Auto Mechanic Schools in New Mexico

New Mexico automotive mechanics may receive training in every key part of the job, including transmissions, manual drive trains, transaxles, steering, and suspension, among many others. They may also focus on one of these and grow their careers accordingly.

Regardless of their choice, one thing common to all auto mechanics in the state is the need to attend a high-quality program and meet other requirements as expected from the state, employer, and possible training programs.

This article aims to break down these requirements into easily digestible chunks. We begin with the basic requirements before moving on to educational considerations, licensing/certification considerations, and a list of top programs.

Finally, we reveal key numbers regarding the annual average salary for auto mechanics in New Mexico.

How to Become an Auto Mechanic in New Mexico

In New Mexico, candidates must follow the considerations below to start their auto mechanic careers.

Prerequisites

Auto mechanics perform physically demanding duties, and candidates who want to enter this profession are expected to be physically fit. They must also have a high school diploma or GED to secure admission into training programs and apprenticeships.

Training Programs

Training programs for prospective auto mechanics can be arranged in several ways. The most common options are academic programs and apprenticeship programs.

Academic programs offer diplomas and associate degrees that can contribute to direct job placement. Some may offer pathways for candidates to acquire bachelor’s degrees and start taking on leadership roles in the industry.

This arrangement offers some highlights for candidates who would like to attend an apprenticeship program, including rigorous hands-on training and the possibility of getting paid during the latter stages of the apprenticeship.

Some apprenticeship programs also offer mentorship and direct job placement as well.

Career Advancements

The field of automotive technology is ever-growing, and candidates are expected to keep up with advancements even after they secure employment.

Some also choose to specialize to make it easy to acquire advanced skills and carve out a targeted customer base.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a plumber in New Mexico

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The above steps are virtually all needed to become a successful auto mechanic in New Mexico. This means that professionals here don’t have to worry about applying for a license at the state or local level.

Once they are well-trained, they will be able to work in a professional capacity. However, to become more appealing to potential employers, they must verify that they possess the skills they claim to possess.

Candidates achieve this through certification.

Certification is also a great way to establish oneself in a particular area of specialization. For instance, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence offers several credentials in suspension and steering, transmission systems, and automotive maintenance and light repair.

Applicants who want to be certified by the ASE must apply and pass a certification examination.

Top Auto Mechanic Schools in New Mexico

The following entries are among the most highly-rated automotive mechanic training programs in New Mexico.

Explore auto mechanic schools in New Mexico by city:

• Auto mechanic schools in Albuquerque

Salary & Career Outlook

The annual average salary for auto mechanics in New Mexico tends to differ depending on their location, how long they’ve been on the job, their employer, and their specialty focus.

Generally, though, it is typical for auto mechanics in the state to take home an annual average salary of $107,574 if they are among the highest-paid. If they are among the lowest-paid, they will manage an annual average salary of $37,580, while if they are among the median earners, the figure is expected to hover around the $63,581 range.

Concerning specific locations, Carlsbad has the highest pay for auto mechanics in New Mexico, with an average annual salary of $83,740. Rio Rancho follows with an annual average salary of $83,151, and then Santa Fe with an annual average salary of $75,353.

Regarding the career outlook, all projections expect year-on-year growth in the demand for auto mechanics in New Mexico. This will arise based on technological improvements and the need to replace retiring workers.