Automotive mechanics leverage their comprehensive knowledge of how automobile systems work to help people maintain, repair, and prolong the lifespan of their vehicles. Of course, this extensive knowledge doesn’t just come out of thin air.
Acquiring it takes time and a significant amount of effort. And then, other state requirements and steps must be taken before you can begin to practice. If you want to become an auto mechanic in Oklahoma but need help knowing where to start, you’ve come to the right place.
The resource below provides all the necessary information you need to know to become a bonafide auto mechanic in Oklahoma.
How to Become an Auto Mechanic in Oklahoma
The general pathway toward becoming an auto mechanic in Oklahoma involves acquiring training and experience and securing employment. However, a few steps have to be sandwiched here and there for the most optimal outcome.
Step 1: The Prerequisites
To qualify for the appropriate training required to become a practicing auto mechanic in Oklahoma, you must possess a high school diploma or GED. It also helps to have taken courses in high school related to mechanics, mathematics, and computer science.
Step 2: Enroll in a Training Program in Oklahoma
A handful of mechanics practice with an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree, but this is by no means a mandatory requirement. Obtaining certificate training from a vocational institution or community college is enough to start.
While associate’s degrees take no less than two years to complete, certificate programs can be completed in as little as ten months.
Step 3: Getting Experience
To begin practicing as an auto mechanic in Oklahoma, you must obtain formal theoretical and real-world, hands-on training. While institutions do their best to stimulate practical environments, internships and apprenticeship programs are the best way to get this experiment truly.
What’s more, earning through these programs and getting your first taste of being a paid mechanic is possible.
Getting Licensed and Certified
Like most states, Oklahoma has no strict license requirement for auto mechanics. The only mandatory certification applies to those who work with refrigerants. In this case, they have to get certified by EPA - the environment protection agency.
That said, most employers often like their mechanics to get certified, and as such, most do so through the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
ASE Certification
ASE certification is available nationwide. They provide certification in a handful of categories, including engine repair, manual drivetrain and axles, brakes, air conditioning, heating and cooling systems, suspension and steering, and engine performance.
Candidates must possess a high school diploma/GED and a driver’s license to qualify.
Continuing Education & Professional Organizations
Lastly, having obtained certification as an auto mechanic, it is usually a good idea to keep up with the changing professional landscape by going through continuing education.
Joining a professional organization can also be a good idea, not only because they assist with continuing education but because they also organize workshops and events and provide access to essential resources.
Learn about auto mechanic licensing and certification in neighboring states:
Training Schools for Aspiring Oklahoma Mechanics
Below are some of the most popular training schools to consider as an aspiring auto mechanic in Oklahoma:
Lincoln Tech
Lincoln Tech’s Grand Prairie campus provides an exclusive four-month training program for automotive technicians.
The program is a partnership between the school and BMW, Lincoln Tech. Students get to graduate with a NATEF-compliant automotive tech diploma, an automotive technology certificate, or an associate’s degree if they please.
Oklahoma City College
The automotive technology program at Oklahoma City College provides all the necessary resources needed to prepare students for a fulfilling career as an automotive mechanic.
The program is grouped into eight categories: maintenance and light repair, brake system, manual drive transmission, automatic transmission, suspension and steering systems, engine performance, heating and cooling systems, and engine repair.
It can be completed in eight months.
Explore Auto Mechanic Schools By City
Auto Mechanic Job Outlook & Salary in Oklahoma
Becoming a mechanic in Oklahoma is a rewarding life experience. Not only is the demand high, but the job outlook is also promising, as there will always be a need to hire personnel to maintain and repair the vast array of automotive systems.
The salary, of course, is also quite attractive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Oklahoma mechanics earn an average of $46,180 yearly.
Even in the same state, experience, industry, and location can affect how much one earns as an automotive mechanic.
Grouped by region, those working in Tulsa earn the most with an average yearly salary of $48,330, while Oklahoma City and Lawton followed with $47,150 and $43,930, respectively.
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