Becoming an Automotive Technician or Mechanic in Houston
Auto mechanics is a great career choice. You will get the opportunity to work with cars, trucks, and other vehicles in various kinds of settings. Working as an Automotive Technician or Mechanic requires technical skills and knowledge of different types of vehicles and their components. So if you are interested in this kind of career, there are plenty of opportunities available in Houston.
Requirements for becoming an Automotive Service Technician in Houston
You do not need a license to work as an auto mechanic in Houston, but you do need specialized training. You can get this training from a technical school, community college, or other accredited institution.
The following topics may be covered in an automotive technology program.
- Manual transmission service
- Fuel systems
- Automotive engines service
- Electronic systems service
- Suspension service procedures and suspension systems
- Engine tune-up and repair
- Engine performance analysis
- Brake systems
- Replacement service procedures
- Heat and air conditioning
- Environmental systems
Auto Mechanic Schools in Houston
Aspiring auto technicians have a variety of schools to choose from in Houston. Here are some reputable schools that offer training in automotive technology:
- Houston Community College. Located in downtown Houston, the school offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology.
- Lone Star Community College. This college offers a Certificate of Technology in Automotive Technology and an Associate of Applied Science degree in the same area. This program has been reviewed by NATEF and has full ASE certification.
- Universal Technical Institute. This school offers a variety of programs in automotive technology, including a 12-week BMW Fast Track program, a 15-week Ford Accelerated Credential Training (FACT) program, a 15-week General Motors Technician Career Program, and many more specialized training programs with Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Toyota, Volvo, and NASCAR. This institution also offers various specialized diesel training programs.
Financial aid may be available to those who qualify; contact the financial office at the institution you are interested in attending for more information.
ASE Certification
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is an esteemed, autonomous certification program specifically tailored to assess automotive professionals on their knowledge and abilities within the industry. Holding an ASE certificate will give job seekers a competitive edge when applying or seeking promotion opportunities. To earn ASE qualification, applicants need to pass a series of examinations that test expertise across numerous vehicle systems.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
Employment for automotive technicians and mechanics in Houston is expected to grow 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 Houston earned an average annual wage of $46,710 as of May 2021, while bus and truck mechanics and diesel specialists earned an annual wage of $49,690. Automotive glass installers and automotive body and related repairers earned annual salaries of $37,920 and $46,840 respectively.
Auto Mechanic Salaries in Houston
Region | Total Employed | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | 11,820 | $24,19 | $46,710 |
Working as an Auto Mechanic in Houston
As one of the largest cities in the country, Houston is home to numerous automotive repair shops, dealerships, and other businesses that employ auto mechanics. The city also offers many recreational activities and attractions for people who work here. Auto mechanics can look forward to a challenging career with plenty of opportunities to grow their skills. With experience and continuing education, they can develop into expert technicians or even branch out into business ownership.
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
- Houston Facts and Figures, City of Houston, www.houstontx.gov/abouthouston/houston-facts-and-figures
- Houston, Texas, U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/48/4835000.html
- Houston District Statistics, Texas Department of Transportation, www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/division/finance/discos.html?CFC__target=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dot.state.tx.us%2Fapps-cg%2Fdiscos%2Fdefault.htm&dist=HOU
- NATEF-accredited schools, Houston, Texas, www.natef.org/NATEF-and-You/Students-Parents/Find-Accredited-Schools.aspx?Address=houston%2c+texas&d=50&t=0&e=1
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*This list may contain out-of-state and online schools that accept students from Houston.