by 
In Ohio, there is an increased number of people working in the auto mechanic industry.
If you want to be one of them, you will need some info about the process.
For that, have a look at our guide and you will learn how to get your first job!
Article Table of Contents
Auto Mechanic Training in Ohio
You can only get your first job if you attend training.
Earn your accredited, affordable Auto Repair career diploma online with Penn Foster in as little as 4 months!
This is typically achieved by joining a training program, where you will learn more about the trade.
You can either choose a shorter program that ends in a diploma, or a 2 years program.
The 2-year programs generally award an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Having a higher degree will bring better job options after you gain some experience.
Training programs for auto mechanics are provided by many community colleges and trade schools in Ohio.
Some of these include:
- Ohio Technical College
- Sinclair Community College
- Stark State College
- Grant Career Center
To enroll in the program, you have to meet the following criteria:
- Be a high school graduate or have a GED
- Be good at certain subjects
- Be proficient with a computer
The credit hours vary from program to program will also differ, but the subjects will be the same.
The program you enroll in has to be approved by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF).
You can also start training while in high school if you want to be a step ahead.
Earning an ASE Certification in Ohio
Generally, you will not need any certification by law.
However, you will most likely not get a job if you are not certified, especially in a bigger city.
The certification obtainable by auto mechanics is the ASE certification, for which you need to pass an exam.
You also need to provide proof of two years of related work experience.
If you pass the exam, your license will be issued and mailed to you in a few weeks.
But, keep in mind you have to get it renewed after 5 years.
This means you will need to take the exam again.
In Ohio, to become a master auto mechanic you must pass a set of 8 exams.
The sets are as following:
- 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)
To take the test, you first need to schedule it online.
This can be done in one of the testing centers in your area.
Earning an EPA 609-Refrigerant Certification in Ohio
To work on Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning, you have to get an EPA 609-Refrigerant Certification.
To get this certification, you have to join a 609-refrigerant certification training program.
The certification also requires an exam on which you have to score at least 84%.
Earning a Manufacturer Certification in Ohio
If you apply for the manufacturer certification, you can then work on any car made by one specific company.
The training programs are provided by companies like Ford, Honda, Chrysler, and BMW.
Auto Mechanic Schools in Ohio
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| John E Moore Technology Center | 20 OH-4, Dayton, OH 45402 |
| Ohio Technical College | 1374 E 51st St, Cleveland, OH 44103 |
| Stark State College Automotive Technology Center | 5600 Whipple Ave NW, North Canton, OH 44720 |
| Columbus State Auto Tech Lab | 518 Grove St, Columbus, OH 43215 |
| Matrix Trade Institute | 23632 Mercantile Rd, Beachwood, OH 44122, |
| Portage Lakes Career Center | 4401 Shriver Rd, Uniontown, OH 44685 |
| Mahoning County Career & Technical Center | 7300 N Palmyra Rd, Canfield, OH 44406 |
| Cuyahoga Valley Career Center | 8001 Brecksville Rd, Brecksville, OH 44141 |
| Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center | 895 Crouse Chapel Rd, Chillicothe, OH 45601 |
| Lincoln College of Technology | 5203 Airport Hwy, Toledo, OH 43615 |
| Hocking College | 3301 Hocking Pkwy, Nelsonville, OH 45764 |
| Cincinnati State Technical and Community College | 3520 Central Pkwy, Cincinnati, OH 45223 |
| Butler Tech Fairfield Township Campus D. Russel Lee Building | 3603 Hamilton Middletown Rd, West Chester Township, OH 45011 |
Earn your accredited, affordable Auto Repair career diploma online with Penn Foster in as little as 4 months!
Employment and Salary Information for Auto Mechanics in Ohio
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that auto mechanics in Ohio have a median wage of $39,170 per year.
However, you can have a salary of $50,617 per year or higher.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Columbus | $39,575 |
| Cleveland | $39,708 |
| Cincinnati | $39,230 |
| Toledo | $38,829 |
| Akron | $38,516 |
| Dayton | $38,998 |
| Canton | $38,463 |
| Youngstown | $38,103 |
| Lorain | $39,062 |
| Hamilton | $39,070 |
Regional Salary in Ohio
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akron, OH | 1,530 | $45,780 | $22.01 | $63,750 | $28,390 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | 760 | $44,030 | $21.17 | $62,980 | $27,930 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | 4,010 | $45,200 | $21.73 | $65,770 | $27,720 |
| Cleveland-Elyria, OH | 4,320 | $47,220 | $22.7 | $66,980 | $29,700 |
| Columbus, OH | 4,220 | $49,150 | $23.63 | $77,050 | $29,960 |
| Dayton, OH | 1,600 | $45,400 | $21.83 | $65,380 | $28,510 |
| Lima, OH | 300 | $43,160 | $20.75 | $60,610 | $27,350 |
| Mansfield, OH | 230 | $43,340 | $20.84 | $59,910 | $24,960 |
| Springfield, OH | 190 | $41,650 | $20.02 | $59,800 | $27,330 |
| Toledo, OH | 1,510 | $45,080 | $21.67 | $64,960 | $28,120 |
| Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA | 1,100 | $43,020 | $20.68 | $62,630 | $26,720 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Auto mechanics who live in big cities and have better credentials earn more compared to the rest.
As the auto mechanic industry is popular in Ohio, you will get a good salary even for an entry-level position.
In Ohio, you can easily find your first job in areas like Cincinnati, Akron, Dayton, and Toledo.
First of all, you need to complete your training to start your career.
After that, you can find a job in a dealership, service station, or tire shop.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Auto Mechanic
Mechanic Schools by City
Mechanic Schools by State