Becoming an Automotive Technician or Mechanic in San Antonio
With Texas boasting more automotive jobs than any other state, San Antonio is the perfect destination for those looking to pursue a career in auto mechanics. From service technicians and diesel mechanics to glass installers and repair workers, the possibilities are virtually endless!
Requirements for becoming an Automotive Service Technician in San Antonio
You do not need a license to work as an auto mechanic in San Antonio.
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.
Automotive and diesel programs may cover some of the following topics:
- Fuel systems
- Engine performance analysis
- Brakes
- Suspension systems
- Automatic transmission
- Automotive repair
- Automotive electrical systems
- Steering
- Engine repair
- Engine performance
- Air conditioning
Auto Mechanic Schools in San Antonio
- St. Philip’s College. This college offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree program in Automotive Technology which provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to repair, diagnose and service car systems. SPC also offers a diesel technology program.
- South Texas Vocational Technical Institute. This technical school in San Antonio offers an Automotive Technology program that prepares students for entry-level positions as automotive technicians. The program is designed to provide hands-on learning and technical instruction on a variety of components, including brakes, suspension systems, engines, electrical systems 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
The National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is the most respected certification in auto repair and maintenance. ASE certifications help demonstrate to employers that an individual has a strong understanding of automotive technologies and will be an asset to their 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio earned an average annual wage of $45,660 as of May 2021, while bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists earned an annual wage of $49,240. Automotive glass installers and automotive body and related repairers earned annual salaries of $37,920 and $45,430 respectively.
Auto Mechanic Salaries in San Antonio
| Region | Total Employed | Mean Annual Wage | Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | 4,590 | $22,72 | $45,660 |
Working as an Auto Mechanic in San Antonio
Working as an automotive service technician in San Antonio offers great potential for job satisfaction and career growth. With a combination of technical education, certification and experience, auto mechanics can enjoy the thrill of problem solving and have the opportunity to develop their skills further.
San Antonio has a wide range of employers looking for qualified mechanics, from commercial fleets to local dealerships and repair shops. With the right training and credentials, auto mechanics can look forward to a successful career that offers job security, good pay, and a rewarding experience.
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
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, OES Texas, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_tx.htm
- Projections Central, Texas, projectionscentral.com
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*This list may contain out-of-state and online schools that accept students from San Antonio.