Becoming an Automotive Technician or Mechanic in Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a great place to start a career as an Automotive Technician or Mechanic. There are many local businesses that offer positions in the automotive industry. To become an Automotive Technician or Mechanic in the area, you will need to complete a formal education program at a vocational school.


Requirements for becoming an Automotive Service Technician in Cincinnati

Cincinnati does not require professional licenses for auto mechanics. However, in order to work as an Automotive Technician or Mechanic in the city, you will need to complete a formal education program at a vocational school.

Auto Mechanic programs ma cover some of the following topics:

  • Air conditioning
  • Brake systems
  • Steering
  • Suspension systems
  • Automotive electrical systems
  • Engine repair and maintenance
  • Computerized automotive diagnostic systems

In addition, some employers may require Automotive Technicians to be certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

Auto Mechanic Schools in Cincinnati

There are not many automotive schools in Cincinnati, so you will likely have to look for programs outside the city. One option in Cincinnati is the Cincinnati State Technical and Community College which offers an Automotive Service Management Degree and Certificate program as well as an Automotive Service Technician Certificate.

ASE Certification

Enhance your automotive repair credibility by earning an ASE certification! To earn the reputation, hopefuls must complete a designated ASE exam. Those who preserve their certificate for five consecutive years can either renew their qualification via outstanding programs or take another examination.

If you are looking to receive an ASE Certification, there is a multitude of tests that can help you reach your goal. With more than 40 exams ranging from:

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

Job Outlook and Salary Expectations

Employment for automotive technicians and mechanics in Cincinnati is expected to decrease by 1% from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The BLS also reports that automotive service technicians and mechanics in Cincinnati earned an average annual wage of $46,690 as of May 2021, while bus and truck mechanics and diesel specialists earned an annual wage of $47,800. Automotive glass installers and automotive body and related repairers earned annual salaries of $43,590 and $46,410 respectively.

Auto Mechanic Salaries in Cincinnati

RegionTotal EmployedMean Hourly WageMean Annual Salary
Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN4,410$21,75$46,690

Working as an Auto Mechanic in Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a great place to start your automotive career. There are plenty of employers in the area that offer positions in the auto service industry, as well as many opportunities for professional development and growth. With the right educational background and credentials, you can look forward to a rewarding and successful career as an Automotive Technician or Mechanic in Cincinnati!

Sources:

  • Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, Occupational Employment and Wages, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, accessed January 21, 2022, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes493023.htm
  • 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

ASE-accredited automotive programs in Ohio

There is no ASE-accredited programme inside Cincinnati itself. The 44 schools below hold current accreditation from the ASE Education Foundation elsewhere in Ohio. Accredited means the programme has been checked against what shops actually need and is re-checked on a schedule.

SchoolCityPrograms accredited
Ellet High SchoolAkron, OHAutomobile (high school)
Alliance High SchoolAlliance, OHAutomobile (high school)
Four County Career CenterArchbold, OHAutomobile (high school)
Matrix Trade InstituteBeachwood, OHAutomobile (post-secondary)
Bedford High SchoolBedford, OHAutomobile (high school)
Ohio Hi-Point Career CenterBellefontaine, OHAutomobile (high school)
Cuyahoga Valley Career CenterBrecksville, OHAutomobile (high school)
Mahoning County Career & Tech CenterCanfield, OHAutomobile (high school)
Canton South High SchoolCanton, OHAutomobile (high school)
GlenOak High SchoolCanton, OHAutomobile (high school)
Pickaway-Ross CTCChillicothe, OHAutomobile (high school)
Ohio Technical CollegeCleveland, OHAutomobile, Medium/Heavy Duty Truck (post-secondary)
Cleveland Heights High SchoolCleveland Heights, OHAutomobile (high school)
Columbus State Comm. CollegeColumbus, OHAutomobile (post-secondary)
Cuyahoga Falls High SchoolCuyahoga Falls, OHAutomobile (high school)
Sinclair Community CollegeDayton, OHAutomobile (post-secondary)
Delaware Area Career CenterDelaware, OHAutomobile (high school)
Vanguard Technical CenterFremont, OHCollision Repair and Refinishing (high school)
South-Western Career AcademyGrove City, OHAutomobile (high school)
Hudson High SchoolHudson, OHAutomobile (high school)
Ashtabula County Technical & Career CampusJefferson, OHAutomobile (high school)
Kettering-Fairmont High SchoolKettering, OHAutomobile (high school)
Lima Senior High SchoolLima, OHAutomobile (high school)
University of Northwestern OhioLima, OHAutomobile, Medium/Heavy Duty Truck (post-secondary)
R.G. Drage Career CenterMassillon, OHAutomobile (high school)

19 further accredited schools sit elsewhere in Ohio and are not listed here.

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.