Becoming an Automotive Technician or Mechanic in Hawaii
If you’re a student in Hawaii who wants to enter the auto mechanic industry, there are several pathways that can help you get there. Individuals have broken into this field from all sorts of backgrounds, some with specialized qualifications and others with plenty of experience but no formal training. To ensure success on your journey towards an automotive career, begin by deciding which type of auto mechanic best fits your interests and goals.
Requirements for becoming an Automotive Service Technician in Hawaii
Auto mechanics in Hawaii must be licensed by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board. To be eligible for a license, applicants must have at least five years of experience working as an automotive technician in the state, or they must pass a written examination.
In addition to licensing requirements, most employers prefer that automotive technicians have some type of postsecondary education with a focus on automotive technology.
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 Hawaii
If you are an aspiring automotive mechanic in Hawaii, auto technician schools and colleges provide the perfect opportunity to get a formal education in automotive technology. These three ASE-accredited institutions offer students the chance to acquire Automotive Technician Certificates or an Associate Degree in automotive Technology.
- Kauai Community College campus is in Lihue, Hawaii
- University of Hawaii Maui College, Kahului, Hawaii
- Hawaii Community College is located in Hilo, Hawaii
Other institutions include:
- Leeward Community College, Pearl City, Hawaii
- Honolulu Community College, Honolulu, Hawaii
ASE Certification
Attaining approval from the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is a remarkable feat for automotive repair professionals. This test provides them with the opportunity to show their skill and proficiency in this field, while additionally obtaining ASE accreditation that proves they are competent authorities in the automotive industry.
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
- Transit bus certification tests
- Alternate fuels certification test
- Auto maintenance and light repair certification test
- Engine machinist certification tests
- Light truck certification tests
- Parts specialist certification tests
- School bus certification tests
Job Opportunities and Salary Expectations
Over the next decade, Hawaii is anticipating a growth in employment for auto mechanics. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a 1% increase in this field from 2020-2030.
According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2021 automotive service technicians in Hawaii earned an average salary of $48,320 per year. Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists made an average $60,550 per year while auto body and related repairers averaged $47,370 per year. Auto glass installers also brought in an annual mean salary of $47,560.
Auto Mechanic Salaries in Hawaii by Region
| Region | Total Employed | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI | 340 | $26,46 | $55,030 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | 1,760 | $25,18 | $52,370 |
Working as an Auto Mechanic in Hawaii
Working as an auto mechanic in Hawaii can be a rewarding experience. Auto mechanics get the chance to work with their hands and use their knowledge and skills to help others. With the right training, licensing, and ASE certification, you can become an automotive technician yourself and pursue a career helping people keep their cars running safely and efficiently. Good luck
Source:
- 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