Auto Mechanic Schools in Kentucky

Automotive mechanics are currently enjoying growth in employment numbers across the country, and this trend is set to be sustained over the coming decades. The same projections hold for candidates in Kentucky, which has seen more individuals take up varying roles in automotive technology.

If you want to start a career in this field, you have reached the right page. The upcoming sections break down several key aspects of starting an auto mechanic career in Kentucky.

We explore the educational options, certification possibilities, and top training programs to consider. We conclude with an overview of the salary projections, key factors influencing the salary numbers, and the job outlook in the coming years.

How to Become an Auto Mechanic in Kentucky

Below is a step-by-step overview of how to become an auto mechanic in Kentucky.

Basic Prerequisites

The first step to becoming an auto mechanic in Kentucky is to have a high school diploma. This basic educational requirement gets students admitted into training programs and is sometimes asked for by potential employers.

Those who don’t have a high school diploma may utilize a GED equivalent.

Training Options

Training is one of Kentucky’s most important steps to becoming an auto mechanic. However, candidates may take different approaches to receiving their training.

The most popular approach is to combine academic training with on-the-job training. In the first part, academic training, candidates enroll in a community college or vocational institution to learn the fundamental topics of automotive technology.

Some academic programs allow candidates to achieve this by participating in internships or even by having their workshops. Others may choose to attend apprenticeship programs to have an opportunity to work with an array of vehicles and even specialize.

Specialization and employment

Specialization is important for auto mechanics because it allows them to focus on a certain manufacturer or vehicle part. This will allow them to acquire more expertise and become an industry expert.

Candidates are also advised to specialize because it makes career growth possible and helps them secure job placement faster.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a plumber in Kentucky

Licensure & Certification Requirements

As in most states nationwide, certification is not a mandatory requirement to become an auto mechanic in Kentucky. Candidates are not even required to receive a license from the state.

However, virtually all automotive mechanics in the state choose to become certified. They do so because certification offers several career opportunities, including networking, continuing education, and skills verification. Currently, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is the major organization offering nationally recognized credentials for auto mechanics in Kentucky.

Professionals have several certification options in engine machinist, auto maintenance and light repair, damage analysis, collision repair, and refinishing.

Applicants should be prepared to pass a certification examination and maintain their credentials through continuing education.

Top Auto Mechanic Schools in Kentucky

The programs below are among Kentucky’s best training destinations for future auto mechanics.

Explore auto mechanic schools in Kentucky by city:

• Auto mechanic schools in Louisville

Salary & Career Outlook

In Kentucky, the average annual salary for auto mechanics is $60,938. This is among the median earners, as revealed by a survey of thousands of professionals in this state.

The survey also shows that those among the lowest-paid still make an annual average salary of $37,770, while those among the highest-paid may earn up to $98,318 or even more at the end of the year. Location and experience are key factors influencing how much one can make as an auto mechanic in Kentucky. For location, Lexington remains the highest-paying city, with an annual average salary of $69,419.

Shelbyville, with an annual average salary of $67,551, and Florence, with an annual average salary of $63,500, come second and third.

Candidates will be glad to know that the projections for auto mechanics in Kentucky are quite positive, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting nothing less than a 7% increase in employment over the next decade.