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Many people in Mississippi want to become auto mechanics.
This article is for you if you’re also one of them!
You’ll learn more about the type of training you need to attend as well as about the salary you could get as an auto mechanic.
Article Table of Contents
Auto Mechanic Training in Mississippi
Many auto mechanics in Mississippi finished high school or have a GED.
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These are the main requirements to enter this field.
However, more and more individuals now choose to obtain an associate’s degree in automotive technology.
This increases their chances of getting paid better and have better prospects when it comes to a career.
Such a degree is usually found at the community colleges with approval from NATEF.
NATEF stands for the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation.
This institution developed the guidelines regarding the structure of such a training program.
These are the colleges in Mississippi that have automotive technology programs:
- Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
- Hinds Community College
- Itawamba Community College
- Holmes Community College
- Pearl River Community College
The programs are split into two parts:
- Theory classes
- Practice classes
Upon graduation, you’re ready to find employment as a newbie auto mechanic.
Earning an ASE Certification
After you accumulate some experience you can try to earn an ASE certification.
This is not mandatory for the occupation.
Instead, it proves that you offer services of high quality.
ASE has over 40 certifications, and these are some of them:
- Repair technician
- Service consultant
- Collision damage estimator
- Parts specialist
On average, the minimum experience you need for these credentials is 2 years.
Make sure to keep accurate track of your experience.
You also have to pass an exam that can only be taken in person.
You need to sign up for this exam and pay the associated fee as well.
Individuals are allowed to take as many exams as possible, for as many certificates as they want.
The ASE certification needs to be renewed periodically, after 5 years, through another exam.
With the ASE certification, you also have the option to become a master mechanic.
For this, you must pass a series of 8 exams.
ASE decided on these series of tests:
- Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Certification Test (G1)
- 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)
Earning a 609-Refrigerant Certification
Many auto mechanics will have to perform some sort of work related to the MVAC system.
They can only do this if they have the 609-refrigerant certification.
This credential can be obtained through ASE.
The certificate is needed because the auto mechanic is highly likely to have to work with a regulated refrigerant.
Without proper training and certification, it’s illegal and dangerous to handle the substance.
The class and the test for this certificate can be found online.
Auto Mechanic Schools in Mississippi
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College - Perkinston Campus | 51 Main St, Perkinston, MS 39573 |
| Harrison County Career & Technical Center | 15600 School Rd, Gulfport, MS 39503 |
| DeSoto County Career Technology Center West | 1005 Kuykendall Ln, Horn Lake, MS 38637 |
| Northwest Mississippi Community College | 4975 US-51, Senatobia, MS 38668 |
| Oxford Lafayette School-Tech | 134 MS-7, Oxford, MS 38655 |
| Mississippi Delta Community College | Mississippi 3 & E Cherry St, Moorhead, MS 38761 |
| New Albany School of Career & Technical Education | 203 MS-15, New Albany, MS 38652 |
| Southwest Mississippi Community College | 1156 College Dr, Summit, MS 39666 |
| Mississippi State University | 75 B. S. Hood Rd, Mississippi State, MS 39762 |
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Employment and Salary Information for Auto Mechanics in Mississippi
Upon graduation, you can find work with these types of companies:
- Dealerships
- Tire and parts shops
- Repair shops
- Gas stations
- Local governments
You’ll be expected to know:
These are some occupations under the auto mechanic umbrella term:
- Diesel specialist
- Bus and truck mechanic
- Automotive body repair worker
- Auto glass installer/repairer
The more education, diplomas, and experience you have, the higher your salary can be.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Jackson | $35,907 |
| Gulfport | $35,275 |
| Southaven | $37,120 |
| Hattiesburg | $35,054 |
| Biloxi | $35,556 |
| Meridian | $35,560 |
| Tupelo | $33,843 |
| Olive Branch | $37,027 |
| Greenville | $35,664 |
| Horn Lake | $37,102 |
Regional Salary in Mississippi
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS | 850 | $43,830 | $21.07 | $73,870 | $23,540 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | 400 | $42,120 | $20.25 | $68,940 | $24,960 |
| Jackson, MS | 1,410 | $47,120 | $22.66 | $76,540 | $25,840 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information about Auto Mechanics in Mississippi
You’re expected to be a team player as an auto mechanic, though working on your own will also be common.
Some auto mechanics choose to obtain a certification from a manufacturer.
This usually happens after some time spent accumulating experience working on a variety of car brands and models.
The manufacturer’s certificate will specialize in your knowledge of the vehicles made by that company.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Auto Mechanic
Mechanic Schools by City
Mechanic Schools by State
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