Best institutions to study Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing, manufacturing and testing self-propelled ground vehicles and their systems.
47 U.S. institutions graduated 1,292 Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 15.0803, a specialization of Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.08), and leads most directly to the Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians occupation (BLS SOC 17-3027).
About Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing, manufacturing and testing self-propelled ground vehicles and their systems. Includes instruction in vehicular systems technology, design and development testing, prototype and operational testing, inspection and maintenance procedures, instrument calibration, test equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation.
See also: 47.0604 - Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician program prepares individuals to support engineers in the development, manufacturing, and testing of self-propelled ground vehicles and their systems. This program is ideal for those interested in applying engineering principles and technical skills in the automotive field.
Students will gain knowledge in vehicular systems technology, design and development testing, inspection and maintenance procedures, and instrument calibration. Core skills include critical thinking, mathematics, and effective communication.
Credentials awarded
What Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year365 graduates / yr · 16 institutions28%
- Bachelor's degree339 graduates / yr · 12 institutions26%
- Associate's degree329 graduates / yr · 27 institutions26%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years184 graduates / yr · 15 institutions14%
- Award of less than 12 weeks66 graduates / yr · 3 institutions5.1%
- Master's degree9 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.7%
Graduates over time
Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 3,042 |
| 2013 | 1,288 |
| 2014 | 1,287 |
| 2015 | 1,365 |
| 2016 | 1,236 |
| 2017 | 1,196 |
| 2018 | 1,351 |
| 2019 | 1,253 |
| 2020 | 1,170 |
| 2021 | 925 |
| 2022 | 1,061 |
| 2023 | 976 |
| 2024 | 1,104 |
| 2025 | 1,292 |
Top 47 institutions for Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Weber State University Ogden, UTPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor's | 123 | 46% | — | $64,828 |
| 2 | Seminole State College of Florida Sanford, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 95 | 41% | — | $36,453 |
| 3 | Southern Illinois University - Carbondale Carbondale, ILPublicBachelor's | 79 | 62% | — | $62,503 |
| 4 | Lawson State Community College Birmingham, ALPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 63 | 27% | — | — |
| 5 | Metropolitan Community College - Kansas City Kansas City, MOPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 55 | 34% | — | — |
| 6 | Art Center College of Design Pasadena, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 53 | 79% | $48,578 | $59,384 |
| 7 | Columbus State Community College Columbus, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 52 | 28% | — | — |
| 8 | Brigham Young University - Idaho Rexburg, IDPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 49 | 55% | $6,760 | $62,440 |
| 9 | Skyline College San Bruno, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 45 | 44% | — | — |
| 10 | Indian River State College Fort Pierce, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 44 | 45% | — | — |
| 11 | Broward College Fort Lauderdale, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 40 | 39% | — | — |
| 12 | McPherson College McPherson, KSPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 37 | 34% | $24,595 | $42,278 |
| 13 | H Councill Trenholm State Community College Montgomery, ALPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 35 | 16% | — | — |
| 14 | Owens Community College Perrysburg, OHPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 35 | 35% | — | $61,021 |
| 15 | Brookdale Community College Lincroft, NJPublicAssociate's | 32 | 30% | — | $35,805 |
| 16 | Pittsburg State University Pittsburg, KSPublicBachelor's | 31 | 57% | — | $57,234 |
| 17 | Southeastern Technical College Vidalia, GAPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 27 | 38% | — | — |
| 18 | Stark State College North Canton, OHPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 26 | 23% | — | $35,362 |
| 19 | Utah Valley University Orem, UTPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsBachelor's | 26 | 45% | — | — |
| 20 | Ferris State University Big Rapids, MIPublicBachelor's | 25 | 47% | — | $66,747 |
| 21 | Pennsylvania College of Technology Williamsport, PAPublicBachelor's | 25 | 53% | — | $53,234 |
| 22 | Savannah Technical College Savannah, GAPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 23 | 42% | — | — |
| 23 | Coastal Alabama Community College Bay Minette, ALPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 20 | 31% | — | — |
| 24 | George C Wallace Community College - Dothan Dothan, ALPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 20 | 35% | — | — |
| 25 | Florida State College at Jacksonville Jacksonville, FLPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 20 | 37% | — | — |
| 26 | Camden County College Blackwood, NJPublicAssociate's | 18 | 31% | — | — |
| 27 | Union County Vocational Technical School Scotch Plains, NJPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 17 | 99% | — | — |
| 28 | University of Puerto Rico - Carolina Carolina, PRPublicAssociate's | 16 | 37% | — | — |
| 29 | Ogeechee Technical College Statesboro, GAPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 16 | 43% | — | — |
| 30 | Minnesota State University - Mankato Mankato, MNPublicBachelor's | 14 | 54% | — | $64,005 |
| 31 | Great Basin College Elko, NVPublicAssociate's | 12 | 41% | — | — |
| 32 | Terra State Community College Fremont, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 12 | 39% | — | — |
| 33 | Florida Gateway College Lake City, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 11 | 54% | — | — |
| 34 | Crowder College Neosho, MOPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 10 | 49% | — | $33,816 |
| 35 | Santa Fe College Gainesville, FLPublicAssociate's | 9 | 53% | — | — |
| 36 | Mercer County Community College West Windsor, NJPublicAssociate's | 9 | 25% | — | — |
| 37 | Cuyahoga Community College District Cleveland, OHPublicAssociate's | 9 | 31% | — | — |
| 38 | Oklahoma City Community College Oklahoma City, OKPublicAssociate's | 9 | 27% | — | — |
| 39 | Professional Technical Institution Bayamon, PRPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 9 | 83% | $7,068 | — |
| 40 | Indiana State University Terre Haute, INPublicBachelor's | 8 | 43% | — | $66,479 |
| 41 | Sussex County Community College Newton, NJPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 7 | 37% | — | — |
| 42 | J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College Huntsville, ALPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 14% | — | — |
| 43 | Victor Valley College Victorville, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 62% | — | — |
| 44 | Raritan Valley Community College Branchburg, NJPublicAssociate's | 5 | 31% | — | — |
| 45 | Navajo Technical University Crownpoint, NMPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 5 | 12% | — | — |
| 46 | Colorado State University Pueblo Pueblo, COPublicBachelor's | 4 | 40% | — | $42,707 |
| 47 | University of West Alabama Livingston, ALPublicAssociate's | 1 | 35% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians field (CIP 15.08) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 20 states & territories
Where Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician graduates come from. Each state links to all Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 17-3027, Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians, with an annual median wage of $68,730. The job outlook shows little or no change, with approximately 3,200 annual openings, typically requiring an Associate's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 15.0803
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Techniciansprimary SOC 17-3027 | $74,510 | 0.0% Little or no change | ~3,200 | Associate's degree |
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics SOC 49-3023 | $50,620 | +4.2% About as fast as average | ~70,000 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Mechanical Drafters SOC 17-3013 | $71,550 | -6.5% Decline | ~3,300 | Associate's degree |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Assemble or disassemble complex mechanical systems.
- Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, or drawings.
- Calculate required capacities for equipment of proposed system to obtain specified performance and submit data to engineering personnel for approval.
- Review project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, and objectives, and test nature of technical problems such as redesign.
- Provide technical support to other employees regarding mechanical design, fabrication, testing, or documentation.
- Test machines, components, materials, or products to determine characteristics such as performance, strength, or response to stress.
Tools and technology used
Other Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians specializations
The 5 other 6-digit CIP codes under Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.08).
- Mechanical/CIP 15.0805
Mechanical Engineering Technology/ Technician 3,358 graduates / yr190 institutions - Aeronautical/CIP 15.0801
Aerospace Engineering Technology/ Technician 810 graduates / yr29 institutions - Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/CIP 15.0899
Technicians 476 graduates / yr15 institutions - Marine Engineering Technology/CIP 15.0806
Technician partial data63 graduates / yr4 institutions - Motorsports Engineering Technology/CIP 15.0807
Technician limited data4 graduates / yr1 institutions
See all Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians programs →
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn an Associate's degree, a Bachelor's degree, or an award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, active listening, mathematics, and technical support.
What kind of jobs can I get after graduation?+
You can work as a Mechanical Engineering Technologist, Automotive Service Technician, or Mechanical Drafter.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with about 3,200 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician?+
Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician is CIP 15.0803 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.08). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing, manufacturing and testing self-propelled ground vehicles and their systems. Includes instruction in vehicular systems technology, design and development testing, prototype and operational testing, inspection and maintenance procedures, instrument calibration, test equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation.
How many institutions offer Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician programs?+
47 U.S. institutions reported Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 20 states & territories, awarding 1,292 credentials in the year. That is 21.5% of all Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians graduates.
How much do Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians occupation, which Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician most directly leads to, pays a median of $74,510 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians field report median earnings of $59,384 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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