Individuals fascinated by how automotive systems work would do well to consider a career as an auto mechanic. Nowadays, cars can do much more than just drive from one point to another. Consequently, more is demanded from auto mechanics, and more is offered in compensation.
And for residents in Texas who are already convinced about a career as an auto mechanic, you will be glad to know that the state remains one of the best practices in the country.
Below we look at everything you need to know to begin your journey in this field. We discuss the possible alternative education pathways, certification and licensing requirements, top programs in the state, and the potential salary and job outlook.
How to Become an Automotive Mechanic in Texas
High School Diploma or GED
The first step in becoming an automotive mechanic in Texas is to possess a high school diploma or GED. They are often needed to secure admission into the best training programs.
Sometimes employers also ask for these credentials.
Training Options
Aspiring auto mechanics in Texas have two options regarding their automotive systems training. They may learn under the tutelage of practicing auto mechanics through an apprenticeship program.
These usually last for a couple of years, during which students will enjoy mentorship and the luxury of working with instruments and tools in a real-world environment.
Those who prefer a different approach can consider applying to a formal training program. This way, they graduate with a diploma or a degree and start putting what they have been taught to work when they secure employment.
A formal training program is also advisable because most employers like to employ auto mechanics with a solid educational background.
Top Automotive Mechanic Schools in Texas
1. Texas State Technical College (TSTC)
TSTC is one of Texas’s most popular destinations for aspiring auto mechanics. The school offers automotive technology programs in three locations all across the state.
Along with the opportunity to choose your campus, the school also offers the chance to learn at an institute certified by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
Among the focus topics in this program are system diagnostics and troubleshooting, physical and electrical components, and collision repair, among others.
2. Lincoln Tech
Lincoln Tech is the second option on our list of the state’s most prominent automotive technology training programs, and for good reasons too. Already an established institution with numerous locations nationwide, the school has three locations in Texas, including Houston, Grand Prairie, and Irving.
Ultimately, by the time they’re done, students will have become sound in critical areas such as engine diagnostics and automatic transmissions.
3. Universal Technical Institute
Another nationwide Institution with state-of-the-art facilities in Texas, Universal Technical Institute teaches students how to maintain, install, and upgrade modern automotive systems’ physical and electrical components.
Students here learn about general automotive systems and have the luxury of specializing even further should they choose to do so.
The school also partners with numerous high-class companies and brands to provide interested students with hands-on training and internship opportunities.
Explore Auto Mechanic Schools By City
Licensure and Certification Requirements
You don’t need a license to work as an auto mechanic in Texas. And even though you don’t need certification, getting one is a good idea.
Not only does certification signal to potential employers and organizations that you have a high level of expertise in your field, but it can also be a great avenue to improve your craft and earn more.
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offers some of the most popular certifications for automotive mechanics nationwide. Their credentials span several specializations, including medium-heavy trucks, alternate fuels, transit buses, automobiles, and light trucks.
Salary and Job Outlook
The average annual salary for an automotive mechanic in Texas is $67,006. Those in the top 10% earn an average of $107,226 in yearly salary, while those in the lower 10% still earn around $41,873 yearly.
These are simply base salary figures that can be improved even further by up to $5,712 per year by working overtime.
Tomball, Temple, and Fort Worth are Texas’s three highest-paying cities for automotive mechanics. Professionals in these cities earn annual average salaries of $80,471, $70,470, and $66,078, respectively.
Alvin and Houston follow with annual averages of $64,241 and $63,478, respectively, while automotive mechanics in San Antonio earn an average yearly salary of $57,570.
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