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In Nebraska, the auto mechanic industry keeps on growing.
There are estimates that jobs in the field will increase by 5% by 2024.
If you want to work in the field, read below for some information regarding licensing and training.
Article Table of Contents
Auto Mechanic Training in Nebraska
The first step you should take is to find a training program to develop your skills.
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There are many programs available in trade schools and community colleges.
Some of these programs are longer than others.
So, if you are looking for a short program, you can opt for one that ends in a diploma.
However, you can benefit more from a higher education option.
Getting an associate’s or bachelor’s degree will give you the chance to better job opportunities in the future,
An associate’s degree or bachelor’s program lasts for about 2 years.
The training programs for auto mechanics in Nebraska include:
- Southeast Community College
- Northeast Community College
- Metropolitan Community College
Usually, only those who meet the below requirements can enroll:
- A high school graduate or have a GED
- Good at math
- Computer proficient
- Good with physics
The credit hours vary from program to program will also differ, but the subjects will be the same.
The program you choose needs to have accreditation from the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF).
In Nebraska, you can also start to train while you are still attending high school.
Earning an ASE Certification in Nebraska
To become an auto mechanic, you have to get an ASE certification.
While this certification is not a requirement, you will have better chances to get hired if you get one.
Some of the larger cities in Nebraska only accept auto mechanics with a certification.
But, in smaller areas, you may be able to get hired without being certified.
To be eligible for ASE certification, you will first need to pass an exam.
For this credential, you also need to accumulate two years of work experience in the field.
The ASE certification stays valid for 5 years, after which an exam is required again.
In Nebraska, you can become a master auto mechanic if you pass the 8 exams from any of the following categories:
- 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)
- Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Certification Test (L1)
- Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis Specialist Certification Test (L2)
- Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist Test (L3)
- Engine Machinist Certification Tests (M Series)
- Parts Specialist Certification Tests (P Series)
- School Bus Certification Tests (S Series)
- Medium-Heavy Truck Certification Tests (T Series)
- Undercar Specialist Exhaust Systems Test (X1)
There are some exam centers in Nebraska where you can schedule your ASE exam.
Earning an EPA 609-Refrigerant Certification in Nebraska
To work on Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning, you have to pursue EPA 609-Refrigerant Certification.
To receive this certification, you need to attend a 609-refrigerant certification training program.
If you don’t have time to join a physical class, you can attend this course online
You need an 84% score on the exam to get the EPA 609-Refrigerant Certification.
Earning a Manufacturer Certification in Nebraska
This certification lets you perform work on cars produced by one car company.
To get it, you have to join a training program provided by a large company, such as Ford, Honda, Chrysler, or BMW.
Auto Mechanic Schools in Nebraska
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Southeast Community College | 8800 O St, Lincoln, NE 68520 |
| Northeast Community College | 801 E Benjamin Ave, Norfolk, NE 68701 |
| Western Nebraska Community College | 1601 E 27th St, Scottsbluff, NE 69361 |
| Central Community College - Grand Island | 3134 US-34, Grand Island, NE 68801 |
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Salaries for Auto Mechanics in Nebraska
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), auto mechanics in Nebraska earn an average salary of $36,787 a year.
If you are a top auto mechanic, you can make as much as $47,538 a year.
But, you can earn more than that if you have some experience in the field and live in a populated area.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Omaha | $37,928 |
| Lincoln | $37,745 |
| Bellevue | $37,928 |
| Grand Island | $37,224 |
| Kearney | $37,224 |
| Fremont | $37,363 |
| Hastings | $37,224 |
| Norfolk | $33,782 |
| North Platte | $36,091 |
| Columbus | $37,224 |
Regional Salary in Nebraska
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Island, NE | 200 | $47,090 | $22.64 | $63,080 | $29,960 |
| Lincoln, NE | 610 | $53,360 | $25.66 | $79,930 | $30,810 |
| Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA | 2,020 | $49,950 | $24.01 | $73,550 | $30,520 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Finding Work as an Auto Mechanic in Nebraska
In Nebraska, the auto mechanic industry will continue to develop over the next period.
The best areas to find a job as an auto mechanic include Omaha and Lincoln.
You can easily secure an entry-level position in a dealership, auto service, or car parts shop.
These are some job titles for auto mechanics:
- Diesel specialist
- Bus and truck mechanic
- Automotive body repair worker
- Auto glass installer/repairer
Read the full guide: How to Become an Auto Mechanic
Mechanic Schools by City
Mechanic Schools by State