Becoming a Mechanic or Automotive Technician in West Virginia
If you are mechanically inclined and enjoy figuring out how things work, you may want to consider becoming an automotive technician or mechanic. The auto industry has many jobs available for those who like to work with their hands, including service technicians, collision repair specialists, auto body workers, auto glass repairers and installers and diesel mechanics. [En Español]
There are no special licenses required to become a mechanic in West Virginia; however, many auto repair shops will not hire you unless you have Automobile Service Excellence (ASE) certification. There are many opportunities to get certified in community colleges and technical schools throughout the state. There are also a select number of high schools that offer the NATEF certification in West Virginia.
The Job Outlook in West Virginia
In May 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a total of 3,950 auto service technicians and mechanics, 670 auto body and repair specialists, 80 auto glass installers and repairers, and 1730 bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists employed throughout the state. The outlook for jobs through 2030 shows that those numbers are expected to fall slightly, by 1 percent.
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 West 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 West Virginia, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earn between $26,000 and $65,000 annually. Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers have salaries ranging from $24,000 to $60,000. Automotive Body and Related Repairers earn between $28,000 and $68,000, while Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists earn between $30,000 and $75,000.
Salaries in West Virginia 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 | $31.50 / $65,520 |
| Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers | $11.50 / $24,000 | $14.50 / $30,160 | $18.50 / $38,480 | $23.50 / $48,880 | $29.50 / $61,360 |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairers | $13.50 / $28,080 | $16.50 / $34,320 | $21.50 / $44,720 | $27.50 / $57,200 | $34.50 / $71,760 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists | $14.50 / $30,160 | $18.50 / $38,480 | $23.50 / $48,880 | $30.50 / $63,440 | $36.50 / $75,920 |
Auto Mechanic Salaries in West 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | $28,000 – $62,000 | $26,000 – $58,000 | $30,000 – $66,000 | $34,000 – $72,000 |
| Morgantown | $27,000 – $61,000 | $25,000 – $56,000 | $29,000 – $64,000 | $33,000 – $70,000 |
| Huntington | $26,000 – $60,000 | $24,000 – $55,000 | $28,000 – $63,000 | $32,000 – $69,000 |
| Parkersburg | $27,000 – $61,000 | $25,000 – $56,000 | $29,000 – $64,000 | $33,000 – $70,000 |
Auto Mechanic Schools in West Virginia
If you want to pursue certification for an auto mechanic career, there are a number of programs throughout West Virginia that offer certification. Some of the most notable include:
- Fred W Eberle Technical Center. Located in Buckhannon, West Virginia, this school offers several certification programs for mechanics, including automotive technology, collision repair and diesel technology. Fred W Eberle Technical Center is a NATEF-accredited school.
- BridgeValley Community and Technical College. BridgeValley offers multiple programs, including certification programs and an associate degree program in Diesel Technology. BridgeValley is located in South Charleston, West Virginia.
NATEF-accredited high school programs are also available in West Virginia for training in automotive technology and diesel mechanics.
ASE Certification
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence offers a certification for auto mechanics who have acquired the necessary experience and knowledge to meet the quality standards in automotive technology. This is known as ASE certification and verifies that the mechanic has received additional training and can diagnose, repair and service all vehicles.
Some of the various tests provided by the ASE are:
- 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
Working as an Auto Mechanic in West Virginia
Most jobs for auto service technicians in the state of West Virginia are found in the Huntington area, which borders the Kentucky and Ohio state lines. There were 700 reported auto technicians in this area in the 2017 BLS report. Many of the most lucrative jobs are available just over the state lines in Maryland and Virginia. The Hagerstown, Maryland, and Martinsburg, West Virginia, area has a higher concentration of auto service technicians, with a total of 630 auto mechanics according to BLS. The Hagerstown and Martinsburg area also has the highest concentration of auto body repairers. Charleston, West Virginia, the state capital, has the third largest number of auto mechanics. For the best pay, Winchester, Virginia, reports an average annual salary for auto mechanics of $42,340.
Most car dealerships, service stations and auto body repair shops hire for entry-level positions. A driver’s license and clean driving record are required for most jobs.