Becoming an Automotive Technician or Mechanic in Tampa
Being an automotive technician or mechanic in Tampa requires a wide range of technical skills and knowledge related to automobiles. Automotive technicians must be well-versed in the principles of diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining cars and other motor vehicles. There are several different avenues that individuals can pursue to become an automotive technician or mechanic in Tampa, such as enrolling at an accredited vocational school or technical college or completing on-the-job training through an apprenticeship program.
Requirements for becoming an Automotive Service Technician in Tampa
You do not need to be licensed in order to become an auto mechanic in Tampa, but all employers require that their technicians have at least a high school diploma or GED. After completing high school, it is recommended that you enroll in an automotive service technology program at a local college or trade school.
An automotive technology program typically covers the following topics.
- Manual transmissions
- Automatic transmissions
- Auto maintenance
- Engine performance
- Air conditioning
- Fuel systems
- Brake systems
- Automotive repair
- Computer controls
- Electrical systems
- Engine repairs
- Suspension and steering
Hands on training is also essential to becoming an automotive technician or mechanic in Tampa. You should look for a program that provides extensive hands on experience with the various components and systems of modern cars, such as engine performance, electrical systems, fuel systems, brake systems and computer controls.
Auto Mechanic Schools in Tampa
Depending on where students choose to study, length of auto mechanic schools in Tampa can vary from about six months to two years. Vocational and trade-school programs that culminate in a certificate typically are much shorter than community college programs that culminate in an Associate’s of Applied Science degree.
- Hillsborough Community College. The Automotive Technology program at Hillsborough Community College (HCC) offers a two-year Associate’s of Applied Science degree in automotive technology which includes a general course in automotive technology as well as a course in automotive collision technology.
- Brewster Technical College. Located in Tampa, Brewster Technical College offers a 19-month Automotive Service Program. This program is NATEF-certified and offers students tuition under instructors who are ASE Master-certified technicians.
ASE Certification
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is an independent, nationwide certification program designed to assess automotive professionals on their knowledge and skill in the field. An ASE certification can provide an advantage when it comes to job seeking or promotion opportunities. To obtain ASE certification, applicants must pass a series of tests that cover different areas of expertise, such as brakes, engine repair, suspension and steering, and electrical systems.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
Employment for auto technicians and mechanics in Tampa is expected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The BLS also reports that automotive service technicians and mechanics in Tampa earned an average annual wage of $46,320 as of May 2021, while bus and truck mechanics and diesel specialists earned an annual wage of $48,630. Automotive glass installers and automotive body and related repairers earned annual salaries of $37,880 and $46,920 respectively.
Auto Mechanic Salaries in Tampa
Region | Total Employed | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | 6,880 | $22,28 | $46,320 |
Working as an Auto Mechanic in Tampa
Tampa is home to a vibrant auto repair industry. The city is home to several large automotive service centers, as well as independent shops that specialize in certain types of repairs or services.
Auto mechanics in Tampa are typically employed full-time and often work evening or weekend hours to accommodate customer needs. Additionally, many auto techs in Tampa have the opportunity to participate in continuing education programs offered by their employer, as well as professional development courses sponsored by industry organizations such as ASE.
Sources:
Hillsborough County, Florida, U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/12/12057.html
NATEF-accredited schools, Tampa, www.natef.org/NATEF-and-You/Students-Parents/Find-Accredited-Schools.aspx?Address=tampa%2c+florida&d=50&t=0&e=1
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2022 Edition, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm