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Washington offers numerous work opportunities for workers in the automotive field.
If you are one of these aspiring workers, check out for some tips and info on how to start your career.
Article Table of Contents
Auto Mechanic Training in Washington
The fastest way to get the certification you need and develop your skills is to enroll in a training program.
There are several such programs in Washington, depending on how long you plan on studying.
Earn your accredited, affordable Auto Repair career diploma online with Penn Foster in as little as 4 months!
For example, you can join a shorter program that finishes with a diploma.
Some training programs you could check out include:
- Renton Technical College
- Shoreline Community College
- Spokane Community College
- Clark College
There are also some requirements you have to fulfill to enroll in a training program:
- 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 training program you choose should also be approved by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF).
In Washington, high school students can join a program before getting a high school diploma.
Earning an ASE Certification in Washington
While ASE certification is not a requirement in Washington, you will need to get one in order to get hired.
To apply for the ASE certification, you need to have an average of two years of related work experience.
You will also have to pass a certification exam.
For that, you first have to schedule your exam with a testing center in your area.
The certification will be sent to you in the following weeks after passing the exam.
The ASE certification is current for 5 years.
Before it expires, you will be sent a notification and you will need to renew it.
To get it renewed, you have to retake the certification exam.
In Washington, you can choose a test from the next 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)
Earning the EPA 609-Refrigerant Certification in Washington
Wahington requires an EPA 609-Refrigerant Certification for auto mechanics wanting to work on Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning.
This can be accomplished by joining a 609-refrigerant certification training program.
You will also have to pass a certification test.
To pass it, you have to get a score of at least 84% or higher.
Earning a Manufacturer Certification in Washington
You need to obtain a manufacturer certification in order to work on any vehicle developed by a company.
You can do that by enrolling in a training program offered by a company like Ford, Honda, Chrysler, or BMW.
Auto Mechanic Schools in Washington
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Renton Technical College | Building K - Automotive, Renton, WA 98056 |
| Bates Technical College: Job Readiness Training Center | 1101 S Yakima Ave, Tacoma, WA 98405 |
| Clark College | Automotive Department, Vancouver, WA 98661 |
| Clover Park Tech | 8704 Lake Steilacoom Point Rd SW, Tacoma, WA 98498 |
| Perry Technical Institute | 2011 W Washington Ave, Yakima, WA 98903 |
| Wenatchee Valley Technical | 327 Penny Rd # D, Wenatchee, WA 98801 |
| South Puget Sound Community College | 2011 Mottman Rd SW, Olympia, WA 98512 |
| Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center | 1120 S 18th St, Yakima, WA 98901 |
| ASA Northwest | 7403 Lakewood Dr W, Lakewood, WA 98499 |
| Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center | 9001 Airport Rd, Everett, WA 98204 |
| Shoreline Community College | 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133 |
| Grays Harbor College | 1620 Edward P Smith Dr, Aberdeen, WA 98520 |
| Skagit Valley College | 2405 E College Way, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 |
| Big Bend Community College | 7662 Chanute St NE, Moses Lake, WA 98837 |
| Puget Sound Skills Center | 18010 8th Ave S, SeaTac, WA 98148 |
| Spokane Community College | 1810 N Greene St, Spokane, WA 99217 |
| Wenatchee Valley College | 1300 Fifth St, Wenatchee, WA 98801, |
| Lower Columbia College | 1600 Maple St, Longview, WA 98632 |
| Yakima Valley College | W Nob Hill Blvd &, S 16th Ave, Yakima, WA 98902, |
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Salaries and Employment Information for Auto Mechanics in Washington
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that auto mechanics in this state make an average of $48,290 per year.
The top 10% of auto mechanics in Washington earn $73,950 or even higher.
In order to have more career opportunities, you should consider getting a job in a larger area.
Salaries are also higher if you have enough experience in the field.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Seattle | $43,864 |
| Spokane | $38,673 |
| Tacoma | $42,541 |
| Vancouver | $41,542 |
| Bellevue | $43,864 |
| Kent | $42,455 |
| Everett | $42,925 |
| Renton | $43,821 |
| Federal Way | $42,541 |
| Yakima | $39,707 |
Regional Salary in Washington
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellingham, WA | 330 | $54,210 | $26.06 | $74,020 | $36,660 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale, WA | 440 | $53,860 | $25.9 | $76,250 | $36,520 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | 600 | $52,690 | $25.33 | $75,450 | $35,570 |
| Longview, WA | 200 | $51,180 | $24.61 | $72,240 | $35,640 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | 260 | $54,530 | $26.22 | $75,070 | $36,580 |
| Olympia-Tumwater, WA | 440 | $54,020 | $25.97 | $75,460 | $36,510 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 5,960 | $59,670 | $28.69 | $79,720 | $38,530 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 1,230 | $52,340 | $25.17 | $73,030 | $36,160 |
| Walla Walla, WA | 70 | $48,490 | $23.31 | $72,420 | $34,210 |
| Wenatchee, WA | 200 | $50,850 | $24.45 | $73,400 | $34,670 |
| Yakima, WA | 360 | $50,500 | $24.28 | $72,860 | $35,980 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Starting your career as an auto mechanic in Washington will be easy if you have a certification.
Some areas where salaries are higher include Bradford, Newport, Rutland, St. Albans, and Vergennes.
There are also numerous gas stations, dealerships, and car tire shops in Washington where you can apply for an entry-level position.
The most crucial aspect is to enroll in a training school and finish a program before looking for a job.
If you do this, you will have a long and stable career in a field you enjoy.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Auto Mechanic
Mechanic Schools by City
Mechanic Schools by State