It is no secret that humans have come to depend greatly on automotive systems to move us from one place to another. Thanks to the continuing sophistication of these machines, many of us have come to depend on them for more than just transportation.
But as with all machines, automotive vehicles require consistent maintenance, replacement, and fixing to ensure they satisfy us at the right time. Performing all of these duties for us is the job of an auto mechanic.
Individuals who love working with complex mechanical systems in New Jersey would do well to consider a career in the field. To help them become familiar with the steps involved in the process, we have provided a comprehensive guide below.
How to Become an Automotive Mechanic in New Jersey
Below are the steps involved in becoming an automotive mechanic in New Jersey.
Step 1: Fulfill the Basic Requirements
The basic requirements for becoming an automotive mechanic in New Jersey usually include having a high school diploma or a GED equivalent. One of these is needed to secure admission into a training program.
Additionally, candidates may also need to provide their driver’s license.
Individuals with a strong background in mathematics, physics, and a few mechanical projects in high school will also have an edge.
Step 2: Automotive Training
Academic and apprenticeship programs are the two popular alternatives for acquiring training as a prospective automotive mechanic in New Jersey.
Apprenticeships Programs
Aspiring auto mechanics in the state may consider acquiring training from apprenticeship programs organized by trade unions and even dealerships. They may also consider combining this with academic programs.
Academic Training
Through academic training, future automotive mechanics in New Jersey will learn important topics such as brakes, suspension systems, steering systems, and automatic transmissions. To ensure they have a complete training curriculum and opportunity for continuing education, students should endeavor to enroll in programs that NATEF accredits.
Interested individuals will be glad to know that programs that meet these requirements exist in the state, and we will look at a few of them in one of the upcoming sections.
Step 3: Consider Certification
After completing the above steps, aspiring New Jersey mechanics may consider the certification and other professional credentials discussed below.
Licensing & Certification Requirements
Automotive mechanics in New Jersey tend to acquire general or specialty credentials from the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), even though they are not legally obligated to do so.
They choose to do so because it helps facilitate career growth and better employment opportunities. Candidates who wish to apply for these certifications must have two years of experience and pass an examination.
The ASE offers various credentials, including certifications as a repair technician, service consultant, parts specialist, damage analyst, and more.
Automotive mechanics in New Jersey working with refrigerants and air conditioning systems will also have to apply for the EPA 609-Refrigerant certification.
Top Auto Mechanic Schools in New Jersey
The following are some of the top automotive mechanic schools in New Jersey.
Lincoln Technical Institute
Lincoln Technical Institute has campuses in South Plainfield, Union, and Mahwah. The program boasts experienced instructors certified by the Automotive Service Excellence and a wonderful curriculum that includes topics such as steering and brakes, electrical components, and heating systems.
Students get to receive a program certificate along with other industry certifications.
Sussex County Community College
Sussex County Community College in Newtown offers another top-quality destination for automotive service technology training in New Jersey. Among other things, students will enjoy learning crucial topics and developing valuable skills under the tutelage of experienced instructors.
Camden Community College
Lastly, aspiring automotive mechanics in New Jersey may also consider enrolling in the training program at Camden Community College. The program offers an associate of applied science degree and the opportunity to participate in the General Motors Automotive Service Education Program.
Explore Auto Mechanic Schools by City:
Salary & Career Outlook
Auto mechanics in New Jersey earn an annual salary of $65,380, practically in line with the national average. Those in the top 10% earn an annual average salary of $107,218, while those in the bottom 10% still manage to make an annual average salary of $39,867.
These figures are based on the data provided by around 1,000 automotive mechanics in the state. The same dataset also revealed Riverdale as the city with the highest pay for automotive mechanics in New Jersey. Mechanics here earn an annual average salary of $86,549.
Automotive mechanics in Union follow with an annual average salary of $77,307. Piscataway, Jersey City, and Newark are the top five highest-paying cities for automotive mechanics in New Jersey, with annual average salaries of $75,020, $73,559, and $72,181, respectively.
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