Becoming an Automotive Technician or Mechanic in Corpus Christi
If you are interested in a career as an automotive technician, then there is no better place than Corpus Christi! With Texas having more jobs available for auto mechanics than any other state, the city has endless possibilities from service technicians and diesel mechanics to glass installers and repair workers.
Requirements for becoming an Automotive Service Technician in Corpus Christi
You do not need a license to work as an auto mechanic in Corpus Christi.
To thrive in the automotive industry, one must have a deep understanding of technical skills and knowledge. Thankfully, these abilities can be developed through an automotive service technician program and acquiring on-the-job experience.
An automotive technology program may cover some of the following topics:
- Fuel systems
- Engine performance analysis
- Brakes
- Engine repair
- Engine performance
- Air conditioning
- Suspension systems
- Automatic transmission
- Automotive repair
- Automotive electrical systems
- Steering
Auto Mechanic Schools in Corpus Christi
- Del Mar College. This college offers a variety of automotive technology programs and certificates, including their Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology. The program covers engine diagnostics, fuel systems, brakes, steering & suspension and more.
- South Texas Vocational Technical Institute. If you’re looking to become an automotive technician, then this Corpus Christi technical school offers a program of unparalleled excellence. Their Automotive Technology curriculum provides students with hands-on learning and practical instruction on various components including but not limited to brakes, suspension systems, engines, electrical system maintenance and more.
Financial aid may be available to those who qualify; contact the financial office at the institute you are interested in for more information.
ASE Certification
With the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification, auto repair and maintenance professionals can showcase their expertise to potential employers. ASE certifications demonstrate an individual’s in-depth knowledge of automotive technologies, making them a valuable asset to any organization.
The ASE offers more than 40 certification exams. Listed below are a few of the most popular ones.
- Damage analysis and estimating certification test
- Light repair certification test
- Parts specialist certification tests
- Transit bus certification tests
- Collision repair and refinish certification tests
- Light truck certification tests
- Engine machinist certification tests
- Truck equipment certification tests
- Alternate fuels certification test
- School bus certification tests
Job Opportunities and Salary Expectations
Employment for automotive technicians and mechanics in Corpus Christi is expected to increase by 10% from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The BLS also reports that automotive service technicians and mechanics in Corpus Christi earned an average annual wage of $46,590 as of May 2021, while bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists earned an annual wage of $46,650. Automotive glass installers and automotive body and related repairers earned annual salaries of $37,920 and $43,130 respectively.
Auto Mechanic Salaries in Corpus Christi
| Region | Total Employed | Mean Annual Wage | Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corpus Christi, TX | 370 | $24,11 | $46,590 |
Working as an Auto Mechanic in Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is an excellent place to launch your career as a professional auto mechanic. With its booming automotive industry, the city offers numerous opportunities for those who have the skills and knowledge needed to work in this field. Be sure to check out the available programs from local schools and gain the necessary certifications that will help you stand out in this competitive industry.
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