Becoming an Automotive Technician or Mechanic in Colorado

If you’re looking for a practical career that is sure to provide job security, consider becoming an automotive service technician, body work or collision repairer, and/or diesel or heavy truck mechanic.

Requirements for becoming an Automotive Service Technician in Colorado

Colorado does not require any specific licensing or education requirements, however many individuals opt to complete secondary programs as it will better equip them with the essential skills of car repair and maintenance. With these acquired abilities they are then able to land entry-level placements while furthering their knowledge on the job itself in order to obtain certification at some point down the road.

Auto mechanic school training programs may cover some of the following topics:

  • Electrical systems
  • Preventive maintenance of auto mobiles and light trucks
  • Engine performance
  • Emission systems
  • Manual drive train
  • Hands on car repair
  • Air conditioning
  • Fuel systems
  • Electronic systems
  • Suspension systems
  • Brakes
  • Engine repair
  • Steering
  • Tire rotations

Auto Mechanic Schools in Colorado

Colorado has various options available for those who are interested in an automotive service technology program.

Colorado Mesa University. The Grand Junction school offers an associate’s degree in Automotive Technology. The program covers the basics of automotive technology, including fundamentals of electricity and electronics, direct current circuits, engine performance and repair, brakes, fuel systems and so much more.

Pikes Peak Community College. This Colorado Springs campus presents students with an opportunity to gain either a certificate or two-year degree in automotive technology. With the selection of certificates available, such as brakes, electronics, air conditioning and heating, drivetrain, and automotive parts.

ASE Certification

Achieving approval from the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is a groundbreaking accomplishment for automotive repair professionals. This unique assessment gives applicants an opportunity to demonstrate their expertise and capacity in this field, while also earning ASE accreditation which confirms they are qualified experts.

There are over 40 different ASE certification exams, some of which include:

  • Damage analysis and estimating certification test
  • Collision repair and refinish certification tests
  • Truck equipment certification tests
  • Auto maintenance and light repair certification test
  • Engine machinist certification tests
  • Light truck certification tests
  • Parts specialist certification tests
  • School bus certification tests
  • Transit bus certification tests
  • Alternate fuels certification test

Job Opportunities and Salary Expectations

Over the next decade, Colorado is anticipating a growth in employment for auto mechanics. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a 7% increase in this field from 2020-2030.

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2021 automotive service technicians in Colorado earned an average salary of $48,040 per year. Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists made an average $59,770 per year while auto body and related repairers averaged $48,900 per year. Auto glass installers also brought in an annual mean salary of $45,510.

Auto Mechanic Salaries in Colorado by Region

RegionTotal EmployedMean Hourly WageMean Annual Salary
Boulder, CO640$26,64$55,410
Colorado Springs, CO1,430$24,49$50,950
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO6,370$25,21$52,430
Fort Collins, CO870$25,13$52,260
Grand Junction, CO430$23,62$49,130
Greeley, CO650$24,63$51,220
Pueblo, CO300$22,99$47,820

Working as an Auto Mechanic in Colorado

Colorado is in need of qualified automotive technicians to work at dealerships, service repair shops, service stations and collision centers. The highest number of job opportunities can be found in the largest cities – Denver, Colorado Springs, and Boulder. But don’t forget that Fort Collins, Colorado Springs and Grand Junction also offer plenty of employment prospects for mechanics!

 Sources:

  • Accredited Schools, National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, www.natef.org/NATEF-and-You/Students-Parents/Find-Accredited-Schools.aspx?State=CO&t=1&e=2
  • Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm#tab-1