Best institutions to study Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all types of automobiles.
762 U.S. institutions graduated 46,331 Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 47.0604, a specialization of Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians (CIP 47.06), and leads most directly to the Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics occupation (BLS SOC 49-3023).
About Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all types of automobiles. Includes instruction in brake systems, electrical systems, engine performance, engine repair, suspension and steering, automatic and manual transmissions and drive trains, and heating and air condition systems.
See also: 15.0803 - Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician program prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills necessary for the repair, service, and maintenance of all types of automobiles. This program is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in the mechanic and repair technologies field, focusing on practical, hands-on experience.
Students will gain core skills in areas such as brake systems, electrical systems, engine performance, and heating and air conditioning systems. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, active listening, and mechanical knowledge, equipping students with the tools needed for effective vehicle maintenance and repair.
Credentials awarded
What Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year16,988 graduates / yr · 417 institutions37%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years11,922 graduates / yr · 491 institutions26%
- Associate's degree11,065 graduates / yr · 469 institutions24%
- Award of less than 12 weeks3,902 graduates / yr · 48 institutions8.4%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years2,426 graduates / yr · 97 institutions5.2%
- Bachelor's degree28 graduates / yr · 5 institutions0.1%
Graduates over time
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 41,435 |
| 2013 | 40,367 |
| 2014 | 39,637 |
| 2015 | 38,944 |
| 2016 | 38,830 |
| 2017 | 37,449 |
| 2018 | 38,131 |
| 2019 | 35,890 |
| 2020 | 32,915 |
| 2021 | 28,874 |
| 2022 | 33,843 |
| 2023 | 37,617 |
| 2024 | 41,726 |
| 2025 | 46,331 |
Top 50 institutions for Automobile/Automotive Mechanics 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 | Glendale Community College Glendale, AZPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 1,711 | 16% | — | — |
| 2 | Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, INPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 837 | 40% | — | $37,317 |
| 3 | Dallas College Dallas, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 682 | 32% | — | $36,956 |
| 4 | Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc Avondale, AZPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 621 | 70% | $27,877 | $39,458 |
| 5 | Universal Technical Institute - Dallas Fort Worth Irving, TXPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 619 | 75% | $25,260 | $37,601 |
| 6 | Universal Technical Institute of California Inc Rancho Cucamonga, CAPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 588 | 72% | $24,830 | $39,458 |
| 7 | Universal Technical Institute - Mooresville Mooresville, NCPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 574 | 65% | $25,348 | $41,147 |
| 8 | Universal Technical Institute of Texas Inc. Houston, TXPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 495 | 60% | $22,532 | $40,469 |
| 9 | Universal Technical Institute - Bloomfield Bloomfield, NJPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 493 | 67% | $27,085 | $40,469 |
| 10 | GateWay Community College Phoenix, AZPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 483 | 29% | — | $39,690 |
| 11 | Universal Technical Institute - Southern California Long Beach, CAPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 476 | 63% | $26,553 | $39,458 |
| 12 | Mech - Tech College Caguas, PRPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 473 | 72% | $13,886 | $17,011 |
| 13 | WyoTech Laramie, WYPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 462 | 85% | $42,361 | $35,524 |
| 14 | Universal Technical Institute of Northern California Inc Sacramento, CAPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 437 | 65% | $27,890 | $40,213 |
| 15 | Universal Technical Institute - Orlando Orlando, FLPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 420 | 68% | $28,289 | $35,784 |
| 16 | Jefferson Community and Technical College Louisville, KYPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 412 | 35% | — | $44,238 |
| 17 | Front Range Community College Westminster, COPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 400 | 35% | — | $41,745 |
| 18 | South Seattle College Seattle, WAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of less than 12 weeks | 389 | 31% | — | — |
| 19 | St Philip's College San Antonio, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 383 | 28% | — | — |
| 20 | Universal Technical Institute of Illinois Inc Lisle, ILPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 372 | 63% | $25,788 | $41,147 |
| 21 | College of Lake County Grayslake, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 370 | 37% | — | — |
| 22 | Chattahoochee Technical College Marietta, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAssociate's | 369 | 38% | — | — |
| 23 | Spokane Community College Spokane, WAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of less than 12 weeks | 367 | 33% | — | $37,228 |
| 24 | Universal Technical Institute - West Texas Austin, TXPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 342 | 75% | $25,231 | $40,469 |
| 25 | Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania Inc Exton, PAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAssociate's | 313 | 63% | $24,954 | $40,469 |
| 26 | Mesa Community College Mesa, AZPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 301 | 16% | — | — |
| 27 | Gateway Community and Technical College Florence, KYPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 297 | 59% | — | $34,954 |
| 28 | Kirkwood Community College Cedar Rapids, IAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 286 | 43% | — | $44,896 |
| 29 | Tidewater Community College Norfolk, VAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 264 | 32% | — | $34,696 |
| 30 | Cypress College Cypress, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 258 | 37% | — | — |
| 31 | Joliet Junior College Joliet, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 251 | 21% | — | — |
| 32 | Gwinnett Technical College Lawrenceville, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 244 | 32% | — | $39,268 |
| 33 | Wake Technical Community College Raleigh, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 244 | 33% | — | — |
| 34 | Los Angeles Trade Technical College Los Angeles, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 241 | 35% | — | — |
| 35 | Lincoln Technical Institute - Union Union, NJPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 241 | 75% | $26,378 | $35,905 |
| 36 | Lincoln College of Technology - Denver Denver, COPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 234 | 71% | $33,052 | $35,905 |
| 37 | Triton College River Grove, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 233 | 29% | — | — |
| 38 | Arapahoe Community College Littleton, COPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAssociate's | 232 | 29% | — | $38,845 |
| 39 | University of Northwestern Ohio Lima, OHPrivate not-for-profitAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 229 | 54% | $19,592 | $42,338 |
| 40 | Collin County Community College District McKinney, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 229 | 20% | — | — |
| 41 | Lincoln Technical Institute - Whitestone Whitestone, NYPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 227 | 67% | $34,271 | $35,905 |
| 42 | Stark State College North Canton, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 222 | 23% | — | — |
| 43 | Aims Community College Greeley, COPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 213 | 40% | — | $42,120 |
| 44 | Universal Technical Institute - South Florida Miramar Miramar, FLPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 211 | 70% | $27,594 | — |
| 45 | Metropolitan Community College Area Omaha, NEPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 207 | 29% | — | $52,060 |
| 46 | Northshore Technical Community College Lacombe, LAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 205 | 40% | — | $41,225 |
| 47 | Lincoln Technical Institute - Levittown Levittown, PAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 204 | 58% | $29,412 | $32,767 |
| 48 | College of the Sequoias Visalia, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 202 | 39% | — | — |
| 49 | De Anza College Cupertino, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 201 | 68% | — | — |
| 50 | Cerritos College Norwalk, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 196 | 31% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians field (CIP 47.06) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 53 states & territories
Where Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician graduates come from. Each state links to all Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 49-3023, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, with an expected job growth rate of 4.2% and around 70,000 annual openings. The median wage for this occupation is approximately $49,670, typically requiring a postsecondary nondegree award for entry.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 47.0604
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanicsprimary SOC 49-3023 | $50,620 | +4.2% About as fast as average | ~70,000 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment SOC 49-2093 | $84,890 | +6.1% Faster than average | ~600 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles SOC 49-2096 | $48,420 | -13.6% Decline | ~600 | High school diploma or equivalent |
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 Automobile/Automotive Mechanics 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
- Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
- Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices.
- Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
- Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
- Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
- Estimate costs of vehicle repair.
Tools and technology used
Other Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians specializations
The 17 other 6-digit CIP codes under Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians (CIP 47.06).
- Diesel Mechanics Technology/CIP 47.0605
Technician 10,165 graduates / yr309 institutions - Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/CIP 47.0607
Technician 9,434 graduates / yr157 institutions - Autobody/CIP 47.0603
Collision and Repair Technology/ Technician 5,352 graduates / yr264 institutions - Aircraft Powerplant Technology/CIP 47.0608
Technician 3,661 graduates / yr97 institutions - Medium/CIP 47.0613
Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/ Technician 2,278 graduates / yr87 institutions - Marine Maintenance/CIP 47.0616
Fitter and Ship Repair Technology/ Technician 918 graduates / yr48 institutions - Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair Technology/CIP 47.0611
Technician 852 graduates / yr28 institutions - Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technology/CIP 47.0600
Technician 814 graduates / yr27 institutions - Avionics Maintenance Technology/CIP 47.0609
Technician 710 graduates / yr35 institutions - High Performance and Custom Engine Technician/CIP 47.0617
Mechanic 479 graduates / yr13 institutions - Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology/CIP 47.0614
Technician 192 graduates / yr23 institutions - Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology/CIP 47.0606
Technician 182 graduates / yr24 institutions - Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/CIP 47.0699
Technicians 157 graduates / yr10 institutions - Engine MachinistCIP 47.0615limited data55 graduates / yr2 institutions
- Recreation Vehicle (RV) Service TechnicianCIP 47.0618limited data25 graduates / yr1 institutions
- Bicycle Mechanics and Repair Technology/CIP 47.0610
Technician limited data9 graduates / yr2 institutions - Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Technology/CIP 47.0612
Technician limited data2 graduates / yr1 institutions
See all Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians programs →
Common questions
What types of awards can I earn in this program?+
You can earn various awards, including those of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year, 1 but less than 2 academic years, or an Associate's degree.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills such as critical thinking, active listening, and mechanical knowledge, essential for vehicle maintenance and repair.
What is the job outlook for automotive technicians?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 4.2% and approximately 70,000 annual job openings.
What kind of jobs can I get after completing this program?+
You can work as an Automotive Service Technician or Mechanic, among other related occupations.
What is the CIP code for Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician?+
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician is CIP 47.0604 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians (CIP 47.06). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all types of automobiles. Includes instruction in brake systems, electrical systems, engine performance, engine repair, suspension and steering, automatic and manual transmissions and drive trains, and heating and air condition systems.
How many institutions offer Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician programs?+
762 U.S. institutions reported Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 53 states & territories, awarding 46,331 credentials in the year. That is 56.8% of all Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians graduates.
How much do Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics occupation, which Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician most directly leads to, pays a median of $50,620 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians field report median earnings of $36,894 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.
Explore every U.S. college in one conversation
Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.
Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card