Becoming an Automotive Technician or Mechanic in Virginia
If you enjoy working with your hands and tinkering with cars, a career as a mechanic may be for you. There are many different sectors of the automotive industry that need skilled workers, including service technicians, collision repairers, auto bodyworkers, diesel mechanics and auto glass installers and repairs. While each position has its own requirements for entry-level employees, if you have a passion for this type of work they shouldn’t be too difficult to meet.
Requirements for becoming an Automotive Service Technician in Virginia
General auto mechanics do not need to maintain a professional license in this state. However, depending on the type of work and repairs you will be doing, you may need to obtain various certifications. There are three core certifications for auto service technicians in Virginia: ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification, VA State Inspection license, and Emissions Repair Technician Certification.
It may be an advantage to seek higher education as employers prefer candidates with experience. Auto mechanic training programs may cover the following topics:
- Auto repair
- Electrical systems
- Computerized engine systems
- Transmission and brake repairs
- Fuel and ignition systems
- Climate control systems
- Steering and suspension repairs
- Power trains
ASE Certification
Although becoming an ASE certified mechanic is voluntary, many employers view the certification favorably when hiring mechanics. To become certified, applicants must pass tests designated by the ASE Certification Program and have at least two years of experience (or a combination of education and experience). The credential is valid for five years.
There are over 40 ASE exams to choose from. Some of the more popular tests include:
- Damage analysis and estimating certification test
- Light truck certification tests
- School bus certification tests
- Engine Machinist certification tests
- Transit bus certification tests
- Parts specialist certification tests
- Collision repair and refinish certification tests
- Auto maintenance and light repair certification test
- Alternate fuels certification test
- Truck equipment certification tests
Auto Mechanic Schools in Virginia
Virginia has 17,880 working automotive service technicians and mechanics, according to BLS May 2025 OEWS data. The state has 92 ASE-accredited schools running 134 accredited programmes, spread from Virginia Beach to Bristol. ASE accreditation means the ASE Education Foundation has reviewed the school’s curriculum, equipment, and instructors and found them meeting industry standards. The sections below cover every accredited programme by level: manufacturer-sponsored programmes first, then post-secondary programmes for adult learners, then high-school programmes for current secondary students.
Manufacturer-sponsored programmes in Virginia
These six programmes are the highest-value option on this page. Each one pairs your college coursework with a paid placement at a brand dealership and ends with manufacturer-specific certification on top of your academic credential. You earn while you learn, and you graduate already known to a dealer network. No other type of programme in Virginia gives you that combination.
All 6 manufacturer-sponsored programmes in Virginia are shown below.
| Programme | Brand | School | Location | Accreditation expires | School website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota T-TEN | Toyota | J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Richmond | 2030-07-01 | reynolds.edu |
| GM ASEP | General Motors | Northern Virginia Community College | Alexandria | 2031-04-01 | nvcc.edu |
| Ford ASSET | Ford | Tidewater Community College | Chesapeake | 2027-06-01 | tcc.edu |
| Toyota T-TEN | Toyota | Tidewater Community College | Chesapeake | 2027-06-01 | tcc.edu |
| Mopar CAP | Stellantis (Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram) | Tidewater Community College | Chesapeake | 2027-06-01 | tcc.edu |
| Honda PACT | Honda/Acura | Tidewater Community College | Chesapeake | 2027-06-01 | tcc.edu |
Tidewater Community College’s Regional Automotive Center in Chesapeake runs four different manufacturer programmes under one roof, which is uncommon. If you are open to brand specialisation and live in Hampton Roads, that campus deserves a close look. If you are in the Richmond area and want Toyota training, J. Sargeant Reynolds is your option. Northern Virginia residents interested in GM vehicles can apply through NOVA’s Alexandria campus.
Each programme has its own application process through the dealership sponsor as well as the college. Contact the college’s automotive department directly and ask how to find a sponsoring dealer in your area. The college can usually give you a list.
All post-secondary programmes in Virginia
These are programmes you can enrol in as an adult. They include community college certificates and degrees, technical institute programmes, and a small number of dual-level programmes that serve both secondary and post-secondary students. Community colleges generally cost less per credit hour than private technical institutes, though specific figures vary and are not published here.
All 22 post-secondary programmes in Virginia are listed below. The six manufacturer-sponsored programmes that appear above are also included here because they are post-secondary credentials. They are labelled so you can identify them.
| School | Location | Series | Programme / notes | Accreditation expires | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Technology Institute | Virginia Beach | Automobile | 2028-11-01 | auto.edu | |
| Blue Ridge Community College | Weyers Cave | Automobile | 2029-03-01 | brcc.edu | |
| Botetourt Technical Education Center | Fincastle | Collision Repair and Refinishing | Secondary & Post Secondary | 2029-02-01 | bcps.k12.va.us/btec |
| Chantilly Academy | Chantilly | Automobile | Secondary & Post Secondary | 2030-07-01 | chantillyacademy.fcps.edu |
| Danville Community College | Danville | Automobile | 2027-02-01 | danville.edu | |
| Germanna Community College | Culpeper | Automobile | 2028-06-01 | germanna.edu | |
| J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Richmond | Automobile | Toyota T-TEN (manufacturer-sponsored) | 2030-07-01 | reynolds.edu |
| J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Richmond | Automobile | AYES | 2030-07-01 | reynolds.edu |
| New River Community College | Dublin | Automobile | 2028-01-01 | nr.edu | |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Manassas | Automobile | 2031-03-01 | nvcc.edu | |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Alexandria | Automobile | GM ASEP (manufacturer-sponsored) | 2031-04-01 | nvcc.edu |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Alexandria | Automobile | 2031-04-01 | nvcc.edu | |
| Page County Technical Center | Luray | Automobile | Secondary & Post Secondary | 2029-11-01 | pagecounty.k12.va.us |
| T.H. Badger Technical Center North | Oak Hall | Automobile | Secondary & Post Secondary | 2028-11-01 | accomack.k12.va.us |
| Tidewater Community College | Chesapeake | Automobile | Ford ASSET (manufacturer-sponsored) | 2027-06-01 | tcc.edu |
| Tidewater Community College | Chesapeake | Automobile | 2027-06-01 | tcc.edu | |
| Tidewater Community College | Chesapeake | Automobile | Toyota T-TEN (manufacturer-sponsored) | 2027-06-01 | tcc.edu |
| Tidewater Community College | Chesapeake | Automobile | Mopar CAP (manufacturer-sponsored) | 2027-06-01 | tcc.edu |
| Tidewater Community College | Chesapeake | Automobile | Honda PACT (manufacturer-sponsored) | 2027-06-01 | tcc.edu |
| Tidewater Community College | Chesapeake | Medium/Heavy Duty Truck | 2027-06-01 | tcc.edu | |
| Tidewater Community College – Chesapeake Career Center | Chesapeake | Collision Repair and Refinishing | Secondary & Post Secondary | 2029-06-01 | tcc.edu |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | Hampton | Automobile | 2029-04-01 | tncc.edu |
How to read the accreditation expiry dates
ASE accreditation runs on renewal cycles. A school with an expiry date two or more years out has recently passed a full review. A school with an expiry date in the past may be in the renewal process or may have let accreditation lapse. Contact the school directly and ask for their current accreditation status before you apply.
High-school programmes in Virginia
This section is written for you if you are currently in high school. These programmes are not open to adult career-changers. They run inside secondary schools and career and technical education (CTE) centres across Virginia. Completing one puts you ahead when you enrol in a post-secondary programme, because you arrive with real shop hours behind you.
All 112 secondary-level programmes in Virginia are listed below. Of those, 19 carry the AYES designation, which is explained after the table.
| School | Location | Series | AYES | Accreditation expires | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academies of Loudoun | Leesburg | Automobile | 2027-06-01 | ||
| Academies of Loudoun | Leesburg | Collision Repair and Refinishing | 2027-06-01 | ||
| Advanced Career Education Center at Hermitage | Henrico | Automobile | Yes | 2026-12-01 | henrico.k12.va.us |
| Advanced Career Education Center at Highland Springs | Highland Springs | Automobile | Yes | 2029-11-01 | henrico.k12.va.us |
| Advanced Career Education Center at Highland Springs | Highland Springs | Collision Repair and Refinishing | 2024-08-01 | henrico.k12.va.us | |
| Alexandria City High School | Alexandria | Automobile | 2029-06-01 | ||
| Amelia-Nottoway Technical Center | Jetersville | Collision Repair and Refinishing | 2026-10-01 | antc-pas.com | |
| Amherst County High School | Amherst | Automobile | 2030-03-01 | amherst.k12.va.us | |
| Annandale High School | Annandale | Automobile | 2029-06-01 | fcps.edu | |
| Arlington Career Center | Arlington | Automobile | Yes | 2030-07-01 | arlington.k12.va.us |
| Bath County High School | Hot Springs | Automobile | 2028-12-01 | bath.k12.va.us | |
| Blue Ridge Technical Center | Front Royal | Automobile | 2027-06-01 | wcps.k12.va.us | |
| Botetourt Technical Education Center | Fincastle | Automobile | Yes | 2029-02-01 | bcps.k12.va.us/btec |
| Bridging Communities Regional Career & Technical Center | New Kent | Medium/Heavy Duty Truck | 2031-05-01 | bridgingcommunities.k12.va.us | |
| Brooke Point High School | Stafford | Automobile | 2027-08-01 | staffordschools.net | |
| Buchanan Co. Technology & Career Center | Grundy | Automobile | 2030-06-01 | bcpsk12.com | |
| Buchanan Co. Technology & Career Center | Grundy | Collision Repair and Refinishing | 2028-12-01 | bcpsk12.com | |
| Buchanan Co. Technology & Career Center | Grundy | Medium/Heavy Duty Truck | 2030-06-01 | bcpsk12.com | |
| Burton Center for Arts & Technology | Salem | Automobile | Yes | 2030-06-01 | rcs.k12.va.us |
| C. D. Hylton Senior High School | Woodbridge | Automobile | 2031-04-01 | pwcs.edu | |
| Campbell County Technical Center | Rustburg | Collision Repair and Refinishing | 2030-01-01 | campbell.k12.va.us | |
| Caroline High School | Milford | Automobile | 2025-01-01 | ccps.us | |
| Carroll County High School | Hillsville | Automobile | 2028-05-01 | ccpsd.k12.va.us | |
| Chantilly Academy | Chantilly | Collision Repair and Refinishing | 2030-07-01 | chantillyacademy.fcps.edu | |
| Charlottesville-Albemarle Technical Education Center | Charlottesville | Automobile | Yes | 2029-09-01 | catec.org |
| Charlottesville-Albemarle Technical Education Center | Charlottesville | Collision Repair and Refinishing | 2027-12-01 | catec.org | |
| Chesapeake Career Center | Chesapeake | Automobile | Yes | 2029-02-01 | cpschools.com |
| Chesterfield Career & Technical Center | Chesterfield | Automobile | Yes | 2028-06-01 | chesterfield.k12.va.us |
| Chesterfield Career & Technical Center | Chesterfield | Collision Repair and Refinishing | Yes | 2028-06-01 | chesterfield.k12.va.us |
| Christiansburg High School | Christiansburg | Automobile | 2029-04-01 | mcpschs.ss7.sharpschool.com | |
| Colonial Heights High School | Colonial Heights | Automobile | 2028-02-01 | colonialhts.net | |
| Culpeper Technical Education Center | Culpeper | Automobile | 2031-05-01 | culpepertec.org | |
| DAYTEC – Charles Day Technical Education Center | Roanoke | Automobile | 2030-04-01 | rcps.info | |
| Dowell J. Howard Center | Winchester | Automobile | Yes | 2029-04-01 | frederick.k12.va.us |
| Dowell J. Howard Center | Winchester | Collision Repair and Refinishing | 2028-09-01 | frederick.k12.va.us | |
| E.C. Glass High School | Lynchburg | Automobile | 2031-06-01 | lcsedu.net | |
| Edison Academy | Alexandria | Collision Repair and Refinishing | 2027-12-01 | edisonacademy.fcps.edu | |
| Fairfax High School | Fairfax | Automobile | 2027-06-01 | fcps.edu | |
| Falls Church High School | Falls Church | Automobile | 2025-04-01 | fcps.edu | |
| Fauquier High School | Warrenton | Automobile | Yes | 2030-01-01 | fcps1.org |
| Fauquier High School | Warrenton | Collision Repair and Refinishing | Yes | 2026-12-01 | fcps1.org |
| Floyd County High School | Floyd | Automobile | 2030-11-01 | ||
| Franklin County High School | Rocky Mount | Automobile | 2027-04-01 | ||
| George Washington High School | Danville | Automobile | 2030-04-01 | dps.k12.va.us | |
| Giles County Technology Center | Pearisburg | Automobile | 2028-12-01 | gilesk12.org | |
| Gloucester High School | Gloucester | Automobile | 2031-07-01 | gloucester.schooldesk.net | |
| Grayson County Career and Technical Education Center | Independence | Automobile | 2029-06-01 | grayson.k12.va.us | |
| Greene County Technical Education Center | Stanardsville | Automobile | 2029-12-01 | schoolwires.net | |
| Halifax County High School | South Boston | Automobile | 2030-02-01 | halifax.k12.va.us | |
| Hanover Center for Trades and Technology | Mechanicsville | Automobile | 2030-06-01 | hcps.us | |
| Hopewell High School | Hopewell | Collision Repair and Refinishing | 2028-12-01 | hopewell.k12.va.us | |
| Jackson River Technical Center | Covington | Automobile | 2029-08-01 | jrtc.info | |
| Lee County Career & Technical Center | Ben Hur | Automobile | 2028-06-01 | leecoschools.com | |
| Lee County Career & Technical Center | Ben Hur | Collision Repair and Refinishing | 2026-10-01 | leecoschools.com | |
| Louisa County High School | Mineral | Automobile | 2027-12-01 | lcps.k12.va.us | |
| Marshall Academy | Falls Church | Automobile | 2030-02-01 | fcps.edu | |
| Massanutten Technical Center | Harrisonburg | Automobile | 2028-02-01 | mtcva.com | |
| Massanutten Technical Center | Harrisonburg | Collision Repair and Refinishing | 2027-06-01 | mtcva.com | |
| Massanutten Technical Center | Harrisonburg | Medium/Heavy Duty Truck | 2031-07-01 | mtcva.com | |
| New Horizons Regional Education Center | Hampton | Automobile | Yes | 2028-06-01 | nhrec.org |
| New Horizons Regional Education Center | Hampton | Collision Repair and Refinishing | Yes | 2028-12-01 | nhrec.org |
| North Stafford High School | Stafford | Automobile | 2027-06-01 | nshs.net | |
| North Stafford High School | Stafford | Collision Repair and Refinishing | 2027-12-01 | nshs.net | |
| Northern Neck Technical Center | Warsaw | Automobile | 2030-12-01 | northernnecktech.org | |
| Northern Neck Technical Center | Warsaw | Collision Repair and Refinishing | 2028-08-01 | northernnecktech.org | |
| Old Dominion Job Corps Center | Monroe | Automobile | 2029-03-01 | jobcorps.gov | |
| Osbourn High School | Manassas | Automobile | 2029-03-01 | mcpsva.org | |
| Osbourn Park High School | Manassas | Automobile | 2029-11-01 | pwcs.edu | |
| Patrick County High School | Stuart | Automobile | 2026-05-01 | ||
| Petersburg High School | Petersburg | Automobile | 2028-08-01 | petersburg.k12.va.us | |
| Pittsylvania Vocational Technical Center | Chatham | Automobile | 2028-12-01 | ||
| Pittsylvania Vocational Technical Center | Chatham | Collision Repair and Refinishing | 2026-07-01 | ||
| Pulaski County High School | Dublin | Automobile | 2027-04-01 | ||
| Ridgeview High School | Clintwood | Automobile | 2029-10-01 | ||
| Roanoke Technical Education Center | Roanoke | Automobile | 2029-07-01 | rcps.info | |
| Robinson Secondary School | Fairfax | Automobile | 2026-12-01 | fcps.edu | |
| Rowanty Technical Center | Carson | Automobile | 2030-06-01 | rowanty.us | |
| Rowanty Technical Center | Carson | Collision Repair and Refinishing | 2028-05-01 | rowanty.us | |
| Russell County Career and Tech Center | Lebanon | Automobile | 2029-04-01 | russell.k12.va.us | |
| Russell County Career and Tech Center | Lebanon | Collision Repair and Refinishing | 2026-12-01 | russell.k12.va.us | |
| Salem High School | Salem | Automobile | 2028-06-01 | salem.k12.va.us | |
| Salem High School | Salem | Collision Repair and Refinishing | 2028-06-01 | salem.k12.va.us | |
| Salem High School | Salem | Medium/Heavy Duty Truck | 2028-06-01 | salem.k12.va.us | |
| Scott County Career & Technical Center | Gate City | Automobile | 2029-02-01 | scottschools.com | |
| Scott County Career & Technical Center | Gate City | Collision Repair and Refinishing | 2028-06-01 | scottschools.com | |
| Smyth Career & Technology Center | Marion | Automobile | 2029-12-01 | scsb.org | |
| Smyth Career & Technology Center | Marion | Collision Repair and Refinishing | 2027-07-01 | scsb.org | |
| South Lakes High School | Reston | Automobile | 2030-06-01 | fcps.edu | |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Cedar Bluff | Automobile | 2029-02-01 | sw.edu | |
| Spotsylvania Career & Technical Center | Spotsylvania | Automobile | Yes | 2027-09-01 | spotsylvania.k12.va.us |
| Spotsylvania Career & Technical Center | Spotsylvania | Collision Repair and Refinishing | 2030-05-01 | spotsylvania.k12.va.us | |
| Susie G. Gibson Science & Technology Center | Bedford | Automobile | Yes | 2029-04-01 | bedfordbstc.sharpschool.net |
| Susie G. Gibson Science & Technology Center | Bedford | Collision Repair and Refinishing | 2030-03-01 | bedfordbstc.sharpschool.net | |
| Tazewell Co. Career & Technical Center | Tazewell | Automobile | 2029-01-01 | tazewell.k12.va.us | |
| Tazewell Co. Career & Technical Center | Tazewell | Collision Repair and Refinishing | 2028-01-01 | tazewell.k12.va.us | |
| Tazewell Co. Career & Technical Center | Tazewell | Medium/Heavy Duty Truck | 2028-06-01 | tazewell.k12.va.us | |
| The ACE Center at Virginia Randolph | Glen Allen | Automobile | 2028-08-01 | ||
| The ACE Center at Virginia Randolph | Glen Allen | Medium/Heavy Duty Truck | 2029-06-01 | henricoschools.us | |
| The College and Career Academy at Pruden | Suffolk | Automobile | Yes | 2030-11-01 | prudencenter.net |
| The College and Career Academy at Pruden | Suffolk | Collision Repair and Refinishing | 2027-07-01 | prudencenter.net | |
| Triplett Business & Technical Institute | Mt. Jackson | Automobile | Yes | 2026-10-01 | shenandoah.k12.va.us |
| Triplett Business & Technical Institute | Mt. Jackson | Collision Repair and Refinishing | 2029-03-01 | shenandoah.k12.va.us | |
| Valley Career and Technical Center | Fishersville | Automobile | 2029-11-01 | augusta.k12.va.us | |
| Valley Career and Technical Center | Fishersville | Collision Repair and Refinishing | 2029-06-01 | augusta.k12.va.us | |
| Valley Career and Technical Center | Fishersville | Medium/Heavy Duty Truck | 2030-06-01 | augusta.k12.va.us | |
| Virginia Beach Technical & Career Education Center | Virginia Beach | Automobile | Yes | 2028-11-01 | vbschools.com |
| Virginia Beach Technical & Career Education Center | Virginia Beach | Collision Repair and Refinishing | 2030-11-01 | vbschools.com | |
| Virginia High School | Bristol | Automobile | 2030-06-01 | bvps.org | |
| Washington County Career & Technical Education Center | Abingdon | Automobile | 2029-07-01 | wcs.k12.va.us | |
| Washington County Career & Technical Education Center | Abingdon | Collision Repair and Refinishing | 2027-06-01 | wcs.k12.va.us | |
| Wise County Career Technical Center | Wise | Automobile | 2028-04-01 | wisek12.org | |
| Wythe County Technology Center | Wytheville | Automobile | 2028-05-01 | wythe.k12.va.us |
AYES programmes: the high-school-to-dealership pipeline
AYES stands for Automotive Youth Educational Systems. It is a structured programme that connects your high-school automotive class directly to a franchised dealership. That connection matters because it is not a generic work-experience arrangement. AYES partners you with a specific dealer mentor before you finish high school. You work alongside a journeyman technician and earn hours that count toward your eventual ASE certifications. When you graduate, you already have a professional relationship inside a dealership, which is a very different starting point from applying cold.
Virginia has 19 AYES-designated programmes. No other type of high-school automotive class gives you this structured link to a dealership. If you are in high school and you want the fastest possible path into a paid shop role, look first for an AYES school in your area. The 19 AYES programmes are marked in the table above. Here they are listed separately for quick reference:
- Advanced Career Education Center at Hermitage (Henrico) – Automobile
- Advanced Career Education Center at Highland Springs (Highland Springs) – Automobile
- Arlington Career Center (Arlington) – Automobile
- Botetourt Technical Education Center (Fincastle) – Automobile
- Burton Center for Arts & Technology (Salem) – Automobile
- Charlottesville-Albemarle Technical Education Center (Charlottesville) – Automobile
- Chesapeake Career Center (Chesapeake) – Automobile
- Chesterfield Career & Technical Center (Chesterfield) – Automobile
- Chesterfield Career & Technical Center (Chesterfield) – Collision Repair and Refinishing
- Dowell J. Howard Center (Winchester) – Automobile
- Fauquier High School (Warrenton) – Automobile
- Fauquier High School (Warrenton) – Collision Repair and Refinishing
- New Horizons Regional Education Center (Hampton) – Automobile
- New Horizons Regional Education Center (Hampton) – Collision Repair and Refinishing
- Spotsylvania Career & Technical Center (Spotsylvania) – Automobile
- Susie G. Gibson Science & Technology Center (Bedford) – Automobile
- The College and Career Academy at Pruden (Suffolk) – Automobile
- Triplett Business & Technical Institute (Mt. Jackson) – Automobile
- Virginia Beach Technical & Career Education Center (Virginia Beach) – Automobile
Note also that J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in Richmond runs a post-secondary AYES programme. That is unusual. It means you can continue the AYES pipeline at the college level if you are already in it at a participating high school.
Wages and career progression for Virginia auto technicians
The figures below come from BLS May 2025 OEWS data. They show where pay sits at different points in a career, broken down by the type of work you specialise in. The spread from the 10th percentile to the 90th percentile within each occupation shows how much earnings grow with experience, certification, and specialisation.
Automotive service technicians and mechanics
This is the core occupation. Virginia has 17,880 people in this role, which makes it the largest segment of the automotive trades workforce in the state. The median annual wage is $59,330, meaning half of all Virginia auto technicians earn more than that and half earn less. The mean (average) is $61,600.
Pay is spread widely. Technicians at the 10th percentile earn $36,540. Those at the 25th percentile earn $45,080. The 75th percentile is $76,540 and the 90th percentile reaches $92,570. That top-end figure reflects technicians with multiple ASE certifications, often working at franchised dealerships or specialty shops. Getting from the 10th to the 90th percentile is a matter of experience, certifications, and the type of shop you work in, not just time served.
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
Virginia has 8,070 people in this trade. The median is $61,090 and the mean is $61,590. The floor is higher than for general auto technicians: the 10th percentile is $45,250 and the 25th is $50,840. The top of the range is narrower: the 75th percentile is $70,460 and the 90th is $79,150. Diesel and truck work pays well at entry level, but the ceiling is lower than in automotive repair.
If you are looking at Tidewater Community College’s medium/heavy duty truck programme or the secondary truck programmes at schools like Massanutten, Tazewell, or Valley Career and Technical Center, these are the wages that type of training points toward.
Automotive body and related repairers
Virginia employs 3,720 body repairers. The median wage is $57,760, slightly below the general technician median. But the distribution is very wide. The 10th percentile is $36,950 and the 25th is $47,510. The 75th percentile is $89,650 and the 90th percentile is $124,120, the highest top-end wage of any automotive trade in Virginia according to BLS May 2025 OEWS data.
That wide spread reflects the collision repair business model. Entry-level body techs earn close to entry-level service techs. But experienced body repairers in production shops or working flat-rate in high-volume markets can earn well above the service technician ceiling. Virginia has many collision repair and refinishing programmes at both secondary and post-secondary level, listed in the tables above.
Automotive glass installers and repairers
This is the smallest of the four trades in Virginia, with 650 employed. The median wage is $47,730 and the mean is $47,410. The 10th percentile is $32,130 and the 90th is $60,700. Earnings are more compressed than in the other trades. This is typically a specialty role rather than a full career track in itself.
How the career path works in practice
Most Virginia technicians start somewhere in the $36,000-$45,000 range. Earning ASE certifications moves you into the upper-middle pay bands. The A-series ASE certifications (covering areas like engine repair, brakes, electrical systems, and heating/cooling) are the standard target for general service technicians. Adding certifications one at a time, while building diagnostic hours, is how most technicians cross the $60,000 and then the $70,000 thresholds.
Manufacturer certification on top of ASE, which you get automatically through the T-TEN, ASEP, ASSET, Mopar CAP, and Honda PACT programmes, puts you in a specific brand’s training and pay structure from day one. Dealer technicians with brand certification and strong diagnostic skills are the group most likely to reach the $76,000-$92,000 band shown at the 75th and 90th percentiles for service technicians.
Body repair follows a different path. Flat-rate pay is common in collision shops, and skilled technicians in busy markets can push earnings well above the median. The $124,120 figure at the 90th percentile for body repairers is the highest ceiling in the Virginia automotive trades data.
How to choose a programme
Start with your situation. If you are in high school now, check the secondary table for an accredited programme near you and look specifically for AYES-designated schools. If you are an adult looking to change careers, the post-secondary table is your starting point.
If you know you want to work at a specific brand of dealership, check the manufacturer-sponsored programmes first. There are only six of them in Virginia, at three schools. Places fill quickly because sponsoring dealers have a say in who gets in.
Check each school’s accreditation expiry date before you apply. A date in 2031 means the programme recently passed a full ASE Education Foundation review. A date in the past means you should call the school and confirm the programme is still in good standing.
Use the school links in the tables above to go directly to each programme’s page. Contact the automotive department, not the general admissions office. Ask about the next intake date, what tools you need to bring, and whether the programme has connections to local employers.
The tables on this page show every ASE-accredited programme in Virginia. Use them as your starting point, then contact the schools that fit your location and career goal.
Working as an Auto Mechanic in Virginia
Working as an auto mechanic in Virginia can be a rewarding experience for those who have the necessary skills and knowledge. With the right credentials, you’ll have access to plenty of job opportunities throughout the state. Just make sure to stay up-to-date on any new certifications or industry requirements that may come along.
Sources:
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- ASE Education Foundation Accredited Programme Search, https://www.aseeducationfoundation.org/
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*This list may contain out-of-state and online schools that accept students from Virginia.