Becoming a Mechanic or Automotive Technician in Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas, including the auto mechanic field. Texas is a huge state with lots of industries to support in the automotive services field. It is ranked as the second leading state for automotive jobs in the country. Job openings are plentiful for anyone interested in starting a career as an auto mechanic, service technician, diesel mechanic or automotive glass installer/repair worker. [En Español]
Texas’s range of available auto mechanic jobs is due to the plethora of industries operating within the state. If you are interested in becoming a mechanic in Texas you should consider attending one of the many college programs offered and obtain certification in the area you are most interested in, or enrolling in a high school program accredited by the national organization known as the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE programs are part of a secondary training students can receive in high school and will help on any of the automotive career paths. However, if you want to enter the workforce immediately, there are many entry-level jobs to start with, and most shops require only a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Another piece of good news is that a license to diagnose and repair vehicles is not required in the state of Texas, but earning a mechanic’s license is important if you want to get ahead in the automotive job market, especially if you want to work on a specific brand of vehicles.
In addition to training and education, a valuable asset of any auto specialist worth his or her salt is that one possesses the ability to accurately diagnose physical, electrical and wear-and-tear-related problems occurring in vehicles. Learning to identify and fix automotive issues typically comes with training that is learned while on the job, giving you real-world experience.
Job Outlook in Texas
Auto mechanic jobs are everywhere in Texas and, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state holds the number two position in the country for total number of auto mechanics employed. Whether you want to work as regular auto mechanic, service technician, diesel mechanic, collision specialist, motorcycle mechanic or an auto glass installer, Texas likely has a job that is right for you.
In May 2020, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a total of employed auto mechanics and related workers at 189,960. The leading occupations within the automotive field were everyday auto mechanics and service technicians, claiming 61,38 of those jobs. The second highest number of auto mechanic jobs was in diesel mechanics, with a total of 26,250 employed. The third highest was the auto body and collision repair mechanics, with a total of 11,410 employees. Lastly, the auto glass installers and repair workers reported 1,700 jobs within the automotive industry.
Auto Mechanic Salaries in Texas
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 Texas, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earn between $26,000 and $70,000 annually. Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers have salaries ranging from $24,000 to $65,000. Automotive Body and Related Repairers earn between $28,000 and $75,000, while Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists earn between $32,000 and $80,000.
Salaries in Texas by Occupation
| Occupation | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $12.50 / $26,000 | $15.50 / $32,240 | $19.50 / $40,560 | $24.50 / $50,960 | $33.50 / $69,680 |
| Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers | $11.50 / $24,000 | $14.50 / $30,160 | $18.50 / $38,480 | $23.50 / $48,880 | $31.50 / $65,520 |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairers | $13.50 / $28,080 | $16.50 / $34,320 | $21.50 / $44,720 | $28.50 / $59,280 | $36.00 / $74,880 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists | $14.50 / $30,160 | $18.50 / $38,480 | $23.50 / $48,880 | $30.50 / $63,440 | $38.50 / $80,080 |
Auto Mechanic Salaries in Texas 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | $29,000 – $65,000 | $27,000 – $60,000 | $31,000 – $68,000 | $35,000 – $75,000 |
| Dallas | $28,000 – $63,000 | $26,000 – $58,000 | $30,000 – $66,000 | $34,000 – $73,000 |
| Austin | $27,000 – $62,000 | $25,000 – $57,000 | $29,000 – $65,000 | $33,000 – $72,000 |
| San Antonio | $28,000 – $63,000 | $26,000 – $58,000 | $30,000 – $66,000 | $34,000 – $73,000 |
ASE Certification
Successful auto mechanics can tell you that if you want to be a top-earning mechanic in Texas, you must earn your ASE certificate. ASE is an organization that certifies automotive workers in all the basics of automotive mechanics. Applicants pursuing the ASE certificate must have two years of related work experience or a post-secondary degree plus one year of work history in order to be allowed to take the certification exam.
High schools and vocational schools participating in an ASE accredited program are striving to prepare the future auto mechanics as vehicles get more and more sophisticated.
Auto Mechanic Schools in Texas
Texas has a lot more options available when it comes to both secondary and post-secondary automotive technology programs. The more popular institutions offer degrees and the option to earn manufacturer-specific certificates. Graduates who complete the manufacturer-specific advance training programs are more likely to be hired in their desired area of interest, and they often receive a larger starting salary too. Here are a couple of the most popular programs:
- Universal Technical Institute: The UTI campus is located in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and offers both auto and diesel technician programs. The comprehensive training courses in automotive mechanics and diesel mechanics empower students with the understanding of the physical and electrical mechanics in today’s automotive vehicles. UTI trains students to be able to diagnose, repair and maintain modern sophisticated automotive vehicles. It boasts a 95,000-square-foot facility that includes 17 classrooms and 15 labs where UTI students get real-world experience with state-of-the-industry automobiles and equipment, including heavy truck and bus mechanics. Another benefit of UTI is that high school juniors can take part in the “Ignite Summer Program”. It’s a fun and free program that teaches career skills that are in demand and relevant to current industry standards, which can give students a head-start on the path to becoming the best auto mechanic they can be.
- Lincoln Tech: Lincoln Tech is located in the Grand Prairie area of Texas and offers students the opportunity to learn industry-best practices with ASE-certified instructors. LT campuses offering the automotive technology program have partnerships with well know companies like Audi, BMW and Volkswagen. Students also benefit from hands-on training that will prepare them for a career at auto mechanic shops, car dealerships, diesel, bus, heavy truck mechanics in fleet maintenance departments and more.
Where to Work as a Mechanic
Texas has an enormous amount of auto mechanic jobs open right now. With such a broad range of places to work throughout the state, anyone in this field can find the right fit for his or her skills and background. As far as where the more concentrated auto mechanic and diesel mechanic jobs, those are found in the more populated areas like Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio.
Entry-level service technicians can find work at any of the maintenance or oil and lube shops throughout the state. Diesel mechanics will find a surplus of jobs available for immediate hires in fleet maintenance departments of major transportation firms.
Talent, education, training and certification coupled with relevant experience will get you far in the automotive field, but learning a specific trade within that field as a specialist will get you even further. Explore all of your options before settling on one and then start on your path in the auto mechanic industry today.
College Listings
| School | Type | Tuition and fees per year | Net price per year | Auto Mechanic programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Alvin Community CollegeAlvin, TX(281) 756-35003110 Mustang RdAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $3,1302024-25 | $3,238 to $6,298by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Amarillo CollegeAmarillo, TX(806) 371-50002011 S. WashingtonAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $3,1682024-25 | $5,289 to $9,662by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Angelina CollegeLufkin, TX(936) 639-13013500 South FirstAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $5,0802024-25 | $8,533 to $10,630by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Austin Community College DistrictAustin, TX(512) 223-70006101 Highland Campus DriveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $8,5802024-25 | $1,278 to $10,908by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Brazosport CollegeLake Jackson, TX(979) 230-3000500 College DrAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $3,0492024-25 | $1,772 to $6,850by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Central Texas CollegeKilleen, TX(254) 526-71616200 West Central Texas ExpresswayAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,8902024-25 | $5,082 to $10,641by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Cisco CollegeCisco, TX(254) 442-5000101 College HeightsAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $6,0602024-25 | $8,402 to $10,228by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Coastal Bend CollegeBeeville, TX(361) 354-22003800 Charco RdAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,7762024-25 | $2,627 to $9,469by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Collin County Community College DistrictMckinney, TX(972) 881-57903452 Spur 399Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $3,8142024-25 | $7,260 to $14,142by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Dallas CollegeDallas, TX(972) 669-64001601 Botham Jean Blvd.Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,6622024-25 | $3,002 to $9,399by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Del Mar CollegeCorpus Christi, TX(361) 698-1200101 Baldwin Blvd.Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,9402024-25 | $3,320 to $12,022by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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El Paso Community CollegeEl Paso, TX(915) 831-20009050 Viscount BlvdAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $3,2742024-25 | $3,358 to $12,258by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Grayson CollegeDenison, TX(903) 415-25926101 Grayson DriveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,5002024-25 | $3,744 to $12,011by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Hill CollegeHillsboro, TX(254) 659-7500112 Lamar DrAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,3202023-24 | $4,058 to $11,288by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Houston Community CollegeHouston, TX(877) 422-61113100 Main StreetAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,3442024-25 | $5,937 to $11,372by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Kilgore CollegeKilgore, TX(903) 984-85311100 BroadwayAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,0562024-25 | $5,092 to $13,356by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Lamar Institute of TechnologyBeaumont, TX(409) 880-8321855 E LavacaAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $2,8442024-25 | $7,271 to $13,389by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Lamar State College-Port ArthurPort Arthur, TX(409) 984-63421500 Proctor StAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $1,7702024-25 | $3,572 to $9,136by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Laredo CollegeLaredo, TX(956) 721-5140West End Washington StAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,5002024-25 | $4,877 to $9,344by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Lee CollegeBaytown, TX(281) 427-5611511 S WhitingAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,6652024-25 | $6,970 to $8,154by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Lincoln College of Technology-Grand PrairieGrand Prairie, TX(972) 660-57012915 Alouette DriveAccredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $29,763 to $33,947by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Lone Star College SystemThe Woodlands, TX(832) 813-65005000 Research Forest DriveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $7,4702024-25 | $8,245 to $14,153by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Midland CollegeMidland, TX(432) 685-45003600 N GarfieldAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,9202024-25 | $4,315 to $10,208by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Miller-Motte College-STVT-Corpus ChristiCorpus Christi, TX(361) 232-50572000 South Padre Island DrAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Private for-profit | not published | $20,394 to $25,245by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Miller-Motte College-STVT-San AntonioSan Antonio, TX(210) 782-8000734 SE Military DriveAccredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $20,781 to $26,138by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Northeast Texas Community CollegeMount Pleasant, TX(903) 434-81002886 FM 1735Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,4682024-25 | $7,720 to $11,773by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Odessa CollegeOdessa, TX(432) 335-6400201 W University BlvdAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,0322024-25 | $8,867 to $10,320by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Ranger CollegeRanger, TX(254) 647-32341240 College CircleAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $6,9662024-25 | $5,768 to $10,350by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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San Jacinto Community CollegePasadena, TX(281) 998-61508060 Spencer HwyAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,3202024-25 | $6,159 to $14,374by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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South Plains CollegeLevelland, TX(806) 894-96111401 S. College AveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,7712024-25 | $5,610 to $11,874by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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South Texas CollegeMcallen, TX(855) 468-67823201 W. PecanAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $5,2202024-25 | $895 to $5,020by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Southwest Texas CollegeUvalde, TX(830) 278-44012401 Garner Field RdAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,3262024-25 | $6,755 to $13,579by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Southwest University at El PasoEl Paso, TX(915) 778-40016101 MontanaAccredited by Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools |
Private for-profit | $16,0002023-24 | $17,720 to $21,909by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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St Philip's CollegeSan Antonio, TX(210) 486-20001801 Martin Luther King DrAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $5,5422024-25 | $3,950 to $11,406by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Tarrant County College DistrictFort Worth, TX(817) 515-8223300 Trinity Campus CircleAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $3,5372024-25 | $4,970 to $11,273by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Texarkana CollegeTexarkana, TX(903) 823-34562500 N Robison RdAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $3,9162024-25 | $6,155 to $13,380by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Texas Southmost CollegeBrownsville, TX(956) 295-360080 Fort BrownAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $3,7482024-25 | $4,139 to $11,487by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Texas State Technical CollegeWaco, TX(800) 792-87843801 Campus DriveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $7,2122024-25 | $7,281 to $19,018by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Trinity Valley Community CollegeAthens, TX(903) 675-6200100 Cardinal DriveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,9202024-25 | $1,714 to $12,899by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Tyler Junior CollegeTyler, TX(903) 510-22001400 East Fifth StreetAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $3,9122024-25 | $8,333 to $14,382by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Universal Technical Institute of Texas Inc.Houston, TX(800) 510-5072721 Lock Haven Dr.Accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $19,141 to $26,112by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Universal Technical Institute-Dallas Fort WorthIrving, TX(800) 504-87865151 Regent Blvd.Accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $22,074 to $28,569by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Universal Technical Institute-West TexasAustin, TX(737) 284-3100301 West Howard LaneAccredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $22,241 to $28,681by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Vernon CollegeVernon, TX(940) 552-62914400 College Dr.Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,6802024-25 | $4,583 to $12,260by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Weatherford CollegeWeatherford, TX(800) 287-5471225 College Park DriveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $8,1002024-25 | $6,851 to $13,673by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Western Technical CollegeEl Paso, TX(915) 532-37379624 Plaza CircleAccredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | not published |
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Wharton County Junior CollegeWharton, TX(979) 532-4560911 Boling HwyAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,6562024-25 | $2,465 to $9,925by 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.