Becoming an Automotive Technician or Mechanic in Denver
Taking a career in automotive service technician, body work or collision repairer, or diesel and heavy truck mechanic can be an excellent choice as these professions are tactile and qualified personnel are always sought-after. Denver, Colorado is home to many respected automotive repair and service centers that can provide you with the necessary training and experience to become a certified technician or mechanic.
To pursue this career path, one of the best steps you can take is to enroll in a technical college program offering courses specific to the field you wish to enter.
Requirements for becoming an Automotive Service Technician in Denver
Auto service and repair technicians in Denver are not legally obligated to obtain a mechanic license. However, enrolling in a technical school can provide you with the hands-on training and experience necessary for certification.
Those interested in enrolling in an automotive technology program can expect some of the following topics to be covered:
- Automotive braking systems
- Engine repair
- Electrical systems
- Air conditioning engine performance
- Electronic systems
- suspension systems
- Automotive electricity
Auto Mechanic Schools in Denver
Automotive service technology programs can be found at several respected technical and community colleges in the Denver area, such as:
- Emily Griffith Technical College. Offers a full time and part-time automotive service certificate program that takes 10 months to complete. The institution also offers an 18 month automotive collision repair certificate program.
- Front Range Community College. With campuses in Denver, Westminster and Longmont, this college offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in automotive technology. This four-semester ASE and NATEF-certified program provides students with entry-level technical skills to test, diagnose, and repair the complex mechanical, chemical, and electronic equipment found in today’s automobiles. There are also various certificate programs available which include certificates in automatic transmission/transaxle, brakes, automotive electrical/electronic systems, engine performance, engine repair, general automotive maintenance and repair, automotive and A/C, manual drivetrain and axles, and suspension and steering.
- Red Rocks Community college. Offers certificate and degree programs in Automotive Service Technology. Other related programs include courses on automotive collision repair as well as automotive customization.
ASE Certification
If you want to show off your automotive repair skills and knowledge, then the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification is exactly what you need. To become certified, applicants must pass a specialized ASE exam. Additionally, if they maintain this status for five consecutive years they can either opt to take another test or apply for recertification through special programs.
If you aspire to achieve an ASE Certification, there are dozens of tests from which you can select. These range from the over 40 available exams, including:
- Truck equipment certification tests
- Light repair certification test
- Engine machinist certification tests
- Alternate fuels certification test
- Parts specialist certification tests
- Damage analysis and estimating certification test
- Collision repair and refinish certification tests
- School bus certification tests
- Transit bus certification tests
- Light truck certification tests
Job Outlook and Salary Expectations
Employment for automotive technicians and mechanics in Denver is expected to increase by 7% from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The BLS also reports that automotive service technicians and mechanics in Denver earned an average annual wage of $48,560 as of May 2021, while bus and truck mechanics and diesel specialists earned an annual wage of $60,510. Automotive glass installers and automotive body and related repairers earned annual salaries of $46,190 and $59,920 respectively.
Auto Mechanic Salaries in Denver
Region | Total Employed | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | 6,370 | $25,21 | $48,560 |
Working as an Auto Mechanic in Denver
Auto mechanics in Denver enjoy the many benefits of working in a big city, including access to a variety of professional and technical resources. There are also numerous job opportunities available in the automotive repair field, as well as career growth potential within larger auto shops or dealerships.
Those working in the automotive field in Denver should also take advantage of the many professional organizations and associations available in Colorado, such as the Automotive Service Association of Colorado or the Rocky Mountain Automotive Technical Association. These organizations provide auto mechanics with information about local training, educational opportunities, and other industry-related events. They can also be a great resource for networking with other professionals in the automotive industry.