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In Pennsylvania, the demand for auto mechanics is both pretty strong and increasing.
This can only mean that Pennsylvania is a good state to become an auto mechanic.
Read on if you want to know more about this occupation!
Article Table of Contents
Auto Mechanic Training in Pennsylvania
Most individuals interested in becoming an auto mechanic, make sure to complete a training program.
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For most training programs you first need a high school diploma or GED.
Many high schools offer training for future mechanics, and in this case, the diploma isn’t needed.
Besides specialized training, this occupation doesn’t require any license or other diplomas.
The auto mechanics hoping for better career prospects, choose to enroll in a degree program.
The most common degree for auto mechanics is the associate’s in automotive technology.
Such a training program lasts for about 2 years and can be found at community colleges across the state.
Here are some of Pennsylvania’s colleges that offer this kind of degree:
- Community College of Philadelphia
- Delaware County Community College
- Lincoln Technical Institute
- York County School of Technology
- Rosedale Technical College
All the schools have some admission requirements to meet, but these are not very rigorous.
Generally, computer proficiency and good grades in math are important.
When choosing a program, ensure it is approved by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation.
The NATEF-approved programs meet the standards set for this profession.
There are two types of classes in these programs:
- Theory
- Practice
During your training you’ll learn how to perform:
Earning an ASE Certification in Pennsylvania
ASE offers certifications to experienced auto mechanics who want to stand out from the rest.
There are more than 40 credentials to earn from ASE.
These include the following:
- Repair technician
- Service consultant
- Collision damage estimator
- Parts specialist
These ASE diplomas can’t be earned without meeting these requirements first:
- At least 2 years of experience
- Signing up and paying the fee for the exam
- Passing the related exam
For a small number of certifications, you’ll need either one or three years of accumulated experience.
This is why it’s important to keep track of how many hours you worked.
All the candidates must be present on-site for the examination.
ASE allowed individuals to obtain more diplomas.
The certificates offered by ASE must be renewed every time 5 years pass.
Some auto mechanics are skilled enough to become master auto mechanics.
For this, they have to pass a series of 8 tests.
The series is as follows:
Earning a 609-Refrigerant Certification
The MVAC system uses a regulated refrigerant.
To perform work on this system, you’ll need to have the 609-refrigerant certification.
The study materials can be found online and the exam for it is also available online.
This credential is obtained through EPA.
Auto Mechanic Schools in Pennsylvania
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Lincoln Technical Institute | 9191 Torresdale Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19136 |
| Universal Technical Institute | 750 Pennsylvania Dr, Exton, PA 19341 |
| Automotive Training Center | 900 Johnsville Boulevard, Warminster, PA 18974, |
| Philadelphia Technician Training Institute | 7446 Ogontz Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19138 |
| Rosedale Technical College | 215 Beecham Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 |
| Central Pennsylvania Diesel Institute | 1718 Old Trail Rd, Liverpool, PA 17045 |
| Torchiana Automotive Training | 319 Westtown Rd, West Chester, PA 19382 |
| New Castle School of Trades | 4117 Pulaski Rd, New Castle, PA 16101 |
| Johnson College | 3427 N Main Ave, Scranton, PA 18508 |
| Pennco Tech | 3815 Otter St, Bristol, PA 19007 |
| Indiana County Technology Center | 441 Hamill Rd, Indiana, PA 15701 |
| Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology | 750 E King St, Lancaster, PA 17602 |
| Lancaster County Career & Technology Center | 1730 Hans Herr Dr, Willow Street, PA 17584 |
| Western Area Vocational-Tech | 688 Western Ave, Canonsburg, PA 15317 |
| The Adult and Continuing Education Center at YCST | 2179 S Queen St, York, PA 17403 |
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Employment and Salary Information for Auto Mechanics in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has many businesses in need of auto mechanics.
Here are some of them:
- Dealerships
- Tire and parts shops
- Repair shops
- Gas stations
- Local governments
Here are some positions names you’ll encounter when applying for a job:
- Diesel specialist
- Bus and truck mechanic
- Automotive body repair worker
- Auto glass installer/repairer
When you start, you’ll earn less compared to the more seasoned mechanics.
The average salary of an auto mechanic is around $40,037 per year.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $42,973 |
| Pittsburgh | $39,515 |
| Allentown | $40,430 |
| Erie | $37,056 |
| Reading | $39,907 |
| Upper Darby | $42,973 |
| Scranton | $37,028 |
| Bensalem | $43,328 |
| Lancaster | $39,303 |
| Abington | $42,941 |
Regional Salary in Pennsylvania
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | 2,060 | $49,710 | $23.9 | $63,530 | $30,320 |
| Altoona, PA | 400 | $39,520 | $19 | $57,370 | $23,670 |
| Bloomsburg-Berwick, PA | 190 | $41,700 | $20.05 | $58,180 | $28,370 |
| Chambersburg-Waynesboro, PA | 440 | $44,700 | $21.49 | $60,310 | $28,410 |
| East Stroudsburg, PA | 420 | $43,480 | $20.9 | $60,730 | $28,030 |
| Erie, PA | 700 | $43,220 | $20.78 | $61,800 | $27,230 |
| Gettysburg, PA | 240 | $43,560 | $20.94 | $60,700 | $28,100 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | 1,520 | $47,540 | $22.85 | $64,630 | $29,040 |
| Johnstown, PA | 310 | $41,670 | $20.04 | $57,600 | $28,340 |
| Lancaster, PA | 1,610 | $47,110 | $22.65 | $62,060 | $30,020 |
| Lebanon, PA | 360 | $45,340 | $21.8 | $61,160 | $29,780 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 13,470 | $52,480 | $25.23 | $76,400 | $29,980 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 6,310 | $46,880 | $22.54 | $66,320 | $29,530 |
| Reading, PA | 960 | $46,640 | $22.43 | $64,140 | $29,310 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA | 1,500 | $42,420 | $20.39 | $60,070 | $28,220 |
| State College, PA | 300 | $41,990 | $20.19 | $59,890 | $27,930 |
| Williamsport, PA | 380 | $44,630 | $21.46 | $61,670 | $27,990 |
| York-Hanover, PA | 1,130 | $45,220 | $21.74 | $60,600 | $29,470 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information about Auto Mechanics in Pennsylvania
Auto mechanics have many niches in which they can operate.
They’re expected to be team players as well as perform well when working on their own.
Depending on their certifications, they have different career opportunities.
A manufacturer’s certification can help you find a position in a dealership, for instance.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Auto Mechanic
Mechanic Schools by City
Mechanic Schools by State
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