Becoming an Automotive Technician or Mechanic in Philadelphia
Automotive technicians and mechanics are in high demand in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the city has a large population of drivers and car owners. To become an automotive technician or mechanic in Philadelphia, you need to have both technical knowledge and hands-on experience.
The first step is to complete a postsecondary program from a certified auto mechanic school, community college or technical institute. Most programs will require at least two years of study, but some allow you to specialize in certain areas such as auto body repair, electrical systems, diagnostic repairs and more.
Requirements for becoming an Automotive Service Technician in Philadelphia
No license is necessary for an auto mechanic to operate in Philadelphia. However, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation does require that all automotive technicians and mechanics be registered with the state. You will also need to take classes approved by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in order to become certified as an ASE technician.
An automotive service technology program might cover some of the following topics:
- Air conditioning
- Automotive electricity
- Ignition systems
- Electronic common rail
- Manual drive train
- Engine performance
- Braking systems
- Automotive engine service
- Electronic engine controls
- Diesel air intake systems
- Automotive climate control systems
- Manual transmissions
- Automatic transmissions
Additionally, you will be required to have a valid driver’s license as well as a high school diploma or GED. Furthermore, some employers might ask for an associate degree in automotive technology.
Auto Mechanic Schools in Philadelphia
Pennsylvania has several automotive schools that offer automotive repair programs, including the following institutions in Philadelphia:
- Lincoln Tech. Lincoln Tech offers a comprehensive automotive technology program and has partnerships with leading manufacturers such as BMW, Chrysler, Mazda, and Volkswagen. Other automotive programs offered include Diesel Technology, Collision Repair and Refinishing, as well as Heavy Equipment Mechanic Training.
- Philadelphia Technician Training Institute. Offers a 26-week automotive technician program that covers topics such as engine diagnosis, drive train systems and brake systems.
- Universal Technical Institute. Offers various automotive programs including specialized programs for BMW, Ford, Mercedes, Porsche, Toyota, Volvo, and NASCAR.
Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Contact the financial office at the institution that you are interested in for more information.
ASE Certification
If you’re looking to prove your ability and mastery in auto repair, earning certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is a great way to do it. ASE requires applicants pass at least one of their examinations before awarding them with certification; if you’re already certified, every five years or so this must be renewed either through taking further exams or participating in recertification programs. With an ASE certification under your belt you can show potential employers that not only are you knowledgeable about automotive servicing but also have demonstrated expertise within the field!
Job Outlook and Salary Expectations
Employment for automotive technicians and mechanics in Philadelphia is expected to grow 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 Philadelphia earned an average annual wage of $47,930 as of May 2021, while bus and truck mechanics and diesel specialists earned an annual wage of $54,210. Automotive glass installers and automotive body and related repairers earned annual salaries of $44,250 and $48,920 respectively.
Auto Mechanic Salaries in Philadelphia
| Region | Total Employed | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 11,950 | $24,27 | $47,930 |
Working as an Auto Mechanic in Philadelphia
For those looking to pursue a career as an auto mechanic in Philadelphia, the opportunities are plentiful. From dealerships and independent shops to national repair chains, there is no shortage of positions for service technicians with expertise in automotive systems; earning ASE certification only furthers your employability due to its recognition of specialized knowledge. With experience and education on their side, individuals can look forward to a fulfilling profession as an auto mechanic in Philly!
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 Philadelphia
The 49 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 Philadelphia.
| School | City | Distance | Programs accredited |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camden County Technical School | Pennsauken, NJ | 5 mi | Automobile (high school) |
| Community College of Philadelphia | Philadelphia, PA | 7 mi | Automobile (post-secondary) |
| Lincoln Technical Institute | Philadelphia, PA | 7 mi | Automobile (post-secondary) |
| Eastern Center for Arts & Technology | Willow Grove, PA | 11 mi | Automobile, Collision Repair and Refinishing (high school) |
| Delaware County Technical High School | Folcroft, PA | 12 mi | Automobile (high school) |
| Automotive Training Center @ Warminster | Warminster, PA | 14 mi | Automobile, Collision Repair and Refinishing (post-secondary) |
| Central Montco Technical High School | Plymouth Meeting, PA | 14 mi | Automobile, Collision Repair and Refinishing (high school) |
| Burlington County Institute of Tech. | Westampton, NJ | 15 mi | Automobile (high school) |
| Camden County College | Blackwood, NJ | 15 mi | Automobile (post-secondary) |
| Delaware County Community College | Media, PA | 15 mi | Automobile (post-secondary) |
| Gloucester County Institute of Technology | Sewell, NJ | 15 mi | Automobile (high school) |
| Rowan College of South Jersey | Sewell, NJ | 15 mi | Automobile (post-secondary) |
| Bucks County Technical High School | Fairless Hills, PA | 17 mi | Automobile (high school) |
| Camden County Technical School | Sicklerville, NJ | 18 mi | Automobile, Collision Repair and Refinishing (high school) |
| Middle Bucks Institute of Technology | Jamison, PA | 18 mi | Automobile (high school) |
| North Montco Technical Career Center | Lansdale, PA | 19 mi | Automobile, Collision Repair and Refinishing, Medium/Heavy Duty Truck (high school) |
| Chester Co. Technical College High School, Pickering Campus | Phoenixville, PA | 24 mi | Automobile (high school) |
| Western Montgomery Career & Technology Center | Limerick, PA | 26 mi | Automobile (high school) |
| Mercer County Technical School – Sypek Center | Pennington, NJ | 27 mi | Automobile, Collision Repair and Refinishing (high school) |
| Mercer County Technical Schools – Hopewell Valley Central High School | Pennington, NJ | 28 mi | Automobile (high school) |
| Salem County Vo-Tech School | Woodstown, NJ | 28 mi | Automobile, Collision Repair and Refinishing (post-secondary) |
| Automotive Training Center | Exton, PA | 29 mi | Automobile, Collision Repair and Refinishing (post-secondary) |
| Mercer County Technical School – Assunpink | Trenton, NJ | 29 mi | Medium/Heavy Duty Truck (high school) |
| Mercer County Community College | West Windsor Twshp, NJ | 30 mi | Automobile (post-secondary) |
| Chester Co. Technical College High School, Brandywine | Downingtown, PA | 31 mi | Automobile (high school) |
24 further accredited schools sit within 60 miles 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.