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There are many advantages to becoming an auto mechanic in North Carolina.
You will get many work opportunities and benefits once you complete a training program.
So, read on to learn more about what you need to do.
Article Table of Contents
Auto Mechanic Training in North Carolina
In order to finish your training, you have to find a suitable program in your area.
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The training programs for auto mechanics have different lengths, based on your needs.
There are several shorter programs that finish in a diploma and take less than a year.
But, you can also choose a longer program of about 2 years.
Such a training program involves higher education, and you will get an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Even if you need to be in school for longer, you will also get increased work opportunities.
You will also be able to earn a higher salary if you get a higher degree.
Training programs are offered through many community colleges and trade schools in North Carolina.
The training programs for auto mechanics in North Carolina include the ones below:
- NASCAR U, Mooresville
- Guilford Technical Community College
To join the program, you have to fulfill some criteria, such as:
- A high school graduate or have a GED
- Computer proficient
The credit hours vary from program to program will also differ, but the subjects will be the same.
Keep in mind that the program you enroll in has to be approved by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF).
If you want to start your training while still in high-school this is an option for students in North Carolina.
Earning an ASE Certification in North Carolina
North Carolina does not require auto mechanics to obtain any specific certification.
However, having one will improve your career options.
Furthermore, most employers in bigger regions only hire auto mechanics who are ASE certified.
If you live in a smaller area, you might not need certification to get your first job.
The ASE certification will be mailed to you after you pass the ASE certification exam.
You also need to show you accumulated at least 2 years of work experience.
For some of the credentials, 1 year will be sufficient, while for others you’ll need even 3 years.
The ASE certification needs to be renewed after 5 years.
In order to renew it, you also need to take the exam again.
In North Carolina, you can become a master auto mechanic by passing the exams in 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)
Remember that you need to schedule your test online first.
ASE exams are available through testing centers in North Carolina.
Earning an EPA 609-Refrigerant Certification in North Carolina
If you are looking to work on Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning, you will have to obtain an EPA 609-Refrigerant Certification.
However, you will first have to join a 609-refrigerant certification training program.
After the program is over, you need to take an exam and get an 84% score.
Auto Mechanic Schools in North Carolina
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| NASCAR Technical Institute | 220 Byers Creek Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117 |
| FTCC Automotive Services Annex | 3217 Fort Bragg Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303 |
| GTCC N. Main St. Jamestown NC | 5472 Winters Way, Greensboro, NC 27410 |
| Forsyth Technical Community College | 2100 Silas Creek Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 |
| Wake Technical Community College | 519 Industrial Dr, Zebulon, NC 27597 |
| Lenoir Community College | 231 North Carolina Hwy 58, Kinston, NC 28504 |
| Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College | 340 Victoria Rd, Asheville, NC 28801 |
| Randolph Community College | Health Sciences Center, 629 Industrial Park Ave, Asheboro, NC 27205 |
| Durham Technical Community College | 1637 E Lawson St, Durham, NC 27703 |
| Wilson Community College | 902 Herring Ave E, Wilson, NC 27893 |
| Rowan-Cabarrus Community College | 1333 Jake Alexander Blvd S, Salisbury, NC 28146 |
| McDowell Technical Community College | 54 College Dr, Marion, NC 28752 |
| Coastal Carolina Community College | 444 Western Blvd, Jacksonville, NC 28546 |
| Halifax Community College | 100 College Dr, Weldon, NC 27890 |
| South Piedmont Community College | 680 US-74, Polkton, NC 28135 |
| Central Carolina Community College | 1105 Kelly Dr, Sanford, NC 27330 |
| Wilkes Community College | 1328 S Collegiate Dr, Wilkesboro, NC 28697 |
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Salaries and Employment for Auto Mechanics in North Carolina
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that auto mechanics in North Carolina have a median salary of $37,420 per year.
However, you can have a salary of $68,050 annually or more.
Your salary will vary according to where you live, and if the request for auto mechanics is high.
In this state, you can easily find your first job in areas like Charlotte, Wilmington, Durham, and Asheville.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Charlotte | $39,298 |
| Raleigh | $38,821 |
| Greensboro | $38,339 |
| Durham | $38,597 |
| Winston Salem | $38,432 |
| Fayetteville | $36,811 |
| Cary | $38,821 |
| Wilmington | $36,591 |
| High Point | $38,568 |
| Greenville | $38,540 |
Regional Salary in North Carolina
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville, NC | 960 | $45,520 | $21.88 | $64,980 | $28,790 |
| Burlington, NC | 360 | $43,780 | $21.05 | $63,300 | $26,940 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | 6,740 | $50,800 | $24.42 | $78,630 | $28,110 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | 970 | $50,600 | $24.33 | $80,140 | $28,590 |
| Fayetteville, NC | 850 | $42,370 | $20.37 | $63,040 | $25,870 |
| Goldsboro, NC | 260 | $42,670 | $20.52 | $61,410 | $25,510 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | 1,770 | $48,390 | $23.26 | $75,550 | $28,340 |
| Greenville, NC | 380 | $43,370 | $20.85 | $62,370 | $27,250 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | 850 | $44,420 | $21.35 | $68,430 | $27,100 |
| Jacksonville, NC | 390 | $45,000 | $21.63 | $70,160 | $27,430 |
| New Bern, NC | 250 | $42,230 | $20.3 | $62,890 | $24,390 |
| Raleigh, NC | 3,370 | $49,480 | $23.79 | $74,330 | $29,420 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | 220 | $41,760 | $20.08 | $61,220 | $25,950 |
| Wilmington, NC | 880 | $44,320 | $21.31 | $63,400 | $28,370 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | 1,570 | $45,290 | $21.78 | $69,060 | $28,540 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information about Auto Mechanics
If you obtain the manufacturer certification, you will be allowed to work on any car made by one company.
The training programs for this certification are offered by companies like Ford, Honda, Chrysler, or BMW.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Auto Mechanic
Mechanic Schools by City
Mechanic Schools by State