Auto Mechanic Schools in Minnesota

A career as an automotive mechanic tends to be a perfect fit for people who appreciate how cars work and would love to know how to fix the intricate systems that power them. And even though it may seem challenging at first, the path to becoming an auto mechanic is direct.

For aspiring auto mechanics in Minnesota, this path usually involves obtaining training in one of two ways. It also involves making some licensing and certification considerations along the way.

We have provided the guide below to help candidates become familiar with the standards and requirements concerning all these aspects of becoming an automotive mechanic in Minnesota, among many more.

How to Become an Auto Mechanic in Minnesota

Aspiring auto mechanics in Minnesota may consider the options below to launch their careers.

Minimum Educational Requirements

The minimum educational requirement to become an auto mechanic in Minnesota is a high school diploma or GED. This is important to secure employment and admission into training programs.

Candidates are also expected to have a driver’s license and be proficient in basic mathematics and physics.

Apprenticeship Training

For optimal hands-on training, it is common for candidates in Minnesota to attend apprenticeship training programs to begin their auto mechanic careers. These programs are usually organized by trade unions, dealerships, auto manufacturers, and trade schools.

Most last for a couple of years and include mentorships from established auto professionals in the state.

This is perfect for candidates who are not easily disposed toward academic training. It is also perfect for those who wish to earn some income while they earn (although not all apprenticeships provide this opportunity).

Formal Academic Training

On the other hand, those who love learning in a structured classroom environment may choose to attend a formal training program. Here, they can look forward to learning in state-of-the-art facilities and wonderful classrooms under the tutelage of instructors with years of experience doing their jobs.

They can also look forward to developing a strong theoretical foundation upon which they can acquire more skills when practicing what they have been taught.

Combining Multiple Approaches

It is worth mentioning that even though an apprenticeship or an academic program is enough to start an automotive mechanic career in Minnesota, some choose to combine both approaches for a fuller education.

Some schools also allow students to seek part-time employment and on-the-job training opportunities while still enrolled.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn to become an electrician in Minnesota

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Minnesota has no mandatory licensure requirement for candidates looking to work as automotive mechanics. They do not need certification either, but most choose to do so for the personal and professional benefits.

For instance, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offers an array of professional credentials for auto mechanics in Minnesota that can go a long way in providing career opportunities.

As a fresh auto mechanic, certification will give you an edge over fellow mechanics just starting their careers. To employers, certification legitimizes your skills to a certain extent and provides significant credibility.

Top Auto Mechanic Schools in Minnesota

The following are some of the best automotive technology programs in Minnesota.

Explore Auto Mechanic Schools in Minnesota by City:

• Auto Mechanic Schools in Minneapolis

Salary & Career Outlook

A survey of automotive mechanics in Minnesota carried out by Indeed showed that the annual average salary in the state for these professionals is around $70,383. This is generally the same as the national average.

On the top end of the spectrum, however, we have auto mechanics in the state who earn around $116,766. These are the top 10%. On the lower end of the spectrum, the bottom 10% of the state’s automotive mechanics earn an annual average salary of around $42,424.

Sorting strictly by location, the survey revealed that auto mechanics in Rochester are the highest-paid in the state, with an annual average salary of $83,526. Those in Maplewood follow with an annual average salary of $80,069.

Saint Paul, with an annual average salary of $79,781, Elk River, with an annual average salary of $74,909, and Lakeville, with an annual average salary of $74,822, complete the top five.