Best institutions to study High Performance and Custom Engine Technician/Mechanic
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to increase the power of diesel and automotive engines; enhance the performance of automobiles; and repair, service, and maintain high performance vehicles.
13 U.S. institutions graduated 479 High Performance and Custom Engine Technician/Mechanic students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 47.0617, 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 High Performance and Custom Engine Technician/Mechanic programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to increase the power of diesel and automotive engines; enhance the performance of automobiles; and repair, service, and maintain high performance vehicles. Includes instruction in adding performance accessories; modifying powertrains; tuning custom engines, suspension, and exhaust systems; and using dynamometers and other diagnostic equipment.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The High Performance and Custom Engine Technician/Mechanic program prepares individuals to enhance the power and performance of diesel and automotive engines. This program is ideal for those interested in repairing, servicing, and maintaining high-performance vehicles, as well as modifying powertrains and tuning custom engines. Students will learn to apply technical knowledge and skills in a hands-on environment.
Core coursework includes instruction in adding performance accessories, tuning exhaust systems, and using diagnostic equipment such as dynamometers. Students will also develop essential skills in critical thinking, active listening, and mechanical knowledge, which are crucial for success in the field.
Credentials awarded
What High Performance and Custom Engine Technician/Mechanic graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Associate's degree247 graduates / yr · 9 institutions52%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year116 graduates / yr · 6 institutions24%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years103 graduates / yr · 9 institutions22%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years13 graduates / yr · 2 institutions2.7%
Graduates over time
High Performance and Custom Engine Technician/Mechanic completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 247 |
| 2013 | 234 |
| 2014 | 301 |
| 2015 | 254 |
| 2016 | 445 |
| 2017 | 560 |
| 2018 | 443 |
| 2019 | 465 |
| 2020 | 391 |
| 2021 | 382 |
| 2022 | 489 |
| 2023 | 435 |
| 2024 | 470 |
| 2025 | 479 |
Top 13 institutions for High Performance and Custom Engine Technician/Mechanic, 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 | University of Northwestern Ohio Lima, OHPrivate not-for-profitAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 194 | 54% | $19,592 | $42,338 |
| 2 | Kauai Community College Lihue, HIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 53 | 48% | — | — |
| 3 | Leeward Community College Pearl City, HIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 53 | 35% | — | — |
| 4 | Lanier Technical College Gainesville, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 48 | 34% | — | — |
| 5 | Honolulu Community College Honolulu, HIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 31 | 25% | — | $52,460 |
| 6 | School of Automotive Machinists & Technology Houston, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 26 | 93% | $27,124 | $30,420 |
| 7 | Ranken Technical College Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitAssociate'sAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 20 | 53% | $17,520 | $43,491 |
| 8 | Hawaii Community College Hilo, HIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 18 | 33% | — | $30,809 |
| 9 | South Georgia Technical College Americus, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 15 | 61% | — | $28,841 |
| 10 | Ohio Technical College Cleveland, OHPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAssociate's | 10 | 90% | $28,679 | $34,312 |
| 11 | University of Hawaii Maui College Kahului, HIPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 7 | 28% | — | — |
| 12 | Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, INPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 3 | 40% | — | $37,317 |
| 13 | Vincennes University Vincennes, INPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1 | 39% | — | $51,465 |
* 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 6 states
Where High Performance and Custom Engine Technician/Mechanic graduates come from. Each state links to all Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 2 | 204 | University of Northwestern Ohio194 / yr |
| Hawaii | 5 | 162 | Kauai Community College53 / yr |
| Georgia | 2 | 63 | Lanier Technical College48 / yr |
| Texas | 1 | 26 | School of Automotive Machinists & Technology26 / yr |
| Missouri | 1 | 20 | Ranken Technical College20 / yr |
| Indiana | 2 | 4 | Ivy Tech Community College3 / yr |
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 average annual wage of $49,670. The job outlook is promising, with a growth rate of 4.2% and approximately 70,000 annual openings expected in the field, making it a viable career choice for those seeking postsecondary education.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 47.0617
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 |
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers SOC 49-1011 | $79,860 | +3.1% About as fast as average | ~52,400 | 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 High Performance and Custom Engine Technician/Mechanic 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).
- Automobile/CIP 47.0604
Automotive Mechanics Technology/ Technician 46,331 graduates / yr762 institutions - 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 - 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 credentials can I earn?+
You can earn an Associate's degree, or various awards ranging from 12 weeks to less than 4 years.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, active listening, mechanical knowledge, and customer service.
What are the career options after graduation?+
You can work as an Automotive Service Technician or a First-Line Supervisor in the mechanics field.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is about average, with a growth rate of 4.2% and 70,000 annual job openings.
What is the CIP code for High Performance and Custom Engine Technician/Mechanic?+
High Performance and Custom Engine Technician/Mechanic is CIP 47.0617 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 increase the power of diesel and automotive engines; enhance the performance of automobiles; and repair, service, and maintain high performance vehicles. Includes instruction in adding performance accessories; modifying powertrains; tuning custom engines, suspension, and exhaust systems; and using dynamometers and other diagnostic equipment.
How many institutions offer High Performance and Custom Engine Technician/Mechanic programs?+
13 U.S. institutions reported High Performance and Custom Engine Technician/Mechanic graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 6 states, awarding 479 credentials in the year. That is 0.6% of all Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians graduates.
How much do High Performance and Custom Engine Technician/Mechanic graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics occupation, which High Performance and Custom Engine Technician/Mechanic 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 $37,317 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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