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Those who love cars and working with them have many career options to choose from.
One of these career options is that of an auto mechanic.
Read on if you want to learn more about becoming an auto mechanic in Alabama!
Article Table of Contents
Auto Mechanic Training in Alabama
Alabama has no specific requirements for future auto mechanics.
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Employees will generally ask for:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Some training
The training can be self-taught or performed as an apprenticeship.
Those who want to develop a career in this field should consider getting a formal education.
Formal education will involve theory and laboratory classes.
Most education for a future auto mechanic is available through high schools, though there are some programs organized at higher levels as well.
Most vocational or high school-level auto mechanic programs are aimed at those who already know what career path they want to follow.
The programs offered at the post-secondary level are generally for those who want to transition to a different occupation at a later time in life.
The schools offering such programs might also offer some of the tools needed for the trade.
At these schools, the tuition is generally higher.
Through education, you’ll be able to earn:
- An ASE certification
- An associate’s degree
ASE stands for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
The programs need approval from the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF) as well.
As a student in one of these programs, you’ll learn how to make decisions and solve a variety of problems.
You’ll develop skills and knowledge in the following areas:
- Communication,
- Mathematics,
- Science
- Social studies
Most programs last for under 2 years, allowing you to start your career rather fast.
Earning an ASE Certification
The ASE issues many certifications for those interested in this industry field.
All of these certifications are awarded to those who pass the exam.
Additionally, the candidates also need a minimum of 2 years of work experience.
This certification must be renewed every 5 years.
For this, individuals have to retake and re-pass the ASE certification exam for their specialty.
Some of the available certifications are:
- Automobile & Light Truck Certification Tests (A Series)
- Collision Repair & Refinish Certification Tests (B Series)
- Damage Analysis & Estimating Certification Test (B6)
- Automobile Service Consultant Certification Test (C1)
- Truck Equipment Certification Tests (E Series)
- Alternate Fuels Certification Test (F1)
- Transit Bus Certification Tests (H Series)
The exams are organized only at official testing centers across the state, and they cannot be taken online.
609-Refrigerant Certification
Professionals who install an air conditioner system on a vehicle need special certification.
This certification is for 609-refrigerant and it can be obtained after an exam.
Without this certification, individuals cannot perform MVAC service and repair work on any vehicle.
EPA introduced the certification to ensure a standard for the MVAC-related work.
Manufacturer Certification
Car manufacturers train and certify individuals who want to specialize in specific car brands.
These professionals can work in dealerships or repair shops that deal only with that brand.
BMW, General Motors, and Chrysler, are just some of the companies that offer such opportunities.
Training as an Apprentice
Apprenticeships for auto mechanics are not very common.
This is because there is a lot of theory knowledge needed for this job.
This theoretical aspect is best learned in a classroom environment and represents the basis of the occupation.
The best part of being an apprentice is the possibility of earning the minimum wage while learning.
Ideally, you’d find a position as an apprentice while also being enrolled in an ASE-certified program.
Auto Mechanic Schools in Alabama
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Career Technical Educational Center | 701 AL-70, Columbiana, AL 35051 |
| Automotive Service Technology - Gadsden State Community Colledge | Galoway St, Gadsden, AL 35903 |
| J.F. Drake State Community & Technical College | 3421 Meridian St N, Huntsville, AL 35811 |
| Ingram State Technical College | 5375 Ingram Rd, Deatsville, AL 36022 |
| Wallace Community College | 1141 Wallace Dr, Dothan, AL 36303 |
| Trenholm State Community College | 1225 Air Base Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36108 |
| Limestone County Career Technical Center | 505 E Sanderfer Rd, Athens, AL 35611 |
| Lawson State Community College | 1100 9th Ave SW, Bessemer, AL 35022 |
| Bishop State Community College | 351 N Broad St, Mobile, AL 36603 |
| Shelton State Community College | 9500 Old Greensboro Rd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 |
| Eden Career Technical Center | 45 County Road 33 Ashville, AL 35953 |
| Wallace State Community College | 801 Main St NW, Hanceville, AL 35077 |
| Northwest-Shoals | 800 George Wallace Blvd. Muscle Shoals, AL 35661 |
| Bevill State Community College | 1411 Indiana Ave, Jasper, AL 35501 |
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Employment and Salary Information for Auto Mechanics in Alabama
Many employers will take into consideration the candidate’s training and certification during a job interview.
Regardless of the employer’s requirements, you can apply for various positions in companies such as:
- Dealerships,
- Independent establishments
- Body repair shops
- Tire shops
- Gas stations
Specific job titles include:
- Automotive service technicians, or auto mechanics
- Diesel mechanics
- Auto body and collision repair workers
- Glass installers and repairers
Your earnings will depend mostly on your experience, qualifications, as well as the workplace.
For instance, most individuals start at entry-level with lower salaries.
The more they work in this position, the more experience they gain, and this allows them to become master mechanics.
As a master mechanic, you’ll earn more.
In the following cities, average salaries are usually higher as well:
- Birmingham
- Huntsville
- Madison
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Birmingham | $37,920 |
| Montgomery | $35,918 |
| Huntsville | $37,888 |
| Mobile | $37,074 |
| Tuscaloosa | $37,549 |
| Dothan | $35,385 |
| Auburn | $36,145 |
| Decatur | $36,730 |
| Madison | $37,888 |
| Florence | $34,538 |
Regional Salary in Alabama
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville, AL | 240 | $42,810 | $20.58 | $61,940 | $26,970 |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL | 260 | $44,710 | $21.49 | $63,670 | $27,710 |
| Birmingham-Hoover, AL | 2,420 | $48,250 | $23.2 | $76,940 | $28,180 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | 420 | $45,750 | $22 | $65,640 | $27,230 |
| Decatur, AL | 250 | $41,660 | $20.03 | $62,980 | $27,110 |
| Dothan, AL | 340 | $42,390 | $20.38 | $62,460 | $22,670 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | 300 | $41,670 | $20.03 | $62,400 | $24,280 |
| Gadsden, AL | 190 | $43,100 | $20.72 | $63,070 | $25,330 |
| Huntsville, AL | 820 | $48,510 | $23.32 | $74,290 | $28,510 |
| Mobile, AL | 880 | $44,470 | $21.38 | $67,540 | $27,180 |
| Montgomery, AL | 640 | $44,430 | $21.36 | $67,060 | $26,870 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 430 | $44,880 | $21.58 | $70,720 | $27,350 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information about Auto Mechanics in Alabama
One should know that those who want to become master mechanics, need to pass up to 8 exams.
These exams must award all the certifications in the test series.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Auto Mechanic
Mechanic Schools by City
Mechanic Schools by State
Hello I would like to sign up for your Mechanic program. I only passed the science and math in GED. Is there any way I could finish my GED while intended this program?