# Becoming an Automotive Technician or Mechanic in Grand Rapids

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If you’re considering a career in automotive repair and maintenance, Grand Rapids is the perfect place to begin your journey. You can pursue either a secondary or post-secondary program to get started, then find an entry-level job that will allow you to gain experience while still learning and training under master mechanics.

## Requirements for becoming an Automotive Service Technician in Grand Rapids

You must have a professional certification issued by the Secretary of State to work as an auto mechanic in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

To obtain this certification, you must complete a qualifying course of study at an accredited post-secondary institution. This can include both online and classroom courses. You will also need to submit your official transcripts for review as well as provide proof of proficiency in basic automotive repair techniques.

Automotive service technology courses may cover some of the following topics:

- Fuel systems
- Engine systems
- Power train systems
- Auto maintenance
- Electrical/electronic systems
- Brakes, suspensions and steering
- Diagnosis and repair of drivetrain components
- Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
- Automotive safety and emissions control.

## Auto Mechanic Schools in Grand Rapids

There are many automotive tech programs and automotive schools in Grand Rapids, Michigan that can help you get the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career as an Automotive Service Technician. Some of these include:

- **Grand Rapids Community College.** Offers an [Associate of Applied Science Degree program in automotive technology](https://www.grcc.edu). This Automotive Technology Associate Degree is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) to meet the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards of quality. A ten-month long automotive technology certificate program is also available at GRRC.
- **[Kent Career Technical Center](https://www.thetechcenter.org/)**. Located in nearby Kent County, this college offers an automotive technology program that is ASE certified and includes automotive theory and hands-on service training. An automotive collision repair program is also available at KCTC.

## ASE Certification

Are you interested in demonstrating your skills and knowledge of automotive repair? Then the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification is the ideal way to do that! In order to be certified as an ASE professional, applicants must pass the specialized examination. By staying certified for five consecutive years, you can either take another assessment or apply for recertification through one of our exclusive programs.

There are over 40 areas of expertise for the ASE certification, such as:

- Truck equipment certification tests
- Light repair certification test
- Light truck certification tests
- 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

## Career Opportunities and Salary Expectations

Employment for automotive technicians and mechanics in Grand Rapids is expected to increase by 0% from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Indicating stability in the industry.

The BLS also reports that automotive service technicians and mechanics in Grand Rapids earned an average annual wage of $47,200 as of May 2021, while bus and truck mechanics and diesel specialists earned an annual wage of $47,120. Automotive glass installers and automotive body and related repairers earned annual salaries of $37,480 and $46,950 respectively.

## Auto Mechanic Salaries in Grand Rapids

| Region | Total Employed | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Salary |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | 2,430 | $22,99 | $47,200 |

## Working as an Auto Mechanic in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids, Michigan is home to a variety of automotive service centers and dealerships, including Ford Motor Company, General Motors Corporation and Chrysler LLC. If you’re interested in working as an auto mechanic in Grand Rapids, then you’ll need the right qualifications and experience. Additionally, it’s important to have knowledge of the latest technologies that are used in the automotive industry, including computer diagnostics and repair.

**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

## ASE-accredited automotive programs near Grand Rapids

The 15 schools below hold current accreditation from the ASE Education Foundation, the body that sets the standard for automotive training in the United States. Accredited means the programme has been checked against what shops actually need and is re-checked on a schedule. Distances are measured from Grand Rapids.

| School | City | Distance | Programs accredited |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Grand Rapids Community College | Grand Rapids, MI | 3 mi | Automobile (post-secondary) |
| Kent Career Technical Center | Grand Rapids, MI | 3 mi | Automobile, Collision Repair and Refinishing, Medium/Heavy Duty Truck (high school) |
| Careerline Tech Center | Holland, MI | 25 mi | Automobile (high school) |
| Allegan County Area Technical & Education Center | Allegan, MI | 32 mi | Automobile (high school) |
| Montcalm Area Career Center | Sidney, MI | 32 mi | Automobile, Medium/Heavy Duty Truck (high school) |
| Muskegon Area Career Tech Center | Muskegon, MI | 34 mi | Automobile, Collision Repair and Refinishing (high school) |
| Comstock High School | Kalamazoo, MI | 46 mi | Automobile (high school) |
| Ferris State University | Big Rapids, MI | 49 mi | Automobile, Medium/Heavy Duty Truck (post-secondary) |
| Calhoun Area Career Center | Battle Creek, MI | 50 mi | Automobile, Collision Repair and Refinishing, Medium/Heavy Duty Truck (high school) |
| Mecosta Osceola Career Center | Big Rapids, MI | 51 mi | Automobile, Medium/Heavy Duty Truck (high school) |
| Clinton County Regional Ed Service Agency | St. Johns, MI | 54 mi | Automobile (high school) |
| Lansing Community College | Lansing, MI | 54 mi | Automobile (post-secondary) |
| Northshore Technical Community College – Hammond Campus | Hammond, LA | 56 mi | Automobile (post-secondary) |
| Van Buren Technology Center | Lawrence, MI | 56 mi | Automobile (high school) |
| Alma High School | Alma, MI | 57 mi | Automobile (high school) |

Accreditation status is taken from the ASE Education Foundation. Programmes whose accreditation has expired are excluded. Check current status with the school before you apply.

## Sources

- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) — wage and employment figures. https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook — job outlook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
- ASE Education Foundation — accredited automotive programme directory (1515 schools). https://www.aseeducationfoundation.org/
- National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) — certification. https://www.ase.com/
- Associate of Applied Science Degree program in automotive technology — https://www.grcc.edu
- Kent Career Technical Center — https://www.thetechcenter.org/

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Last checked: 2026-08-19