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Becoming an Automotive Technician or Mechanic in Montana

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as an automotive technician or mechanic, Montana is rife with abundant opportunities – whether you’re just starting out or looking to relocate. For those seeking a career in automotive, there are many positions to choose from including: Automotive Technicians and Mechanics, Auto Body Repairers, Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers, Bus and Truck Mechanics as well as Diesel Engine Specialists.

Requirements for becoming an Automotive Service Technician in Montana

You won’t need a professional license in order to work as an auto mechanic in Montana. However, you will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. It’s also recommended that those who wish to pursue a career in the field complete an Automotive Service Technician program from an accredited postsecondary institution or trade school. Such programs typically take between one and two years to complete and can be found at community colleges, universities, technical schools, and trade schools.

If you are looking to make yourself a more appealing applicant for automotive industry jobs, then earning an accredited certificate or associate’s degree from a recognized school is the perfect way to do it. This can be your ticket to taking your career aspirations further and making you stand out in the job market.

The following topics may be covered in an automotive technology program:

  • Automatic transmissions
  • Air conditioning
  • Steering
  • Fuel systems
  • Computerized engine control systems
  • Brakes and suspension
  • Ignition systems
  • Electronics
  • Engine performance, repair, tuning & rebuilding
  • Automotive safety standards and regulations

Auto Mechanic Schools in Montana

Montana has one ASE-accredited post-secondary automotive program currently active. Additional schools offer automotive coursework but may not hold current accreditation. The sections below describe what is available and how to evaluate your options.

ASE-accredited programs in Montana

ASE accreditation means that a program has been reviewed and approved by the ASE Education Foundation, which is the recognized quality standard for automotive training programs in the United States. Employers know what an ASE-accredited graduate has learned. Choosing an accredited program gives you a credential that carries weight when you apply for your first job.

All 1 post-secondary ASE-accredited automotive program in Montana is listed below.

Institution Location Program series Level Accreditation expires
Montana State University, Northern Havre Automobile Post-secondary May 1, 2030

Montana State University, Northern sits in Havre, in the north-central part of the state. Its automotive program holds accreditation through May 2030, so you have a stable, reviewed program available right now. If you live in a remote part of Montana, Havre may require a move or a commute, but the accreditation makes it worth considering seriously.

Helena College University of Montana also offers an automotive technology program to help those looking to pursue a career in the field. The two-year curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for working as an auto mechanic, including areas such as auto parts and accessories, maintenance, diagnostics, repairs, and more. Contact the school directly to confirm current program status and pricing.

At Fort Peck Community College in Poplar, MT, you can take a range of Associate and certification programs for automotive technology. Contact the school directly to confirm current program status and accreditation standing.

Community colleges generally cost less per credit hour than private technical institutes, with no specific figures given here since costs change. Contact the school directly for current pricing.

Manufacturer-sponsored training programs

Some automakers run their own training programs, often called OEM programs. OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer, meaning the company that built the vehicle. These programs partner with schools to teach you how to work on one specific brand, using that brand’s tools and repair procedures. Examples include Ford ASSET, Toyota T-TEN, and GM’s ASEP program.

No manufacturer-sponsored programs in Montana are listed in the current ASE Education Foundation directory. That does not mean options are impossible. Some Montana students enroll in OEM programs in neighboring states, then return to work locally. If you have a specific brand in mind, contact that automaker’s training division directly to ask about the nearest participating school.

High school and AYES programs in Montana

AYES stands for Automotive Youth Educational Systems. It is a program that connects high school students with dealership mentors and ASE-aligned coursework while they are still in school. Completing an AYES program can give you a head start before you enter a post-secondary program.

No high school AYES programs in Montana appear in the current ASE Education Foundation directory. That said, many Montana high schools offer Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses in automotive technology. These courses vary by district. Talk to your school counselor or your district’s CTE coordinator to find out what is available where you live. Even a basic high school auto class builds the hand skills that post-secondary instructors expect you to have on day one.

ASE Certification

Gaining acknowledgement from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is a monumental success for automotive repair professionals. This one-of-a-kind test enables applicants to certify their skills and knowledge in this field. Acquiring ASE certification indicates that they possess expertise within this sector, further validating their capability as authoritative figures.

There are over 40 different specialties for those who are interested in taking an ASE Certification exam.

  • 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

What mechanics earn in Montana

Wages vary depending on what type of automotive work you do. The figures below all come from BLS May 2025 OEWS data. Use them to understand which direction you want your career to go.

Automotive service technicians and mechanics

This is the core occupation for most people who train at a school like MSU Northern. In Montana, 2,900 people work in this role. The median wage is $58,740 per year. The middle of the pay range runs from $47,230 at the 25th percentile to $72,270 at the 75th percentile. If you are just starting out, the 10th percentile wage is $38,170. Experienced technicians at the top of the field earn $78,460 at the 90th percentile.

That range tells an important story. A new technician in Montana might start near $38,000. After several years, certifications, and specialization, the same person can earn close to $80,000. ASE certification at higher levels, like Master Technician status, is one of the clearest paths to moving up that range.

Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists

Montana has a large agricultural and transportation sector, and diesel specialists are in steady demand. About 1,230 people work in this role in the state. The median wage is $59,990, slightly above the general service technician median. The 10th percentile is $44,880, and the 90th percentile reaches $77,700. If you enjoy working on heavy equipment or long-haul trucks, adding diesel training to your automotive foundation can push your earnings upward from the start.

Automotive body and related repairers

Body repair is a separate trade from mechanical service. Montana has about 500 people working in this field. The median wage is $57,500. The bottom of the range, at the 10th percentile, is $34,830. The 75th percentile is $60,240 and the 90th percentile is $72,850. Body repair wages in Montana have a wider gap between entry and experienced levels than diesel work does, which means the upside is real but the starting point is lower.

Automotive glass installers and repairers

This is a smaller specialty. About 150 people in Montana work in glass installation and repair. The median wage is $47,090, the lowest of the four occupations listed here. The 25th percentile is $45,620, and the 90th percentile is $72,690. The tight cluster between the 10th and 75th percentiles ($41,290 to $49,310) suggests that wages in this specialty do not vary as much with experience as they do in mechanical or body work.

Career progression across roles

The data shows a clear pattern. Entry-level wages across all four occupations fall between $34,000 and $45,000. The diesel and general service technician roles pay the most at the top end, both reaching above $77,000 at the 90th percentile. Body repair and glass work offer solid middle-career wages but top out somewhat lower.

Most technicians move up by earning ASE certifications. Each certification exam covers a specific area, such as engine repair, brakes, or electrical systems. A technician who passes all eight areas earns the title of ASE Master Automobile Technician. That credential is recognized by employers across Montana and the country, and it typically supports a move into the upper pay quartiles.

Shop foreman and service advisor roles are another step up. Service advisors talk directly with customers and coordinate the work schedule. These roles often pay on commission or bonus structures in addition to a base wage. Some technicians eventually open their own shops. That path requires business knowledge on top of technical skill, but it is a realistic long-term option in Montana’s smaller markets where competition is limited.

Working as an Auto Mechanic in Montana

Montana offers a broad range of options for automotive mechanics. From local repair shops to national chains, you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Whether you’re looking to specialize in cars or buses, Montana has something for everyone. Working as an auto mechanic can be both rewarding and challenging. You’ll gain valuable experience while getting paid well and helping others get back on the road. Plus, the job outlook in Montana is expected to be strong in the years ahead.

Choosing the right path for you

Montana has one ASE-accredited automotive program available right now. That is a short list, but it is an honest one. The program at Montana State University, Northern in Havre is a verified, quality-reviewed starting point. If Havre does not work for your location or schedule, look into neighboring states with more accredited programs, OEM manufacturer programs that accept out-of-state students, or apprenticeship pathways through the Montana Department of Labor and Industry.

The wage data from BLS May 2025 OEWS data shows that experienced technicians in Montana earn well above the state’s median income. The gap between entry-level and experienced pay is wide enough that the certifications and training you pursue after your first job matter as much as the school you attend.

Start by contacting Montana State University, Northern to ask about program length, scheduling, and what certifications graduates typically hold. That conversation will tell you whether the program fits your timeline and your goals.

Source:

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, https://www.bls.gov/oes/