Auto Mechanic Schools in Missouri

In Missouri, automotive mechanics are called upon to perform many duties, ranging from changing car parts to installing, maintaining, and upgrading car systems to keep up with modern technology. For their effort, professionals in this field are well-rewarded and provided a platform to start a business and advance their careers for even better annual returns.

The guide below contains everything an aspiring automotive mechanic in the state must know to start their career. It starts with a breakdown of the steps before moving on to key details about licensing and possible certification opportunities.

We then highlight some of the top training programs in the state before finally rounding up the salary projection figures for auto mechanics in Missouri based on their career stage.

How to Become an Auto Mechanic in Missouri

Aspiring automotive mechanics in Missouri should follow the steps below to start their careers on the right foundation.

Have a High School Diploma or GED

Technically, the minimum requirements to become an auto mechanic in Missouri are a high school diploma or GED and a driver’s license. However, employers ask for a little more in terms of academic achievements. Still, anyone looking to start an automotive mechanic career must ensure they fulfill these requirements first.

Acquire Necessary Academic Training

To stand out in the employment market, aspiring auto mechanics in Missouri will need more than a high school diploma and sometimes have to attend a technical school to get it. Thankfully, numerous vocational schools, community colleges, and technical institutes offer top-level automotive mechanic training for aspiring candidates in the area.

In an upcoming section, we will examine some of the most notable ones.

Acquire Real-World Experience

Even though academic classes are great for preparing students for the theoretical aspect of being an automotive mechanic, candidates usually need to consolidate their training with real-world experience.

This can be obtained by participating in internships or apprenticeship programs or by working in a workshop as an entry-level professional or mechanic assistant.

A few months of this should be enough to acquire the work experience needed to perform the job at a very high level.

Certification

After the training aspect of the process is completed, fresh automotive mechanics in Missouri may begin their careers and secure relevant employment. However, candidates are also advised to pursue certification to have an even greater edge in the employment market and to take advantage of networking opportunities.

We discuss this topic in detail below.

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Top Auto Mechanic Schools in Missouri

The following are some of the most prominent automotive mechanic schools in Missouri.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is the most popular organization offering a highly respected credential for fresh automotive mechanics in Missouri and nationwide. The Institute offers credentials in specialty areas such as automotive systems, brake repairs, and suspensions.

To acquire such a credential, candidates must pass a certification exam dealing with general automotive technology topics and specific questions in their areas of expertise.

It is worth mentioning that certification increases an auto mechanic’s appeal to employers. It also gives them access to educational resources and an opportunity to connect with other professionals in the field.

Most certification organizations also require continuing education for credential renewal.

Salary & Career Outlook

While an average automotive mechanic in Missouri typically earns around $64,972 annually, those in the top 10 percent tend to make much more, with an average annual salary of around $101,282.

Professionals just starting their careers or have yet to optimize various factors may find themselves on the bottom end of the salary spectrum, earning an annual average salary of around $41,448. Factors that can be optimized to increase this figure include location, experience, company of establishment, and specialty area, among others.

If we sort strictly by location, we find that St. Louis and Florissant are the highest paying locations to be an automotive mechanic in Missouri, with annual average salaries of $72,118 and $70,888. They are followed by Blue Springs with an annual average salary of $70,410, Independence with an annual average salary of $69,835, and Ballwin with an annual average salary of $69,767.