Auto Mechanic Schools in Colorado

To become an automotive mechanic in Colorado, an interested candidate must fulfill several educational requirements. To stand out and secure employment as quickly as possible, they may also have to take a few steps to give themselves the best chances.

If you fall into these shoes, you’ll be glad that the article below contains everything you must understand. We start by highlighting the key steps involved in the process, then the certification requirements and possible licensure requirements.

Candidates will also discover the state’s top automotive technology training programs for comprehensive training. Lastly, we round up by providing an overview of the potential salary to look for at various points in their career.

How to Become an Auto Mechanic in Colorado

Automotive mechanics in Colorado typically begin their careers by fulfilling the key requirements highlighted below.

Complete High School

As a minimum educational requirement, aspiring auto mechanics in Colorado must have at least a high school diploma. Those who don’t have a diploma may make use of a GED or any other equivalent document in its place.

Candidates must have a driver’s license at least 18 years old.

Complete Training

Training in automotive technology can be acquired from two general sources. These include apprenticeship programs and academic training programs.

• Apprenticeship Programs — Apprenticeship programs allow candidates to learn crucial topics in automotive technology, focusing on real-world experience. Most programs will also try as much as possible to teach fundamental theoretical principles in a classroom environment.

Professional organizations, unions, government initiatives, auto companies, and trade schools organize auto mechanic apprenticeships.

• Academic Schooling — Candidates looking for top-quality automotive technology training in Colorado may consider technical colleges and trade schools. These programs are designed to prepare students in all major aspects of modern automotive systems.

While the emphasis is usually on classroom instructions, candidates also enjoy the possibility of hands-on training. This can be achieved through laboratory/workshop sessions, internships, or collaboration with automotive companies and dealerships.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

Candidates who have just completed their automotive technology training programs in Colorado would be glad they don’t need a license to work as an auto mechanic in Colorado. But even though they technically don’t need to become certified by a professional organization, getting one is usually a great idea anyway.

Not only does certification signal to potential employers and organizations that an auto mechanic has a high level of expertise in their field, but it can also be a great way to improve expertise and credibility and earn more income.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offers some of the most popular certifications for automotive mechanics in Colorado and nationwide. Their credentials span some specializations, including engine repair, electrical/electronic Systems, medium-heavy trucks, alternate fuels, transit buses, automobile and light trucks, and more.

Top Auto Mechanic Schools in Colorado

Below are some of the top automotive technology training programs in Colorado.

Explore Auto Mechanic Schools in Colorado by City:

• Auto Mechanic Schools in Denver

Salary & Career Outlook

The annual average salary for an automotive mechanic in Colorado is $79,407. This is in line with the national average for other states combined.

Those who find themselves in the top 10% take home an average of $123,817 in yearly salary, while those in the lower 10% still earn around $50,926 yearly.

These base salary figures can be improved by up to $5,712 per year by working overtime.

Thornton, Denver, and Parker are Colorado’s three highest-paying cities for automotive mechanics. Professionals in these cities earn annual average salaries of $94,753, $86,001, and $85,887, respectively.

Littleton and Colorado Springs follow with annual averages of $81,845 and $79,729, respectively, while automotive mechanics in Englewood earn an annual average salary of $77,641.