Becoming an Automotive Technician or Mechanic in Oregon
Those interested in working within the automotive industry in Oregon will have many job options to choose from, including popular positions such as mechanics, repairers, glass installers and more.
Requirements for becoming an Automotive Service Technician in Oregon
In Oregon, you do not need to fulfill a mechanic licensing requirement to work in this state. However, there are some other qualifications and requirements that you must meet in order to become an automotive service technician. These include:
- You should have a high school diploma or GED
- You must have the mechanical aptitude necessary for working on cars correctly.
- You will need to pass an accredited training program, such as a post-secondary automotive school.
- You will need to become certified by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in order for employers to consider hiring you.
ASE Certifications
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offers various certification programs in specific auto repair areas. In order to be certified by ASE, an applicant must pass at least one of their examinations and maintain the certification every five years by retesting or participating in a recertification program. Those who successfully complete the requirements will be able to demonstrate a high level of competence and knowledge in their respective field.
There are over 40 ASE certification exams available, some of which include:
- Truck equipment certification tests
- Auto maintenance and light repair certification test
- Engine machinist certification tests
- Light truck certification tests
- School bus certification tests
- Transit bus certification tests
- Alternate fuels certification test
- Parts specialist certification tests
- Damage analysis and estimating certification test
- Collision repair and refinish certification tests
Auto mechanic training in Oregon
Oregon employs about 6,990 automotive service technicians and mechanics, and the median wage for that group is $58,520 a year, according to BLS May 2025 OEWS data. That is a concrete starting point when you are deciding whether this career makes sense for you. The programs listed below are the ones you can actually enroll in right now, all drawn from the ASE Education Foundation directory and BLS data. ASE accreditation means the American Society for Automotive Engineers (ASE) has reviewed a program and confirmed it meets a nationally recognized quality standard for automotive training.
ASE-accredited post-secondary programs in Oregon
There are 8 post-secondary ASE-accredited programs at 7 Oregon colleges. All 8 are listed below. These are the programs open to adult students and career-changers. Community colleges generally cost less per credit hour than private technical institutes, though you should contact each school directly for current figures.
All 8 post-secondary ASE-accredited programs in Oregon:
| Institution | City | Series | Accreditation expires |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemeketa Community College | Salem | Automobile | August 2027 |
| Clackamas Community College | Oregon City | Automobile | July 2029 |
| Lane Community College | Eugene | Automobile | October 2029 |
| Linn-Benton Community College | Lebanon | Automobile | June 2027 |
| Mt. Hood Community College (Ford ASSET) | Gresham | Automobile | March 2030 |
| Mt. Hood Community College | Gresham | Automobile | March 2030 |
| Portland Community College | Portland | Automobile | July 2029 |
| Umpqua Community College | Roseburg | Automobile | July 2025 |
One note on Umpqua Community College: its accreditation expiration date is July 2025, which is before today’s date of July 2026. Contact the college directly to confirm the current status of the program before you apply.
Manufacturer-sponsored program: Ford ASSET at Mt. Hood Community College
There is 1 manufacturer-sponsored program in Oregon, and it is worth considering carefully before you look at anything else.
The Ford ASSET program (Automotive Student Service Educational Training) at Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham combines college coursework with paid placement at a Ford or Lincoln dealership. You alternate between classroom instruction and real shop work at a sponsoring dealer. When you finish, you hold both a college credential and Ford-specific certifications. That combination is something a standard automotive program cannot match. The program is ASE-accredited and runs through March 2030.
To enter the Ford ASSET program, you typically need a sponsoring Ford or Lincoln dealer to accept you before you start the academic side. Contact Mt. Hood Community College directly for current admission steps and a list of participating dealers.
High school automotive programs in Oregon
This section is written for current high school students. These programs are not open to adult career-changers enrolling independently.
If you are in high school right now, you do not have to wait until graduation to start building automotive skills. Oregon has 2 ASE-accredited secondary programs. There are 0 AYES (Automotive Youth Educational Systems) programs in the state currently. AYES is a specific pipeline that connects high school students directly to dealership training. It is different from a standard shop class and worth mentioning because it does not appear in most search results. Neither Oregon program is currently AYES-designated, but both carry ASE accreditation, which means the curriculum meets the same national quality standard used at the college level.
All 2 secondary ASE-accredited programs in Oregon:
| School | City / District | Accreditation expires |
|---|---|---|
| Aloha High School | Beaverton | June 2029 |
| Timber Lake Job Corps | Estacada | October 2029 |
Aloha High School is part of the Beaverton School District. If you live in or near Beaverton, talk to your school counselor about whether this program fits your schedule.
Timber Lake Job Corps in Estacada is a federal Job Corps center. Job Corps is a no-cost residential program run by the US Department of Labor. If you are between 16 and 24 and want to train full-time with housing included, Job Corps is worth a direct inquiry. The automotive program there is ASE-accredited through October 2029.
Starting in a high school program gives you a real advantage. You can finish with documented shop hours already behind you. When you apply to a post-secondary program or a dealership, those hours matter.
Oregon auto mechanic wages by role
Pay in this field varies by the type of work you do. All figures below are from BLS May 2025 OEWS data for Oregon.
Automotive service technicians and mechanics
This is the core occupation for most people who train at the schools listed above. Oregon employs about 6,990 people in this role. The median wage is $58,520 a year. The middle half of workers earn between $47,780 and $77,780. The top 10 percent earn $92,090 or more. The bottom 10 percent earn $39,590.
That range tells you something important: entry-level pay and experienced pay are very different. Someone starting out with a certificate and little shop experience lands near the lower end. A technician with ASE certifications, specialization in a high-demand area like hybrid systems or advanced driver-assistance systems, and several years at a dealership can reach the upper range.
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
If you want higher starting pay, diesel is worth looking at. Oregon employs about 3,770 people in this role. The median wage is $63,970. The 25th percentile is $57,580, meaning even workers in the lower half of the pay range earn more than the median automotive technician. The top 10 percent earn $90,700.
Diesel work often means commercial trucks, transit buses, or heavy equipment. The skill set overlaps with automotive training but requires additional study. Many post-secondary programs on this page cover diesel as a separate track or elective.
Automotive body and related repairers
Body repair is a separate trade from mechanical service. Oregon employs about 1,660 people in this role. The median wage is $60,000. The middle half of workers earn between $48,570 and $73,200. The top 10 percent earn $92,700, which is slightly above the ceiling for general automotive service technicians.
Body work requires different certifications than engine and drivetrain work. If you enjoy the visual and structural side of vehicles, this path has strong earning potential at the top end.
Automotive glass installers and repairers
This is a smaller and more specialized role. Oregon employs about 280 people here. The median wage is $57,270. The earnings ceiling is lower than the other roles, with the 90th percentile at $61,300. This is a solid trade, but the pay ceiling is narrower.
How pay progresses over a career
Looking across all four roles, a clear pattern appears. Early in your career, you earn in the $39,000 to $48,000 range regardless of which path you choose. After several years of experience and additional certifications, you move into the $60,000 to $77,000 range. The top earners in each category reach $90,000 or more. Diesel and body repair have slightly higher floors for mid-career workers. General automotive service has the largest workforce and the most job openings.
ASE certification (earning credentials in specific systems like brakes, engines, or electrical) is one of the clearest ways to move up. Employers pay more for technicians who hold active certifications, and most of the programs above prepare you for ASE exams.
How to choose a program
Start with location. Oregon’s ASE-accredited colleges are spread across the state, from Portland Community College in the metro area to Umpqua Community College in Roseburg. If you are near Gresham and you want the fastest path to a Ford dealer job, the ASSET program at Mt. Hood Community College is the most direct route. If you want flexibility and lower per-credit costs, any of the community colleges on the list above gives you a solid foundation.
Check accreditation expiration dates before you enroll. A program with a current accreditation date has passed a recent external review. That matters when you sit for ASE exams and when employers check your background.
If you are still in high school, look at Aloha High School or Timber Lake Job Corps first. Getting shop hours before you graduate shortens the time between finishing a post-secondary program and reaching full journeyman pay.
Next steps
Pick the two or three programs that fit your location and timeline. Visit each school’s website using the links in the tables above. Ask each program coordinator one question: how many of your graduates pass their ASE certification exams within the first attempt? That answer, combined with the wage data above, gives you a clear picture of what this training is worth in Oregon’s job market.
Working as an Auto Mechanic in Oregon
Working as an auto mechanic in Oregon can be an exciting and rewarding career. Automotive technology involves a wide range of tasks and responsibilities, including inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining vehicles. With the proper qualifications and certifications, you can have a successful career in this field.
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