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Maybe you are considering a career as an auto mechanic in Rhode Island.
Although this is a small state, you will get many career opportunities.
So, read on about the steps you have to take to land your first job.
Article Table of Contents
Auto Mechanic Training in Rhode Island
Just like in other jurisdictions, you first need to attend a training program in Rhode Island.
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There are a few programs you can choose from, and some of them provide a diploma after a few months.
However, if you are looking to get more career opportunities, consider pursuing a higher degree.
Such a program will provide an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree at the end.
The auto mechanic training programs in Rhode Island include:
- New England Institute of Technology
- Lincoln Tech
- Universal Technical Institute
To enroll in the program, you have to fulfill the following requirements:
- 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 chosen training program also has to be approved by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF).
You can also join a program while you are still attending high school.
Earning an ASE Certification in Rhode Island
Although you can work as an auto mechanic without certification in Rhode Island, you should still consider getting one.
Becoming ASE certified will help you find a better-paid job faster.
You will be asked to provide proof of two years of related work experience.
You can only get an ASE certification after you take and pass an exam.
The certification can be used for 5 years.
After the period ends, you will need to take the exam again for a new one.
In Rhode Island, you can choose a series of exams from the below categories if you want to become a master auto mechanic:
- 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)
You can take the ASE certification exam after setting up an appointment with a testing center in your area.
Earning an EPA 609-Refrigerant Certification in Rhode Island
If you plan on working on Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning, you will need an EPA 609-Refrigerant Certification.
To do this, you first have to join a 609-refrigerant certification training program.
After the course ends, you will need to schedule an exam for the permit.
To pass the exam, make sure to score at least 84%.
Earning a Manufacturer Certification in Rhode Island
To perform work on cars made by one specific company, you will have to get a manufacturer certification.
The courses are offered by companies like Ford, Honda, Chrysler, and BMW.
Auto Mechanic Schools in Rhode Island
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Lincoln Technical Institute | 622 George Washington Hwy, Lincoln, RI 02865 |
| New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) | 1 New England Tech Boulevard, East Greenwich, RI 02818 |
| East Providence Career and Technical Center | 1998 Pawtucket Ave, East Providence, RI 02914 |
| Warwick Area Career and Technical Center | 575 Centerville Rd, Warwick, RI 02886 |
| Providence Career & Technical Academy | 41 Fricker St, Providence, RI 02903 |
| Regional Career and Technical Center at Coventry | 40 Reservoir Rd, Coventry, RI 02816 |
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Employment and Salary Information for Auto Mechanics in Rhode Island
As per The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), auto mechanics in Rhode Island have an average yearly salary of $42,283 per year.
If you are a diesel mechanic you can earn up to $54,640 per year.
In Rhode Island, you can also earn a higher salary if you already have some experience as an auto mechanic.
Because the industry keeps growing, salaries are higher than the minimum even for entry-level positions.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Providence | $42,122 |
| Cranston | $42,122 |
| Warwick | $42,122 |
| Pawtucket | $42,122 |
| East Providence | $42,122 |
| Woonsocket | $42,082 |
| Cumberland | $42,122 |
| Coventry | $42,042 |
| North Providence | $42,122 |
| Johnston | $42,122 |
Regional Salary in Rhode Island
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | 3,150 | $46,490 | $22.35 | $65,580 | $29,560 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
In Rhode Island, the best places to get the first job are areas such as e Westerly, Norwich, New London, and Providence.
You can apply in dealerships, service stations, or tire shops in the area you live in.
Becoming an auto mechanic is a rewarding career and you can get numerous opportunities.
So, the best thing to do is to find a suitable training program in order to develop your skills.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Auto Mechanic
Mechanic Schools by City
Mechanic Schools by State