Becoming an Automotive Technician or Mechanic in Sacramento
If you’re looking for a job that combines physical labor with customer service, becoming an automotive mechanic is the perfect fit. You will not be limited to just auto mechanics; there are so many other pathways available such as diesel technician, body or collision repairer and glass installer! Plus, if you reside in California, all it takes is a valid driver’s license and high school diploma/GED to get started on this rewarding journey!
Requirements for becoming an Automotive Service Technician in Sacramento
Anyone performing repairs, adjustments, or mechanical work on motor vehicles in Sacramento must be registered with the Bureau of Automotive Repair as an Automotive Repair Dealer (ARD). The license fee for this registration is $200 and it will need to be renewed on an annual basis.
To become a qualified automotive technician, you will need to complete an accredited Automotive Technology Program or ASE Certification.
Automotive training programs may cover some of the following topics.
- Electrical systems
- Air conditioning
- Engine repair
- Brakes
- Engines service and repair
- Steering
- Manual drive train
- Emission controls
- Brake systems
- Engine performance
- Auto maintenance
Auto Mechanic Schools in Sacramento
Sacramento offers several state-accredited automotive technology programs that allow you to earn a certificate or degree as an automotive technician.
These schools include:
- Universal Technical Institute. With this school, you have a vast selection of automotive technology degree programs to choose from. The BMW Fast Track program is only twelve weeks and the Ford Accelerated Credential Training (FACT) initiative takes just fifteen weeks. Plus, if you’re looking for something specific like Mercedes-Benz or Porsche training initiatives, they’ve got that too – not to mention diesel courses as well as Toyota Volvo and NASCAR options.
- Cosumnes River College. Offers an Associate Degree in Automotive Mechanics Technology (FORD ASSET) as well as an Associate of Science degree in Automotive Service Management.
ASE Certification
Becoming ASE certified from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is a sure-fire way to improve automotive repair technicians’ esteem and value within their profession. Simply by taking one test, these specialists can demonstrate that they have what it takes to be successful in this industry, making them highly desirable to employers who demand only the most qualified personnel. Passing this exam could be your direct route towards increased career prospects or even promotions within the auto service sector!
The ASE offers more than 40 certification exams. Listed below are a few of the most popular ones.
- School bus certification tests
- Transit bus certification tests
- Alternate fuels certification test
- Parts specialist certification tests
- Engine machinist certification tests
- Truck equipment certification tests
- Light repair certification test
- Damage analysis and estimating certification test
- Collision repair and refinish certification tests
- Light truck certification tests
Job Outlook and Salary Expectations
Employment for automotive technicians and mechanics in Sacramento is expected to increase by 4% from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The BLS also reports that automotive service technicians and mechanics in Sacramento earned an average annual wage of $57,380 as of May 2021, while bus and truck mechanics and diesel specialists earned an annual wage of $62,030. Automotive glass installers and automotive body and related repairers earned annual salaries of $38,090 and $60,230 respectively.
Auto Mechanic Salaries in Sacramento
| Region | Total Employed | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA | 4,780 | $25,92 | $57,380 |
Working as an Auto Mechanic in Sacramento
Working as an automotive technician in Sacramento can be a rewarding and exciting career. You’ll have the opportunity to work on some of the world’s most advanced motor vehicles, while gaining valuable experience and knowledge along the way.
In addition to completing a formal education program, it is important that you obtain the necessary certifications, such as ASE certification, in order to be successful.
Sources:
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, Occupational Employment and Wages, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes493023.htm
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm
- Department of Motor Vehicles, Estimated Vehicles Registered by County, http://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/wcm/connect/add5eb07-c676-40b4-98b5-8011b059260a/est_fees_pd_by_county.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CONVERT_TO=url&CACHEID=add5eb07-c676-40b4-98b5-8011b059260a
- Find Accredited Schools, NATEF, http://www.natef.org/NATEF-and-You/Students-Parents/Find-Accredited-Schools.aspx?Address=sacramento%2c+cA&d=50&t=1&e=2
- Occupations with Fastest Job Growth (% change) in Sacramento-Roseville-Arden Arcade MSA, State of California Economic Development Department, http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/cgi/databrowsing/localAreaProfileQSMoreResult.asp?viewAll=yes&viewAllUS=¤tPage=3¤tPageUS=&sortUp=&sortDown=&criteria=fast+growing+occupations&categoryType=employment&geogArea=0621040900×eries=&more=More&menuChoice=localAreaPro&printerFriendly=&BackHistory=-4&goTOPageText=
- Sacramento City and County, U.S. Census Quick Facts, http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/06067.html