Becoming a Mechanic or Automotive Technician in Virginia
If you like working with your hands and working on cars, you may have considered becoming a mechanic. There are a variety of areas that you could apply your skills in the automotive industry, including service technicians, collision repairers, auto body workers, diesel mechanics and auto glass repairers and installers. Each of these areas has different requirements for entry-level positions; however, if you have the passion for this industry, the requirements are fairly easy to complete. [En Español]
Auto mechanics are not required to have a license in the state of Virginia, though you will have more jobs available to you if you attend one of the many school programs and obtain a degree or certificate. Many certification programs are available through high schools and vocational schools, in addition to community colleges.
The Job Outlook in Virginia
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in May 2020 a total of 30,390 auto mechanics employed in the state of Virginia. This was comprised of 19,680 auto mechanics and service technicians, 4,060 auto body and collision specialists, and 6,650 bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists. Employment opportunities continue to grow for these types of jobs, with employment for auto mechanics in Virginia expected to grow by 7.9 percent by 2024.
Mechanic Salaries in Virginia
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 Virginia, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earn between $27,000 and $70,000 annually. Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers have salaries ranging from $25,000 to $65,000. Automotive Body and Related Repairers earn between $29,000 and $75,000, while Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists earn between $32,000 and $80,000.
Salaries in Virginia 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 | $33.50 / $69,680 |
| 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 Virginia 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond | $29,000 – $65,000 | $27,000 – $60,000 | $31,000 – $68,000 | $35,000 – $75,000 |
| Virginia Beach | $28,000 – $63,000 | $26,000 – $58,000 | $30,000 – $66,000 | $34,000 – $73,000 |
| Norfolk | $27,000 – $62,000 | $25,000 – $57,000 | $29,000 – $65,000 | $33,000 – $72,000 |
| Arlington | $28,000 – $63,000 | $26,000 – $58,000 | $30,000 – $66,000 | $34,000 – $73,000 |
Auto Mechanic Schools in Virginia
Virginia has numerous programs throughout the state for those who want additional certification for their auto mechanic career, including several colleges that offer certification. A few of the colleges where you can learn more about the career and practice for certification are:
- Northern Virginia Community College. Students can take several courses preparing them for roles in the automotive industry, including a certificate course in automotive technology. Northern Virginia Community College also has NATEF accreditation.
- J Sargeant Reynolds Community College. This community college based in Richmond, VA, offers several certificate programs. They have NATEF accreditation as well as an option for completing the Ford Automotive Student Service Education Training (ASSET). The ASSET program is the only two-year Ford Technical Career Entry Program that includes a paid internship. Students finish with an Associate’s Degree in automotive service technology.
- New River Community College. New River Community College offers a certification program in Automotive Analysis and Repair. All programs under the automotive technology umbrella are ASE accredited.
NATEF-accredited high school programs are also available through the state of Virginia, offering training in automotive technology, auto body and collision repair, and diesel mechanics.
ASE Certification
ASE certification is The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence credential that indicates auto mechanics have the necessary experience and knowledge to meet the quality standards of the automotive industry for diagnosis, repair and servicing of all types of vehicles.
Working as an Auto Mechanic in Virginia
Jobs as an auto mechanic are plentiful in Virginia, with the highest number available around the area of Northern Virginia (Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax). According to the BLS, in May 2020 there were 2,060 auto mechanics employed in this area. Virginia Beach and Newport News is another area with a high concentration of auto mechanics, with over 1,000 employed here in 2020
Jobs for auto mechanics can be found at dealerships, service stations, auto body repair shops, franchised lube, brake or tire shops, and large commercial fleet companies. Most jobs require a driver’s license and a clean driving record.
College Listings
| School | Type | Tuition and fees per year | Net price per year | Auto Mechanic programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Advanced Technology InstituteVirginia Beach, VA(757) 490-12415700 Southern Blvd Ste 100Accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
Private for-profit | $14,5682023-24 | $15,119 to $24,004by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Blue Ridge Community CollegeWeyers Cave, VA(540) 234-9261One College LaneAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $5,6462024-25 | $7,367 to $15,437by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Danville Community CollegeDanville, VA(434) 797-22221008 S Main StAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,9922024-25 | $5,969 to $14,060by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Eastern Shore Community CollegeMelfa, VA(757) 789-178929316 Lankford HwyAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $5,0822024-25 | $4,563 to $10,019by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Germanna Community CollegeLocust Grove, VA(540) 423-90302130 Germanna HwyAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $5,2572024-25 | $4,585 to $12,271by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeRichmond, VA(804) 371-30001651 East Parham RoadAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $5,2802024-25 | $3,773 to $11,919by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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New River Community CollegeDublin, VA(540) 674-36005251 College DriveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,9792024-25 | $4,844 to $11,685by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Northern Virginia Community CollegeAnnandale, VA(703) 323-30004001 Wakefield Chapel RdAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $5,8912024-25 | $6,294 to $15,414by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Patrick & Henry Community CollegeMartinsville, VA(276) 656-0200645 Patriot AvenueAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $5,0022024-25 | $2,777 to $9,249by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Southside Virginia Community CollegeAlberta, VA(888) 220-7822109 Campus DriveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $5,0072024-25 | $5,274 to $7,153by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Southwest Virginia Community CollegeCedar Bluff, VA(276) 964-2555369 College Road US Rt. 19, 6 Miles S. Claypool HillAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $5,0752024-25 | $8,621 to $9,655by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Tidewater Community CollegeNorfolk, VA(757) 822-1111121 College PlaceAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $5,5882024-25 | $6,245 to $14,612by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Tidewater Tech-TradesNorfolk, VA(757) 858-83244535 E. Princess Anne Rd.Accredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Private for-profit | $16,3372023-24 | $24,051 to $29,882by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeHampton, VA(757) 825-270099 Thomas Nelson DriveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $5,0882024-25 | $4,560 to $12,479by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Virginia Western Community CollegeRoanoke, VA(540) 857-89223094 Colonial AveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $5,4002024-25 | $4,735 to $9,545by 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.