Shift your career into high gear with one of the nation's best Automotive Technology training degrees.
Have you always loved working on cars but want to take your skills and knowledge to the next level? Can you envision yourself as the foreman of a bustling automotive shop? Do you enjoy working with teams and getting your hands dirty?
Then a degree or certification in Automotive Technology may be the next move for you!
If you're interested in trade school or associate-level degrees, check out our ranking of the Best Online Community Colleges.
Accredited Online College Programs
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What kind of automotive technology degree should you get?
Though most Automotive Technology certificates and degrees provide foundational training in vehicle design, diagnosis, and repair, each comes with its own emphases and specializations. Some schools stress the importance of theory as much as application. While others put you in the shop right away.
The programs below offer everything from a nine-month certification to a full four-year degree. While the former will get you entry-level access to the shop, the latter sets you up to attain leadership and management positions.
Whichever program feels right for you, just make sure it's one that will adequately prepare you for the certification exams after graduation.
How much money do people make with an automotive technology certificate or degree?
Depending on the degree you get, and therefore the position you acquire after graduation, you can find yourself earning between $10 to $26 an hour. This translates roughly to $22,000 to $62,000 annually. Though you may only have the time and resources for certification now, it's wise to think about advanced education later, as salaries rise commensurate to degree experience.
Not only are there financial perks, but automotive technology offers job stability. It's projected that another 47,000 jobs will open for mechanics and technicians in the next ten years. As long as people drive cars, there will be a need for someone with a degree in automotive technology.
What are the requirements for an automotive technology certificate or degree?
Most of these programs have open acceptance policies. Meaning, you only have to show you're passionate about Automotive Technology to find yourself enrolled. Once accepted, you can anticipate foundational classes in engine repair, diagnostics, drivetrains, power and performance, and more.
Of course, the curriculum varies widely depending on the program. While certification will give you a basic grasp of all things Automotive Tech, a four-year bachelor degree offers the opportunity to explore such unique topics as alternative fuel or the history of the automobile.
What are the best automotive technology programs?
While some of these programs specialize in alternative fuels and others emphasize leadership formation, they all share one thing one common: they are the best at training future Automotive Technicians. Whether you hope to work in repair or design, one of these programs will get you where you want to go.
To determine the best Automotive Technology programs we started first with the reputation of each program in the nation and then looked into graduation rates, retention rates, affordability, and the early salaries of graduates.
After such research, our final list offers the 20 best Automotive Technology programs in the country. Our figures and information come from the university and colleges' websites, PayScale, and nationally recognized U.S. News & World Report and The National Center for Education Statistics.
Best Bachelor's in Automotive Technology
See our rankings methodology page.
