How to Become an Auto Mechanic in Wisconsin

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How to Become an Auto Mechanic in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is a state where the automotive industry is flourishing.

This means that auto mechanics are in high demand and if you want to learn what you have to do to become one, read on!

Auto Mechanic Training in Wisconsin

To become an auto mechanic, you’ll need to complete a training program.

There are many programs organized through high schools so many people who graduate are eligible to start working as auto mechanics.

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However, such classes are offered through training centers and community colleges as well.

Regardless of where these courses are available, they all must be approved by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF).

To be accepted, you’ll generally need to be a high school graduate or have a GED.

Some schools might have other requirements for you to meet.

The classes offered through community colleges award associate’s degrees, though certificates and diplomas are also commonly issued.

Generally, the training courses end after approximately 2 years.

They have 2 components:

  • Theory
  • Practice

If you want to obtain an associate’s degree in automotive technology, you can consider one of these colleges in Wisconsin:

  • Western Technical College
  • Northcentral Technical College
  • Madison Area Technical College
  • Gateway Technical College
  • Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College

These are some of the abilities you’ll acquire during training and that will be enough for an entry-level position:

  • Oil changes and tire rotation
  • Brake repair and fluid level checks
  • Ignition system checks
  • Exhaust and muffler repair
  • Catalytic converter replacement
  • Replace spark plugs, fuel sensors
  • Alternator and battery replacement
  • Conduct system tests
  • Transmission replacements
  • Air conditioner repair
  • Engine rebuilds

Earning an ASE Certification in Wisconsin

The ASE certification is not mandatory for an auto mechanic.

The mechanics who have one, earn more, and have more career options.

In fact, a mechanic can obtain more than 1 certification, as long as they meet the requirements.

These are some of the ASE certifications you can obtain as an auto mechanic:

  • Repair technician
  • Service consultant
  • Collision damage estimator
  • Parts specialist

These are the main requirements for most of them:

  • A minimum of 2 years of work experience as an auto mechanic
  • Registering and paying the fee for the chosen diploma
  • Passing the related test

In some cases, just 1 year of experience is enough, while in other instances, you’ll need to document 3 years of experience.

Auto mechanics who want to obtain an ASE certificate must go to the testing center in person.

These ASE credentials must be renewed every 5 years by re-taking and re-passing the related exam.

To become a master auto mechanic, you’ll have to pass a series of 8 tests.

ASE already decided which tests go in a series.

Below are most of the 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

Auto mechanics often have to repair or replace the MVAC system of a car.

The MVAC uses a regulated refrigerant for which an EPA certification is needed.

The certification is for the 609-refrigerant and allows its holder to buy small amounts of the substance when needed.

This certificate doesn’t require renewal and the exam can be found online.

You can also use the internet to find the preparatory material for the test.

The passing score is at least 84%.

Employment and Salary Information for Auto Mechanics in Wisconsin

Once you graduate from any of the training programs, you can get hired by:

  • Dealerships
  • Tire and parts shops
  • Repair shops
  • Gas stations
  • Local governments

Auto mechanics can further specialize in one of these niches:

  • Diesel specialist
  • Bus and truck mechanic
  • Automotive body repair worker
  • Auto glass installer/repairer

In Wisconsin, you can earn a higher average salary in larger cities such as Milwaukee or Waukesha.

Annual Salary Range:
$30K
$39K
$51K
10%
50%
90%
Annual Salary by Location:
Location Avg. Annual Salary
Milwaukee $39,703
Madison $39,308
Green Bay $38,484
Kenosha $39,410
Racine $39,410
Appleton $38,492
Waukesha $39,554
Eau Claire $37,403
Oshkosh $38,243
Janesville $39,148

Regional Salary in Wisconsin

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Appleton, WI670$53,070$25.51$72,120$36,610
Eau Claire, WI460$50,600$24.33$68,480$34,030
Fond du Lac, WI300$51,840$24.92$70,470$35,360
Green Bay, WI730$53,710$25.82$75,380$36,020
Janesville-Beloit, WI400$51,060$24.55$69,670$34,950
La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN360$51,500$24.76$71,880$33,400
Madison, WI1,280$55,430$26.65$78,590$36,400
Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI3,420$56,320$27.08$77,160$36,700
Oshkosh-Neenah, WI350$51,330$24.68$70,630$35,280
Racine, WI400$52,050$25.02$74,150$35,840
Sheboygan, WI280$52,240$25.12$71,780$33,910
Wausau, WI380$50,940$24.49$73,210$35,620
* 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 in Wisconsin

One important certification is the one issued by car manufacturers.

These are offered through the various training programs available across the state.

Dealerships value greatly these credentials.

Auto Mechanics Schools in Wisconsin

School Name Address
Western Technical College Automotive Technology Center 2721 Larson St, La Crosse, WI 54603
Madison Area Technical College 1701 Wright St, Madison, WI 53704
Northcentral Technical College 1000 W Campus Dr, Wausau, WI 54401
Milwaukee Area Technical College Downtown Milwaukee Campus 700 W State St, Milwaukee, WI 53233
Mid-State Technical College 500 32nd St N, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College 2740 W Mason St, Green Bay, WI 54307
Gateway Technical College 3520 30th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53144
Chippewa Valley Technical College - Manufacturing Education Center 2320 Alpine Rd, Eau Claire, WI 54703
Fox Valley Technical College 1825 N Bluemound Dr, Appleton, WI 54912
Lakeshore Technical College 1290 North Ave, Cleveland, WI 53015
Northwood Technical College 1900 College Dr, Rice Lake, WI 54868
Nicolet College 5364 College Dr, Rhinelander, WI 54501
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USA Mechanic Schools by State


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