How to Become an Auto Mechanic in North Carolina

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How to Become an Auto Mechanic in North Carolina

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.

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:
$29K
$38K
$49K
10%
50%
90%
Annual Salary by Location:
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, NC980$49,970$24.02$75,910$30,190
Burlington, NC380$45,040$21.66$67,290$28,690
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC7,320$51,310$24.67$78,210$30,400
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC1,000$54,680$26.29$84,100$30,090
Fayetteville, NC1,130$46,140$22.18$67,300$28,730
Goldsboro, NC270$44,340$21.32$68,640$27,170
Greensboro-High Point, NC1,840$49,960$24.02$76,850$29,850
Greenville, NC380$44,790$21.53$65,040$28,190
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC920$45,750$21.99$71,880$28,360
Jacksonville, NC410$44,780$21.53$73,220$27,780
New Bern, NC270$44,230$21.27$65,700$23,820
Raleigh, NC3,440$53,810$25.87$80,500$30,870
Rocky Mount, NC260$45,630$21.94$74,210$27,990
Wilmington, NC900$48,280$23.21$73,920$29,790
Winston-Salem, NC1,590$46,610$22.41$71,980$29,430
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, OCC Code 49-3023, BLS.
* 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.

USA Mechanic Schools by City


USA Mechanic Schools by State


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