Auto Mechanic Schools in Louisiana

As automotive technology and the systems that power modern vehicles continue to advance, the demand for capable auto mechanics trends upward.

Louisiana is one of the states where residents are encouraged to pursue a career in this field and are well-rewarded for it. If you are a candidate in the state interested in starting an auto mechanic career, you have come to the right page.

By the time you’re done with the resources below, you will clearly understand the requirements needed to become a successful auto mechanic in Louisiana, including the various options you may consider for your education and the top training programs across the state.

How to Become an Auto Mechanic in Louisiana

The steps below are required to become a successful auto mechanic in Louisiana.

High school diploma or GED

To become an auto mechanic in Louisiana, residents must possess a strong knowledge of basic mathematics and general science. Most employers and training programs also require a high school diploma or GED and a minimum age of 17.

Automotive Technology Education

Auto mechanic education in Louisiana must include two key aspects: classroom and hands-on training.

Classroom Training

Candidates must receive a strong classroom education to learn fundamental topics in automotive repair. Apprenticeship programs also offer classroom training, but the major destination for this kind of training is an academic environment such as a community college or vocational institute.

The specific duration of classroom training depends on whether a candidate is pursuing a diploma or an associate degree. Diploma students spend around 6 months in training, while associate degree programs last 18 months or 2 years.

Hands-On Training

Hands-on training involves working with tools and equipment on automotive vehicles and systems. After completing classroom training, you can apply for an apprenticeship program or participate in an internship.

Like academic training, hands-on training may also vary in duration, with some lasting a couple of months and some lasting as long as four years.

Some hands-on training institutions may also allow candidates to earn while they learn.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become an aircraft mechanic in Louisiana

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Certification is not necessary for auto mechanics in Louisiana, but it offers so many benefits that many professionals in this field choose to become certified anyway. Along with helping candidates secure employment faster and helping them network with fellow professionals in the field, certification is also important because it facilitates continuing education, which is needed for credential maintenance and renewal.

Another understated importance of certification is that it helps professionals specialize and validate their specialties. For instance, the ASE offers several specialty credentials, including light repair certification, light truck certification, alternate fuels certification, and transit bus certification.

Candidates must participate in an examination to acquire a license from the ASE and most other organizations. These examinations may cover general auto mechanic principles or specific topics in a candidate’s specialty.

Top Auto Mechanic Schools in Louisiana

The schools below offer high-quality automotive mechanic training programs for students in Louisiana.

Explore auto mechanic schools in Louisiana by city:

• Auto mechanic schools in New Orleans

Salary & Career Outlook

Louisiana’s median automotive mechanic salary is $64,747, which aligns with the national average for other states.

It is also possible for auto mechanics in the state to increase their yearly earnings by focusing on a few key factors. These include their specialty areas, specific locations within the state, employer and employment capacity, credentials, and more.

Those on the more favorable side of these factors can scale their earnings to be as high as the top 10% in the state, making around $107,441 per year on average. Those on the less favorable side can find themselves among the bottom 10%, making an annual average salary of $39,018.

As mentioned earlier, location plays a role, and Baton Rouge is the highest-paying location for auto mechanics in Louisiana, with an annual average salary of $78,789. Those working in Metairie earn an annual average salary of $75,036, while auto mechanics in Mandeville earn an annual average salary of $67,524.