as diesel engine specialists. Employment for automotive mechanics in Pennsylvania is predicted to increase by 1 percent up until 2030. Pennsylvania has one of the top five employment rates for auto mechanics in the United States.
Mechanic Salaries in Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earn between $27,000 and $67,000 annually. Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers have salaries ranging from $25,000 to $62,000. Automotive Body and Related Repairers earn between $29,000 and $74,000, while Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists earn between $32,000 and $77,000.
Salaries in Pennsylvania by Occupation
| Occupation | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $13.00 / $27,040 | $16.50 / $34,320 | $20.50 / $42,640 | $25.50 / $53,040 | $32.00 / $66,560 |
| Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers | $12.00 / $24,960 | $15.00 / $31,200 | $18.50 / $38,480 | $23.50 / $48,880 | $30.00 / $62,400 |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairers | $14.00 / $29,120 | $17.50 / $36,400 | $22.50 / $46,800 | $28.50 / $59,280 | $35.50 / $73,040 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists | $15.50 / $32,240 | $19.50 / $40,560 | $24.00 / $49,920 | $30.50 / $63,440 | $37.00 / $76,960 |
Auto Mechanic Salaries in Pennsylvania 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $30,000 – $67,000 | $28,000 – $64,000 | $32,000 – $70,000 | $35,000 – $74,000 |
| Pittsburgh | $29,000 – $65,000 | $27,000 – $62,000 | $31,000 – $68,000 | $34,000 – $72,000 |
| Harrisburg | $28,000 – $63,000 | $26,000 – $60,000 | $30,000 – $66,000 | $33,000 – $70,000 |
| Allentown | $29,000 – $64,000 | $27,000 – $61,000 | $31,000 – $68,000 | $34,000 – $72,000 |
Auto Mechanic Schools in Pennsylvania
While there are many options for automotive training programs in Pennsylvania, there are some that are more popular than others.
Post-Secondary Programs:
- Lincoln Tech: Lincoln Tech has a Philadelphia, PA, campus that offers day, afternoon and evening programs that lead to certificates. Students can take the program with or without an internship. The coursework takes between 56 and 106 weeks to complete depending on whether a person chooses the day/afternoon option or the evening option. Another program option available at Lincoln Tech is their Automotive Service Management diploma offered as a day program only, which takes around 74 weeks to complete.
- Universal Technical Institute (UTI): UTI is located in Exton, PA, and offers programs in the automotive fields, motorcycle care, collision repair, diesel engine mechanics and even marine vehicle maintenance. Some of their programs take less than a year to complete. UTI also offers specialized training with manufacturer-specific programs available with such companies as BMW, GMC, Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota and many more.
- Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC): CCAC has two program options that can take 18 months or less for the certificate program and two years for the associates in Automotive Technology. It is located in Pittsburgh, PA, near the Ohio border. On top of earning their Automotive Technology certificate or diploma, students will earn an Emissions Inspector certification and a State Inspection certification. CCAC also offers specialized programs through General Motors, Ford and Chrysler dealerships. Part of the program at CCAC includes a six- to 12-week, paid on-the-job training.
Secondary Programs:
- Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County (CTCLC): This program is a collection of high schools in the Northeastern part of Pennsylvania and is located in Scranton, PA. This AYES Automotive Technician program is a national auto industry program supported by GM, Toyota and Nissan. It is a NATEF-accredited curriculum that gives students the opportunity to earn college credit and work toward an associate’s degree through a few of their local post-secondary schools.
Where to Find Work in Pennsylvania
Most auto mechanics in Pennsylvania 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. Pittsburgh and Philadelphia will be the easiest areas in which to find work, but there are many other small towns that offer numerous opportunities.
College Listings
| School | Type | Tuition and fees per year | Net price per year | Auto Mechanic programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Automotive Training Center-ExtonExton, PA(610) 363-6716114 Pickering Way364 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges | Private for-profit | priced per program | $10,114 to $20,678by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Automotive Training Center-WarminsterWarminster, PA(215) 259-1900900 Johnsville Blvd275 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges | Private for-profit | priced per program | $10,683 to $19,669by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Berks Career & Technology CenterLeesport, PA(610) 743-76301057 County Road47 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools | Public | priced per program | not published |
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Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and TechnologyPleasant Gap, PA(814) 359-2793540 N Harrison Rd126 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges | Public | priced per program | $9,184 to $15,714by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Clearfield County Career and Technology CenterClearfield, PA(814) 765-53081620 River Road37 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Pennsylvania State Board of Career and Technical Education, Bureau of Career and Technical Education | Public | priced per program | not published |
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Commonwealth Technical InstituteJohnstown, PA(814) 255-8200727 Goucher St132 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges | Private nonprofit | $7,7142023-24 | $12,117 to $18,170by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Community College of Allegheny CountyPittsburgh, PA(412) 323-2323800 Allegheny Ave10,451 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education | Public | $8,8032024-25 | $6,510 to $13,905by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Community College of PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia, PA(215) 751-80101700 Spring Garden St12,224 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education | Public | $8,6882024-25 | $12,031 to $19,006by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Delaware County Community CollegeMedia, PA(610) 359-5000901 S Media Line Rd7,638 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education | Public | $11,2502024-25 | $6,143 to $12,596by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Fayette County Career & Technical Institute Practical Nursing ProgramUniontown, PA(724) 437-2721175 Georges Fairchance Rd69 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools | Public | priced per program | not published |
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Greater Altoona Career & Technology CenterAltoona, PA(814) 941-83241500 Fourth Avenue174 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Council on Occupational Education | Public | priced per program | $10,159 to $19,830by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Harrisburg Area Community CollegeHarrisburg, PA(717) 780-23001 HACC Dr.12,880 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education | Public | $9,4952024-25 | $10,289 to $16,636by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Johnson CollegeScranton, PA(570) 342-64043427 N Main Ave627 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education | Private nonprofit | $20,7332023-24 | $18,021 to $22,903by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Lancaster County Career and Technology CenterWillow Street, PA(717) 464-70501730 Hans Herr Drive250 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Council on Occupational Education | Public | priced per program | $14,617 to $20,433by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Lehigh Career & Technical InstituteSchnecksville, PA(610) 799-13724500 Education Park Drive12 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Pennsylvania State Board of Career and Technical Education, Bureau of Career and Technical Education | Public | priced per program | not published |
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Lincoln Technical Institute-PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia, PA(215) 335-08009191 Torresdale Ave374 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges | Private for-profit | priced per program | $27,856 to $32,412by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Luzerne County Community CollegeNanticoke, PA(570) 740-0200521 Trailblazer Drive4,315 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education | Public | $11,4302024-25 | $8,623 to $14,962by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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New Castle School of TradesNew Castle, PA(724) 964-88114117 Pulaksi Road623 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges | Private for-profit | priced per program | $6,445 to $8,162by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Northampton County Area Community CollegeBethlehem, PA(610) 861-53003835 Green Pond Rd8,695 undergraduates, fall 2023 | Public | $11,3702024-25 | $8,432 to $15,777by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Pennco Tech-BristolBristol, PA(215) 785-01113815 Otter St603 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges | Private for-profit | priced per program | $19,411 to $24,748by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Pennsylvania College of TechnologyWilliamsport, PA(570) 326-3761One College Ave4,307 students, fall 2023Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education | Public | $17,9402024-25 | $21,863 to $30,514by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Rosedale Technical CollegePittsburgh, PA(412) 521-6200215 Beecham Drive405 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges | Private nonprofit | $16,7002023-24 | $9,014 to $26,635by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Schuylkill Technology CenterFrackville, PA(570) 874-1412101 Technology Dr74 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Council on Occupational Education | Public | priced per program | not published |
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Somerset County Technology CenterSomerset, PA(814) 443-3651281 Technology Dr50 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools | Public | priced per program | not published |
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Thaddeus Stevens College of TechnologyLancaster, PA(717) 299-7731750 E King St1,453 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education | Public | $9,0502023-24 | $3,142 to $16,903by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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York County School of Technology-Adult & Continuing EducationYork, PA(717) 747-21302179 S Queen St288 undergraduates, fall 2023Accredited by Pennsylvania State Board of Career and Technical Education, Bureau of Career and Technical Education | Public | priced per program | $10,454 to $17,011by 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.