Auto Mechanic Schools in Mississippi

Auto mechanics in Mississippi are highly skilled professionals who can disassemble complex automotive systems, analyze individual components, and make necessary repairs, upgrades, or maintenance. The skills needed to succeed in this projection include technical and soft skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking.

Candidates pursuing careers in automotive mechanics are also expected to meet a few state requirements to begin their careers on the right track. The resources below explore these requirements for candidates living in Mississippi.

Along with a general overview of the requirements, we provide additional information, such as some excellent automotive technology training programs in the state and a career outlook across the coming years.

How to Become an Auto Mechanic in Mississippi

The considerations below are needed to become a successful auto mechanic in Mississippi.

Having a High School Diploma or GED

Mississippi does not have a basic educational requirement for aspiring auto mechanics. However, employers often require candidates to hold a high school diploma or have an equivalent such as a GED.

Those with a basic understanding of mathematics and general science will also have an edge during training.

Academic Education

Training to be an auto mechanic starts in the classroom. Candidates learn fundamental topics in automotive technology and earn valuable degrees and certificates to improve their career chances.

Accreditation matters when choosing an auto mechanic training program. The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) is one of the most highly-rated accredited bodies for schools in this field.

We will be exploring some of the top programs in an upcoming section.

Hands-On Education

Through hands-on training, students can practice the fundamental principles taught in the classroom. They will do so by working with actual vehicles and automated systems in a work environment.

Some popular sources of hands-on education for auto mechanics include apprenticeship programs, potential employers, internship programs, and professional organizations.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a electrician in Mississippi

Licensure & Certification Requirements

As an auto mechanic in the state of Mississippi, no law at the state or local level requires candidates to receive a professional license. However, it is worth pointing out that most employers will prefer certified candidates over those who do not.

Furthermore, certification is very important in helping candidates network with other professionals in the field and choose a specialty area.

Candidates who want to become certified as auto mechanics in Mississippi are advised to choose the credentials offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE offers credentials in various specialty areas, including light trucks, alternative fuel, auto maintenance and light repair, collision repair, and refinishing.

The Institute requires candidates to pass a certification examination in their specialty field and renew their credentials periodically to keep up with advancements in the field.

Top Auto Mechanic Schools in Mississippi

The following programs are among the most prominent auto mechanic programs in Mississippi.

Explore auto mechanic schools in Mississippi by city:

• Auto mechanic schools in Jackson

Salary & Career Outlook

Of the three broad categories that auto mechanics in Mississippi can fall into based on their annual average returns, candidates in the median category are the most common. Those in this bracket manage an annual average salary of $55,611, which aligns with the national average for other states.

Those in the low-level category still make an average of $32,962 annually. At the same time, the ultimate bracket belongs to the highest-paid in the top 10%, where auto mechanics in Mississippi make an annual average salary of $93,822.

Time and experience are key factors that can help candidates improve their earnings. The location also plays a part, with auto mechanics in Jackson ($65,972) being the highest-paid in Mississippi based on this factor alone.

Madison, with an annual average salary of $65,112, and Southaven, with an annual average salary of $62,577, come second and third, respectively.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 3% growth in employment for auto mechanics across the country, the same as the national average for other occupations.