Becoming an Automotive Technician or Mechanic in Mississippi
A career in auto mechanics in Mississippi could be a great fit for anyone interested in working with and repairing vehicles. As is the case with many other industries, there are various automotive fields to choose from. Your specialty may be determined by requirements set forth by your chosen career path or personal preferences, but some of the most common types of auto mechanic jobs include service technicians, collision repair and auto body workers, diesel mechanics, and auto glass installers.
Requirements for becoming an Automotive Service Technician in Mississippi
As an auto mechanic in Mississippi, you do not need to have a professional license. However, employers may require you to hold at least a high school diploma or its equivalent. Having some postsecondary training in automotive technology can also be beneficial.
Auto Mechanic Schools in Mississippi
The following Mississippi colleges offer students top-tier education, with each mechanic school providing the chance to apply concepts learned in class to real vehicles. Each of these great institutions offers diesel mechanic programs in addition to their regular automotive technology programs.
Those who wish to enroll in an automotive technology program can consider one of the following options:
- Hinds Community College. Offers three distinct options for students wishing to study automotive technology. The choices are a career certificate, a technical certificate or an Associate of Applied Science degree. All programs include comprehensive instruction of the key aspects of repairing and servicing today’s most prevalent vehicular systems.
- Itawamba Community College. ICC has a small college campus located in the rural area of Fulton. ICC has both a one-year and two-year Auto Tech program for students to choose from.
- Copiah-Lincoln Community College. Located in Wesson, Co-Lin CC offers students training in the maintenance and repair of key automotive vehicle systems.
ASE Certification
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is an organization that certifies automotive professionals. This certification is often sought after by mechanics, and some employers may require it in order to be hired. In order to qualify for ASE certification, one must pass a series of examinations and show proof of two years’ worth of on-the-job training.
Some of the exams offered by ASE include:
- Alternate fuels certification test
- Light truck certification tests
- Truck equipment certification tests
- Collision repair and refinish certification tests
- Damage analysis and estimating certification test
- Transit bus certification tests
- Auto maintenance and light repair certification test
Auto Mechanic Jobs and Salary Expectations
Over the next decade, Mississippi is anticipating a decline in employment for auto mechanics. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a -5% decrease in this field from 2020-2030.
According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2021 automotive service technicians in Mississippi earned an average annual salary $36,760. Bus and truck mechanics and diesel specialists made an average $46,420 per year while auto body and related repairers averaged $37,200 per year. Auto glass installers also brought in an annual mean salary of $35,610.
Auto Mechanic Salaries in Mississippi by Region
| Region | Total Employed | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS | 770 | $20,71 | $43,070 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | 360 | $21,04 | $43,760 |
| Jackson, MS | 1,320 | $22,97 | $47,780 |
Working as an Auto Mechanic in Mississippi
If you’re looking for a career in the automotive field, Mississippi is an excellent place to start. With its excellent education opportunities, certifications and job outlooks, you can be sure that your skills will be in demand. Auto mechanics enjoy working in a popular and lucrative industry where there are numerous challenging and rewarding positions available.
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