by our College Data Analytics TeamThe field of mechanic and repair technologies\technicians can encompass several careers besides just auto mechanic. For example, while auto mechanics focus on the physical, mechanical side of automotive repair and maintenance, automotive technicians tend to focus on the technical aspects of the items they are maintaining. For example, they may be responsible for troubleshooting and repairing an automotive computer system.
Similar to auto mechanics, auto technicians will require a high school diploma and most likely a certification from ASE (National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence). ASE certificates are broken into multiple series from automobile and light truck to heavy trucks, collision and alternative fuels.
Note that some automotive shops will only hire candidates with their ASE certifications in hand, while others may pay for you to attend and obtain your certificate. Auto shops run by the main manufacturers will certainly require ASE certification and may go a step further and require you to have an associate degree, especially if you wish to advance further than the shop technician position.
Mechanic & Repair Tech (Other) was the 235th most popular major in the 2021-2022 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 1,184 degrees in this year alone. This year's Best Mechanic & Repair Tech (Other) Schools ranking compares 10 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom mechanic & repair\ntech rankings further below.
Technicians need to have a high school diploma and as mentioned above, will also need to pursue additional training and education to advance further in their career.
As with certified mechanics, technicians need to have a good technical aptitude in order to troubleshoot issues and to pinpoint possible areas that need repair or maintenance. Issues may not always have a visible sign so technicians need to be able to troubleshoot issues like this. They must also have good attention to detail and dexterity as they may be working in small confined spaces.
mechanic & repair tech (other) degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Specific mechanic & repair\ntech careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
There are many different mechanic & repair\ntech degree levels. Mechanic & Repair Tech (Other) programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest mechanic & repair\ntech degree you can get. Mechanic & Repair Tech (Other) programs can take anywhere between one to four or more years for a full-time student to complete.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
Recently graduated mechanic & repair tech (other) students earned an average of $35,932 in <nil>. Earnings can range from as low as $28,846 to as high as $64,927. As you might expect, salaries for mechanic & repair\ntech graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Mechanic & Repair Tech (Other) is one of 7 different types of Mechanic & Repair Technologies programs to choose from.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Other Mechanic & Repair Technologies/Technicians | 1,184 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Maintenance & Repair | 63,451 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration | 21,891 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance | 8,446 |
| Electronics Maintenance & Repair | 8,127 |
| Precision Systems Maintenance | 2,185 |
