In this blog post, I have curated a list of the best mechanic schools in Missouri, including the requirements, Cost, and admission requirements.
Suppose you live in Missouri and are passionate about automotive repair and maintenance. In that case, an auto mechanic career choice studied in any of the best schools is perfect for you if you have the requirements to apply.
You can start an automotive career in Missouri by attending two-year automotive technology programs at community colleges and technical institutions. These schools offer general studies in auto mechanics, and some even focus on offering specialized training.
The programs at any of the best automotive schools in Missouri feature classroom education and on-the-job training for their students.
There are projections that in the coming years, until 2029, there will be over 728,000 auto mechanic positions to fill nationwide. This is because the automobile industry will continually experience an increase as long as vehicles remain in use and there are upgrades now and then.
Therefore, experienced and qualified automotive mechanics will remain in high demand worldwide and in Missouri.
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What is the Auto Mechanic Career Like in Missouri?
The automotive sector in Missouri has continued to experience ever-increasing growth, especially in recent times. This has provided more jobs all over the state for automotive service technicians and mechanics to fill up.
The most accessible places to hire in Missouri are dealerships, auto service centers, or garages in the major cities.
With a certificate or a degree in automotive technology, you can secure an excellent job in any major city like St. Louis, Kansas City, St. Joseph, and Columbia.
It is unnecessary to be certified or licensed before you can work as an auto mechanic in Missouri. However, some employers are looking for mechanics with an educational experience and an auto mechanic certification by the ASE.
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How To Become an Auto Mechanic In Missouri
Becoming an auto mechanic in Missouri provides job security, a high salary range, and abundant advancement opportunities.
In Missouri, there are no specific requirements to be employed as an Automechanic; the employers would usually have the factors they consider before you can be hired as a mechanic.
However, we have put together some general steps to guide you on your career path to becoming an Automechanic in Missouri.
#1. Attend an Accredited training school
Your journey to becoming an Auto mechanic requires that you obtain quality training that combines classroom instruction and hands-on experience.
Attending one of the best auto mechanic schools in Missouri ensures that you have the necessary training and a certificate of training.
These automotive schools in Missouri are keen on providing foundational experience and practical learning for students.
During the education program, students can work on vehicles and learn different repair methods and techniques while guided by experienced automotive technicians.
Missouri offers several programs, depending on your area of interest. There are numerous community colleges, technical institutions, and vocational schools to study at and acquire a degree or a certificate of training.
The automotive schools in Missouri usually offer programs in automotive technology for about two years.
#2. Gain Work Experience as an Auto Mechanic
Gaining work experience as an auto mechanic is essential to becoming a mechanic in Missouri.
Being ASE certified requires that the auto mechanic acquires some level of work experience in the automotive industry before he can be eligible to sit for a certification exam.
The number of years of work experience depends mainly on the chosen program. Still, to be eligible to take the ASE certification exam, the candidate must have at least two years of work experience or one year of work experience alongside a certificate or degree.
Work experience allows the auto mechanic to learn from professionals who have acquired years of experience in the automotive industry. In other words, beyond attending any of the best auto mechanic schools in Missouri, you need to back it up with work experience.
Selecting a place to work as an auto mechanic in Missouri is not much of a problem, as there are many auto service centers, dealerships, and garages where one can seek employment.
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#3. Obtain an ASE Certification
An Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification is highly respected in the automotive industry.
Some auto repair shops would only hire mechanics that are ASE certified.
To obtain a certification, the auto mechanic must show proof of work experience and a passing score on the respective ASE exam.
It is also very much allowed for an auto mechanic to accumulate multiple certifications, which can lead to a master technician status.
Having a certification also determines the high level of pay you receive as a mechanic. It is, therefore, important that every auto mechanic obtains an ASE certification.
The certification expires after 5 years, after which you must take a recertification exam.
Missouri has many testing centers where you can schedule your certification exam.
#4. Earn a Certification From a Manufacturer
Earning a manufacturer’s certification is not mandatory; it is only recommended for those interested in working for a particular vehicle brand.
As an auto mechanic seeking manufacturer certification, you will be given specialized training on vehicles by a particular manufacturer.
This can lead to many career opportunities with that specific manufacturer or brand.
Automotive dealerships regularly hire auto mechanics who have been trained to work on a specific brand.
Interested candidates would have to enroll in a program offered by the brands, some of which are Ford, Honda, and BMW, amongst others.
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What are the Requirements to Apply to Auto Mechanic Schools in Missouri?
The basic requirements you need to apply to any of the best mechanic schools in Missouri are;
- A high school diploma or a GED equivalent.
- A passing grade in math and physics.
- Computer proficiency.
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List of the Best Mechanic Schools in Missouri
There are several technical institutions in Missouri where auto mechanic programs are available.
These programs are designed to adequately train students by combining classroom learning with hands-on training.
Among these schools are the top 10 best automotive colleges in Missouri, and you should consider pursuing an auto mechanic career in 2023.
#1. Ranken Technical College
Ranken Technical College is a private technical school located in Saint Louis, Missouri, and is also one of the best auto mechanic schools in the state.
The school offers certificate and associate of applied science degree programs in automotive technology, which you can complete in 4 years.
They also have an option for students to pursue specialized training on some vehicle brands like Honda.
The annual tuition fee at Ranken Technical college is $25,239.
#2. State Technical College of Missouri
State Technical College of Missouri is a technical community college located in Linn, Missouri.
The school offers various Certificate and Associate of Applied Science Degree programs in Automotive technology.
The certificate programs can be completed in a year, while the other programs run for a maximum of 2 years.
Tuition fees for in-state students are $16,981 and $21,961 for out-of-state students per year.
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#3. Crowder College
Crowder College is a public college in Neosho that offers Automotive programs for interested candidates in Missouri.
The program usually lasts about 2 years, and the estimated tuition fee is $13,342 per year.
#4. Ozarks Technical Community College
Ozarks Technical Community College is rated as one of the best in Missouri. The school is located in Springfield, Missouri.
Ozarks college offers a one-year Certificate program and a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive technology.
Tuition fees per year for in-state and out-of-state students are $4,964 and $6,152, respectively.
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#5. Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center
Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center is one of the schools that offers some of the best mechanic training in Automotive technology in Missouri.
The school is located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
They offer a Certificate program in Automotive technology which can be completed in about 2 years.
The estimated tuition fee at Cape Girardeau is about $9,386.
#6. Jefferson College
Jefferson College is a public college located in Jefferson county, Missouri, in the city of Hillsboro.
The school offers a Certificate and Associate of Applied Science degree program in Automotive technology for about 2 years.
The training at Jefferson College is quite intensive, as the students are often involved in practical sessions.
The tuition fees per year for out-of-state and out-of-country students are $14,847 and $16,407, respectively.
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#7. Metropolitan Community College- Kansas City
Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City features various programs in automotive technology for interested candidates. The school offers an Associate of Applied Science degree program in Automotive technology for 2 years. The campus is located in Kansas City, Missouri.
In-state and out-of-state students’ annual tuition fees are $7,570 and $9,190, respectively.
#8. Mineral Area College
Mineral Area College is a public school located in Park Hills, Missouri. The school offers an Associate degree in automotive technology, which takes about two years to complete.
The tuition fees for in-state and out-of-state students per year are $17,020 and $18,580, respectively.
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#9. St. Louis Community College
Saint Louis Community college is a public college located in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri, and one of the best mechanic schools.
The school offers a Certificate and Associate of Applied Science degree program in Automotive technology, usually lasting for about 2 years.
The annual tuition fee for in-state students is $5,695 and for out-of-state students is $7,435.
#10. State Fair Community College
State Fair Community College is a public school with a campus in Sedalia, Missouri.
The school offers a Certificate and Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive technology for about 2 years.
The annual tuition fee is $11,274 for in-state students and $12,714 for out-of-state students.
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How Much do Auto Mechanics Earn in Missouri?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, auto mechanics in Missouri earn an average salary of about $39,350 per year.
However, location is one of the determining factors in the salary of an auto mechanic in Missouri. Working in metropolitan areas like Kansas City, St. Louis, or Springfield offers a higher salary for auto mechanics than in other places.
Another determining factor is the level of work experience and certifications obtained. The level of experience or years of work as an auto mechanic determines how much of a professional the auto mechanic is, which makes for increased pay.
Therefore, starting your career as an auto mechanic is a great decision.
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FAQ
How do I Get ASE Certified in Missouri?
To become ASE certified in Missouri and every other place worldwide, you must pass the certification exam.
To be eligible to take the exam, the candidate must have at least two years of work experience or one year of work experience alongside a certificate or degree of learning.
The auto mechanic must present proof of his work experience and earn a passing score in the ASE exam before the certification can be conferred.
How Long Does it Take to Become an Auto Mechanic in Missouri?
It takes approximately 2-3 years to become an Auto mechanic in Missouri.
You may spend about 2 years attending a technical school and one-year gathering relevant work experience.
ASE Certification requires about 2 years of work experience, of which one out of the years of training at the technical school can be counted as part of the required two years of work experience.
References
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