NVI Technical College Information

Market Feasibility

Pay

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

The median annual wage for automotive service technicians and

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all

mechanics was $46,970 in May 2022.

technicians who buy or work with refrigerants to be certified in

proper refrigerant handling. No formal test preparation is required,

Job Outlook

but many trade schools, unions, and employer associations offer

Employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is

training programs designed for the EPA exam.

projected to grow 2 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the

A

average for all occupations.

Certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service

Excellence (ASE) is the standard credential for service technicians.

Training

Certification demonstrates competence and usually brings higher

Service technicians who have graduated from postsecondary

pay. Many employers require their service technicians to become

programs in automotive service technology generally require little

certified.

on-the-job training.

ASE certification is available in nine different automobile specialty

Those who have not completed postsecondary education, however,

areas: automatic transmission/transaxle, brakes, light vehicle diesel

generally start as trainee technicians, technicians ’ helpers, or

engines, electrical/electronic systems, engine performance, engine

lubrication workers. They gradually acquire more knowledge and

repair, heating and air-conditioning, manual drive train and axles,

experience by working with experienced mechanics and technicians.

and suspension and steering.

Source: Wert-Berater Feasibility Studies, LLC and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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