Becoming an Auto Mechanic or Automotive Technician in Vermont
There are ample opportunities in Vermont for individuals looking to start a career as an automotive technician or mechanic, including automotive body repairers, auto glass installers and repairers, and heavy vehicle mechanics such as bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists. [En Español]
A formal education is not a required part of becoming a successful auto mechanic, but a degree or certificate does enable someone to advance in their career. There are Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) programs available in Vermont for students to begin their training before graduating from high school. All types of automotive mechanics are encouraged to obtain Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications to further advance their careers and have higher earning potential.
Job Outlook in Vermont
According to the May 2020 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 1,970 automotive service technicians and mechanics employed in Vermont. There were an additional 400 automotive body and related repairers and 600 heavy vehicle mechanics employed throughout the state. According to the BLS, employment of automotive technicians is projected to increase by 3 percent in Vermont by 2030
Penn Foster College – Online Auto Repair Technician Career Diploma
Earn your Career Diploma online through Penn Foster College’s Regionally and nationally accredited school. The Automotive Repair Technician Program, developed by ASE Master Technicians and leading experts in the field of auto repair, will teach you relevant skills and subject matter. You’ll even get preparation for the ASE certification exams on major systems such as brakes, suspension and steering, manual drive train and axles, and more! Call 1-800-851-1819 today.
Mechanic Salaries in Vermont
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 Vermont, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earn between $29,000 and $70,000 annually. Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers have salaries ranging from $27,000 to $66,000. Automotive Body and Related Repairers earn between $31,000 and $78,000, while Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists earn between $33,000 and $80,000.
Salaries in Vermont by Occupation
| Occupation | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $14.00 / $29,120 | $18.00 / $37,440 | $22.50 / $46,800 | $30.00 / $62,400 | $34.50 / $71,760 |
| Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers | $13.00 / $27,040 | $16.00 / $33,280 | $20.50 / $42,640 | $26.00 / $54,080 | $31.50 / $65,520 |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairers | $15.00 / $31,200 | $19.00 / $39,520 | $24.00 / $49,920 | $31.00 / $64,480 | $37.50 / $78,000 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists | $16.00 / $33,280 | $20.00 / $41,600 | $25.50 / $53,040 | $32.50 / $67,600 | $38.50 / $80,080 |
Auto Mechanic Salaries in Vermont 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington | $30,000 – $66,000 | $28,000 – $62,000 | $33,000 – $72,000 | $36,000 – $78,000 |
| Montpelier | $29,000 – $64,000 | $27,000 – $60,000 | $32,000 – $70,000 | $35,000 – $76,000 |
| Rutland | $28,000 – $63,000 | $26,000 – $58,000 | $31,000 – $68,000 | $34,000 – $74,000 |
| St. Albans | $29,000 – $64,000 | $27,000 – $60,000 | $32,000 – $70,000 | $35,000 – $76,000 |
Auto Mechanic Schools in Vermont
Although Vermont only offers one college program for automotive technicians, there are many AYES high school programs available. In Vermont, White River Junction, Essex Junction, Enosburg Falls and Bennington have career centers for local high schools with AYES programs. Bradford, Newport, Rutland, St. Albans and Vergennes have maintenance and light repair programs for students at their local career or technical centers.
It is important to note that the maintenance and light repair programs are not part of the AYES program and that there are differences between the types of programs. AYES programs have partners who work in car dealerships, metro associations and Automotive Trade Association Executives (ATAE), as well as manufacturers and fixed operation directors, who work with students and give them the opportunity to shadow, intern or begin their career with one of the partners.
Vermont Technical College is the only college in Vermont that offers a post-secondary automotive program. Located in Randolph, Vermont Technical College is National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF) accredited. Vermont Tech offers two associate programs, one in automotive technology and another in diesel power technology. The associate programs are expected to take about two years. Students also have the opportunity to earn a diesel technology certificate in one year, or in addition to their associate degree.
ASE Certification
Obtaining an ASE certificate allows mechanics to advance in their careers by showing employers and customers that they are qualified and trained well to do their job. An automotive technician is eligible for an ASE certificate after completing two years of related work or earning a certificate or associates degree in automotive technology along with one year of on-the-job experience
There are over 40 ASE exams available, some of which 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
. An ASE exam is different depending on the type of certification, and every mechanic must retake the exam every five years to remain certified.
Where to Find Work in Vermont
The state of Vermont has over 2,000 automotive specialists employed throughout the state. There are opportunities available everywhere in Vermont for individuals seeking a job in the industry, whether it is at the entry level or a competitive, advanced position. For auto mechanics just beginning their careers, auto body and related repairers have the least competition in the field. There are plenty of opportunities available to mechanics looking to work with dealerships, parts stores, or independent repair shops and service stations.