Becoming a Mechanic or Automotive Technician in Utah
If you like working with your hands and enjoy working with mechanical parts you may want to consider a job as an auto mechanic. There are a variety of jobs available in this field, including not only mechanic opportunities but also jobs as auto body repairers, auto glass installers, and bus and truck service technicians as well as diesel mechanics. [En Español]
The state of Utah does not require mechanics to have a special license to work, but you may find that you will make more money and have more career options if you pursue additional educational opportunities related to automotive technology. There are opportunities at both the high school level and the college level to further your education in this field.
The Job Outlook in Utah
In May 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 8,420 auto service technicians and mechanics, 1,780 auto body and related repairers, and 3,050 bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists employed throughout the Utah.
It is predicted that jobs for auto mechanics in the Beehive State will increase by 24.8 percent in the decade to 2030.
Mechanic Salaries in Utah
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 Utah, 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 $63,000. Automotive Body and Related Repairers earn between $28,000 and $72,000, while Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists earn between $30,000 and $75,000.
Salaries in Utah 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 | $30.50 / $63,440 |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairers | $14.00 / $29,120 | $17.50 / $36,400 | $22.50 / $46,800 | $28.50 / $59,280 | $34.50 / $71,760 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists | $15.00 / $31,200 | $19.00 / $39,520 | $24.00 / $49,920 | $30.50 / $63,440 | $36.00 / $74,880 |
Auto Mechanic Salaries in Utah 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City | $29,000 – $65,000 | $27,000 – $60,000 | $31,000 – $68,000 | $35,000 – $75,000 |
| Provo | $28,000 – $63,000 | $26,000 – $58,000 | $30,000 – $66,000 | $34,000 – $73,000 |
| Ogden | $27,000 – $62,000 | $25,000 – $57,000 | $29,000 – $65,000 | $33,000 – $72,000 |
| St. George | $28,000 – $63,000 | $26,000 – $58,000 | $30,000 – $66,000 | $34,000 – $73,000 |
Auto Mechanic Schools in Utah
There are a variety of options to get certificates or degrees in the auto technology field throughout the state of Utah.
- Salt Lake Community College. This public college in Salt Lake City, Utah, has several programs to choose from for mechanics, including an Automotive Technician Associate Degree program and Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing Certificate program. The college is NATEF-accredited.
- Tooele Applied Technology College. Tooele College also offers a Heavy Duty Diesel Technician Certificate program for students who have an interest in diesel mechanics. Completion of this program will prepare graduates for the ASE Medium/Heavy Truck Tests. With this certificate, you can work as a diesel mechanic specialist in a variety of automotive service centers or corporate fleet organizations.
There are numerous high schools throughout the state of Utah that offer classes in automotive technology and related courses. All high schools with these types of programs are NATEF-accredited.
ASE Certification
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence offers certification to designate those working in the industry who have passed a test and demonstrated proficiency in their skills.
There are over 40 tests offered by the ASE, some of these tests include:
- Truck equipment certification tests
- Light truck certification tests
- School bus certification tests
- Engine machinist certification tests
- Light repair certification test
- Transit bus certification tests
- Parts specialist certification tests
- Alternate fuels certification test
- Damage analysis and estimating certification test
ASE certification is usually completed in two years and will let potential employers know that you are qualified to work as an auto technician.
Working as an Auto Mechanic in Utah
The highest percentage of job opportunities in Utah is found in Salt Lake City and the surrounding area. This region alone employed 1,550 auto service technicians and mechanics, 1,390 bus and truck mechanics and diesel specialists, and 840 auto body and related repairers in 2020 according to the BLS. The Ogden area, though, offered the highest pay in the state for all jobs in the auto technology sector. The average salary for auto mechanics in Ogden was $46,790 annually compared to the same job in Salt Lake City, which averaged $47,400. Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists earned the highest salaries of all the auto technology trades, where they averaged $59,760 annually in Salt Lake City.
Requirements for entry-level jobs in Utah are typically a valid driver’s license and a driving record free of accidents.
College Listings
| School | Type | Tuition and fees per year | Net price per year | Auto Mechanic programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bridgerland Technical CollegeLogan, UT(435) 753-67801301 North 600 WestAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | not published |
|
Davis Technical CollegeKaysville, UT(801) 593-2500550 E 300 SAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | $9,841 to $12,405by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Dixie Technical CollegeSaint George, UT(435) 674-8400610 S. Tech Ridge DriveAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | not published |
|
Mountainland Technical CollegeLehi, UT(801) 753-41002301 West Ashton Blvd.Accredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | not published |
|
Ogden-Weber Technical CollegeOgden, UT(801) 627-8300200 N Washington BlvdAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | not published |
|
Salt Lake Community CollegeSalt Lake City, UT(801) 957-41114600 S Redwood RdAccredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
Public | $4,4262024-25 | $6,148 to $12,805by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Snow CollegeEphraim, UT(435) 283-7000150 E College AveAccredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
Public | $4,3382024-25 | $2,950 to $10,636by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Southwest Technical CollegeCedar City, UT(435) 586-2899757 West 800 SouthAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | not published |
|
Uintah Basin Technical CollegeRoosevelt, UT(435) 722-69001100 E Lagoon St 124-5Accredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | not published |
|
Utah State UniversityLogan, UT(435) 797-1000Old Main HillAccredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
Public | $9,2282024-25 | $9,601 to $17,671by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Utah Valley UniversityOrem, UT(801) 863-8000800 W University ParkwayAccredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
Public | $6,5072024-25 | $6,381 to $14,064by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Weber State UniversityOgden, UT(801) 626-60003848 Harrison Blvd.Accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
Public | $6,5572024-25 | $8,396 to $14,750by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
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.