There are three things to consider when you start a journey toward becoming an automotive mechanic. The first is the pathway. Because there is more than just one approach, you will first have to decide which one is the most suitable for you.
The second factor to consider is the training program (should you choose to continue along those paths). There are numerous notable training programs, so this is often the next big decision to make.
Lastly, you must consider certification and licensure to secure employment and practice legally. The sections below provide all the necessary information regarding all three aspects in a concise and comprehensive manner.
How to Become an Automotive Mechanic in Utah
Automotive mechanics in Utah are expected to have a professional license after securing employment. However, it is usually mandatory for them to have at least a high-school diploma or GED.
Those who already have these requirements may proceed to obtain formal training through an accredited program. The knowledge obtained through these programs will prove invaluable not only in passing the certification examinations but also on the job.
Thankfully there is no shortage of respected auto mechanic training schools in Utah, and we take a quick look at some of the most notable options below.
Top Automotive Mechanic Schools in Utah
Below are some of the best automotive mechanic schools worth considering in Utah. The right bodies accredit all of these schools below and offer a very high standard of education.
1. Salt Lake Community College
4600 S Redwood Rd, Salt Lake City, Utah 84123
Salt Lake Community College is one of the most prominent higher institutions in Utah, and the school boasts a very impressive automotive technology program. Students who successfully get in can rest assured that they’re getting their education from a storied institution with the appropriate accreditation credentials from NATEF.
As for the program itself, students are offered two choices. The first is an automotive technician associate degree program, while the other alternative is an automotive collision repair and refinishing certificate program.
Salt Lake Community College has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 1969.
2. Tooele Applied Technology College
88 S Tooele Blvd, Tooele, UT 84074
Another notable postsecondary institution in Utah with a noteworthy automotive technology program, Tooele Applied Technology College, sets itself apart from other auto tech schools by focusing solely on producing specialists in Heavy Duty Diesel Technology.
Thanks to its singular focus, students can choose a specialization early in their careers and immediately sit for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam once they graduate. Of course, they must take this exam specifically in the Medium/Heavy Duty Truck category.
From there, they may go on to secure employment as diesel mechanic specialists in a number of automotive service establishments.
3. Bridgerland Technical College
1301 North 600 West, Logan, Utah 84321
Bridgerland Technical College has two main program options for its auto mechanic students. The first is a certificate in auto collision, while the second is another certificate program in automotive science.
Regardless of their choices, students can be confident in obtaining a thorough, hands-on education.
The school has been accredited by the Council on Occupational Education since 2006 and has produced numerous brilliant minds in the field.
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Licensure and Certification Requirements
When it comes to certification for auto mechanics in Utah, the most popular option is to go with the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence). Even though no state law mandates such certification or licensure, some auto mechanics pursue certification anyway because it offers an edge over the field.
And yes, employers tend to give serious weight to professional certification. A typical ASE certification lasts five years and requires renewal through continuing education.
Another notable aspect of the certification is that it offers auto mechanics a chance to specialize in any one of a wide range of categories.
Salary and Job Outlook
On average, automotive mechanics in Utah tend to earn an annual salary of around $61,381. This is the same as the national average for other states.
Factors such as location, experience, certification level, type of establishment, and work arrangement, among others, can increase or decrease this figure. For instance, auto mechanics who earn the least in the state can earn as low as $39,667, while those who earn the most can go as high as $94,983 a year.
Regarding location, mechanics in Logan earn the highest average in the state, with around $67,014 salary per year. Those in Saint George’s follow with an annual average salary of $66,782, while Salt Lake City mechanics round up the top three with an annual average salary of $66,448.
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