Finding the best auto mechanic schools in Washington and the requirements you need to meet to apply to study any of the automotive programs can be a little bit difficult and draining.
When looking for schools to study at in Washington and become a mechanic, you will want to gather all your options for auto mechanic colleges before deciding where to study to become an automotive engineer.
This article will cover every aspect of Washington auto mechanic schools. This article’s contents will guide you to learn about the best auto mechanic schools you can apply to, as well as the various requirements required in these schools.
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Who is an Auto Mechanic?
An auto mechanic is anyone trained, be it female or male, to understand the workings of a vehicle.
An auto mechanic fixes vehicles and replaces their parts for customers. Their duties include repairing the vehicle’s mechanical components, diagnosing problems with cars and trucks, and performing all-around maintenance work on them.
Types of Auto Mechanics
Auto mechanics is a vast subject. And as such, anybody wanting to explore this career option must understand the various available options.
Here are the various types of auto mechanic options for future professionals that you should know before enrolling in any of the schools in Washington:
1. Welding mechanic
A welding mechanic, also known as a welder, uses different welding tools and equipment to bond metals into diverse parts while maintaining the original structure.
Welding technicians are very skilled in welding structural steel and heavy machinery.
Welding technicians work in construction, automobiles, shipbuilding, and railroad manufacturing.
A welding technician earns around $43,000 on average income per annum.
2. Motorcycle mechanic
Motorcycle mechanics are experts in diagnosing and repairing defective motorcycle parts, including the engine, suspension, brake, lights, and fuel system.
Also, motorcycle mechanics are certified, and they get their certification from specific motorcycle manufacturers. They also earn their qualifications from technical schools where they study auto mechanics and are trained to troubleshoot and repair motorcycle parts.
A motorcycle mechanic earns up to approximately $38,000 per annum.
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3. Boat Mechanic
Boat mechanics inspect, repair, and troubleshoot speed boat propellers, steering systems, and engine problems of boats of all kinds, including ships, canoes, and speed boats.
Most boat mechanics work at a boat company. And one advantage of being a boat mechanic is that you get to work independently.
Sometimes, boat mechanics work on-site when they need to fix large boats and ascertain the boat’s problems. Their expertise is a combination of both apprenticeship and technical school experiences.
Boat mechanics earn an average of$38,000 per annum with an opportunity for constant career growth and development.
4. Bicycle Mechanic
Bicycle mechanics are yet another type of mechanic specializing in repairing and maintaining only bicycles. It is also advisable for bicycle mechanics to specialize in other areas since many states don’t frequently use bicycles.
Their job also involves assembling new bicycle parts at bicycle sales stores and also selling bicycles. This kind of mechanic may not earn as much as auto mechanics because of the specialty of the job.
However, their average annual salary is about $27,000. Also, becoming a bicycle mechanic is not as demanding compared to starting a career as a professional auto mechanic or technician.
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Is Becoming an Auto Mechanic in Washington a Good Career Choice in 2023
Yes, it is;
Becoming a successful auto mechanic in Washington can be the start of an enduring and satisfying career.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says automotive service is a growing and expanding industry with a high demand for skilled workers that is growing daily.
So now is the best time to enroll in any automotive school in Washington to train to become an auto mechanic.
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What are the Requirements Needed for one to Become an Automechanic in Washington?Â
Becoming an auto mechanic involves basic knowledge of automotive education, work or apprenticeship experience, certification, and, eventually, training to renew your skills.
Certification, which comes from an organization named the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or the Inter-industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), is not just a way of demonstrating your aptitude but also how good and valuable you are in your chosen field.
While not mandatory for employment, it’s a virtual and essential requirement for advancing in the ranks of auto mechanics. It does not look crucial from afar, but upon closer examination, it is regarded and acknowledged, especially for one intending to advance their auto mechanic career.
The ASE certification must be renewed every five years. Some zealous and dedicated mechanics may attend extra classes to learn new skills or improve their technique.
How to Become an Auto Mechanic in Washington?Â
To become an auto mechanic, you usually need to undertake an apprenticeship as an automotive technician after completing any selected automotive program of your choice.
Before enrolling in any college, you must have completed your high school education, followed by an apprenticeship from the college or automotive industries, which can take up to 42 to 48 months to complete and is both available at a school.
Several colleges within the state of Washington offer certificate or associate’s degree programs in automotive technology after completing the various programs. This is the second aspect; the primary aspect includes dedication, commitment, and studiousness.
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What Type of License is Available to Auto Mechanics in Washington?
ASE Certified Mechanics assures you that the person behind that wrench has more than just basic car knowledge and is a master mechanic who has proven that they have skills and knowledge.
Having one or more certifications from the ASE is one of the highest levels of certification a mechanic can receive.
Although you don’t need formal qualifications to become a mechanic, many mechanics start with an apprenticeship or some form of structured training, either full-time or while on the job.
After graduation, students can sit for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exams. Though many employers prefer voluntary ASE credentials.
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List of the Top 10 Best Mechanic Schools in Washington
Now you know what the automotive career path is like, here is a list of schools and colleges in Washington that will train you on this career professionally:
#1. Walla Walla Community College, Washington
With five different campuses in the Pacific Northwest, WWU traces its origins to 1892. It was founded and is operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church; WWU provides over 100 programs to over 1,500 students annually.
Students can enroll in a dual-degree program and earn an associate’s degree in automotive technology, diesel technology, or auto body repair technology. After completion of the first year of the associate’s degree program, the automotive repair technology certificate may be awarded to them.
Automotive programs at WWU include associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in automotive technology, along with a bachelor’s degree in automotive management. Students can earn associate degrees in two years or less than two years. Each bachelor’s program includes roughly four years of coursework and practical experience.
WWU College operates a student-run auto shop where learners, students, and apprentices can receive valuable experience, work on what they’ve learned, and earn money while enrolled.
The Northwest Commission accredits Walla Walla University through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
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#2. Vancouver’s Clark College
Vancouver College is a public college with a tuition fee of $3,653 for in-state students and $8,843 for out-of-state students. The school offers three associate’s degree programs and two certificate programs in automotive technology.
The various auto mechanics programs offered are as follows;
- Associate in Applied Science in Toyota Technology
- Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology
- Associate in Applied Technology in Automotive Technology
Automotive Technician Skills Certificate (Basic and Advanced)
The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) and Associate in Applied Technology (A.A.T.) programs offer identical automotive technology curricula, so you can do both of these programs; you have to pick one.
However, students in the A.A.S. take general education courses in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences to have a balanced education.
The school offers a fast track that supports and encourages evening classes; this program allows students to complete the Associate in Applied Science program in Automotive Technology in 14 months during the evenings.
The college also partners with prominent vehicle industries like Toyota to provide specialized training through the Toyota Technical Education Network (T-TEN), allowing A.A.S. students interested in specializing in Toyota vehicle technology.
Students pursuing this specialization must complete an internship at a Toyota dealership. A.A.S. College also offers certificate programs in basic and advanced automotive technician skills. Hence, it is one of the best automotive schools to train to become an auto mechanic in Washington, DC.
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#3. Clover Park Technical College
Clover Park Technical College is located in Lakewood, a suburban 2-year public school. The tuition fee for both in-state and out-of-state students is $5,105 and $13,128.
These costs do not include other additional fees charged by the school. The school offers various degree programs in automotive technology, which are:
- Automotive Engine Repair Certificate.
- Automotive Front End and Brakes Certificate.
- Automotive DriveTrain Technician Certificate.
- Hybrid Alternative Fuel Maintenance Certificate.
- Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology.
- Associate in Applied Technology in Automotive Technology.
- Automotive Electrical and Air Conditioning/Heating Certificate.
- Ford Motor Company Light Maintenance and Repair Certificate.
- Associate in Applied Science in Hybrid Alternative Fuel Maintenance.
- Associate in Applied Technology in Hybrid Alternative Fuel Maintenance.
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#4. Pasco-based Columbia Basin College
The Pasco-based college offers a variety of auto mechanic programs for a tuition fee of $2,040 for in-state students and $3,028 for out-of-state students. Programs offered by the school include:
- Automotive Technology Certificate.
- Basic Automotive Technician Certificate.
- Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology.
- Hybrid and High Voltage Vehicle Maintenance Certificate.
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#5. Green River Community College
Green River Community College is one of Washington’s best auto mechanic schools in Auburn College. The In-state and out-of-state tuition fee for students is $1,806 and $1,973, respectively.
The school offers these programs:
- Transmission and Transaxle Certificate.
- Brakes, Steering and Suspension Certificate.
- Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology.
Automotive tech students must hold a valid driver’s license.
Associate’s degree program and participants taking courses in leadership, oral communication, and writing in addition to automotive technology coursework.
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#6. Seattle Community College
The Seattle Community College, located in the south of Washington, offers various automotive programs with the option to accept transfer students who intend to join the institution. Various Programs Offered in the institution include:
- Minor Certificate.
- Master Certificate.
- Engine Repair Certificate.
- Brakes and Suspension Certificate.
- General Service Technician Certificate
- Introduction to Automotive Certificate.
- Transmission and Transaxle Certificate.
- Electrical/Electronics and HVAC Certificate.
- Engine Performance/ Drivability Certificate.
- Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology.
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#7. Shoreline Community College
This institution is located in Shoreline and is a 2-year public suburban school. The tuition fee for both in-state and out-of-state students is $1,395 in-state and $2,325, respectively.
The school offers an Associate degree in Applied Arts and Sciences in an Automotive Technology program that works with Chrysler, General Motors, Honda, and Toyota.
All students must complete an 11-week automotive technology training program and 11 weeks of hands-on experience at a local automotive dealership.Â
The associate’s degree program takes approximately two years to complete. Most automotive dealer internships are paid, and students receive various certifications after the internship.
Another certificate offered is the general service technician certificate, which consists of two quarters of academic study and a compulsory internship at a local dealership that lasts one quarter. The general service technician certificate program isn’t manufacturer-specific, which means every mechanic student can get certified.
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#8. Skagit valley college
Skagit Valley College is one of the automotive schools in Washington that trains students to become auto mechanics. The College is a 2-year public school in a small city. As of 2015, in-state tuition was $1,662, and out-of-state tuition was $2,123 for 18 credits. Programs offered include:
- General Automotive Certificate.
- Transmission Specialist Certificate.
- Automotive Parts Specialist Certificate.
- Light Maintenance Technician Certificate.
- Automotive Services Advisor/Writer Certificate.
- Associate in Technical Arts in Automotive Technology.
- Alignment/ Suspension and Brake Specialist Certificate.
- Automotive Electronics and Diagnostics Specialist Certificate.
Automotive technology courses offered by this institution include automotive electrical, automotive engines, and alternative automotive fuels.
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#9. South Puget Community College
Based in Olympia, South Puget Community College is a public school in a small city. The tuition fee for both in-state students and out-of-state students ranges from $2,217 to $5,145 for a total of 25 credits of courses.
The school offers an Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology program. Students complete general education requirements in addition to automotive technology core coursework.
The Cooperative Work Experience program provides credit to students who work part-time for a local automotive company. Additionally, the college provides the Automotive Technology certificate at the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.
South Puget Community College is one of the best auto mechanic schools in Washington, DC, that trains you to become an automotive technician.
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#10. Spokane Community College
This school is located about 4.5 miles from downtown Spokane. Spokane Community College is a public school in a mid-size city. The tuition fees for both in-state and out-of-state tuition are $2,550 and $3,216, respectively.
The school offers these various programs:
- Engine Repair Certificate.
- Electronics/Electrical Certificate.
- Automotive Technology Certificate.
- Brakes and Suspension Certificate.
- Engine Performance/Air Conditioning Certificate.
- Automotive Transmissions and Transaxles Certificate.
- Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology.
Associate’s degree programs include a general automotive technology curriculum and a Toyota specialization curriculum. This program requires six quarters of study to increase an auto mechanic’s chance to work with social car model companies and industries.
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Are There Apprenticeship Programs Available for Automotive in Auto Mechanic Schools in Washington?
An apprenticeship program is advanced training whereby auto mechanic students are involved in life experiences and practicals which involve working with a vehicle.
There are various apprenticeship programs for students, either offered by the college or automotive industries, with an option to retain students who did well in the apprenticeship program to work in the industry.
How Much do Auto Mechanics Make in Washington?
Do Car Mechanics Make Good Money in Washington?
The answer is yes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, automotive service technicians and mechanics make a median annual wage of $44,050 as of May 2020.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington’s Best Automotive Schools
Do you Need a License to Become an Auto Mechanic in Washington?
Thankfully throughout the State of Washington, a good automobile service technician is not required to get a license to work on cars!
However, the fact that there’s no structured or national qualification does not imply most auto mechanics are equally eligible for a role in an automotive repair center.
How Long Would it Take to Become an Auto Mechanic in Washington?
Vocational and post-secondary automotive service technology programs range from 6-12 months and 2 to 4 years, after which you get your ASE certificate.Â
These pathways and procedures offer career preparation through classroom instruction and direct practical learning experience.
How Much do Auto Mechanics Make Per Year in Washington?
In addition to opportunities to be hired, mechanics in the state earn great salaries for this skilled trade and are dedicated and committed.
In 2017, according to the BLS, the average salary for an auto service technician in Washington was $48,290 per year, and the top earners made $73,950.
Diesel and truck mechanics earned an annual average of $53,640, while top earners made $75,170. Remember, the more you become skilled, the more your earnings increase.Â
Are There Job Opportunities for Auto Mechanics in Washington
With the appropriate training and education, you can choose your type of job in Washington and where you choose to work. Most employers in the state prefer to hire graduates of automotive technology programs with also apprenticeship experience.
Employers include dealerships, service stations and gas stations, body and paint shops, and oil change shops. If you complete a certificate or degree program, you should be able to find an entry-level job in any of these types of facilities and, with time, develop yourself and further your skills.
Can Ladies and Women. Study Auto MechanicsÂ
Yes, they can. Everything is possible; if you can dream, why not achieve it? Your Gender shouldn’t generalize your life to a certain level.
As a young lady, you have what it takes and have fulfilled the requirements. Then Soar and Roar As An Auto mechanic.Â
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