Alabama 2008 MSA Employment Wage Estimate
Name of Program Automotive Service Technology
| Occupational Title | Entry Level | Experienced |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $9.94/hr | $18.63/hr |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairers | $12.54/hr | $24.81/hr |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialist | $12.60/hr | $18.72/hr |
| Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | $13.90/hr | $20.20/hr |
Automotive Service Technology
Automotive Service Technology consists of testing, diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining the mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems of the modern automobile.
The Associate Degree in Automotive Service Technology at H. Councill Trenholm State Technical College is designed to teach a student the basic principles of all eight areas of the National Automotive Service Excellence certification (engine repair, automatic transmissions/transaxle, manual drive train and axles, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical/electronic systems, heating and air conditioning, and engine performance) as required by industry today.
Occupational Choices
The graduates of the Automotive Program have technical skills and knowledge that prepares them to enter varied fields. They can go into parts distribution, retail parts sales, tractor mechanics, truck repair, automotive manufacturing plants and the related suppliers. The Automotive Program graduates can go into the manufacturing industry where assembly and repair is needed. Most go into dealerships or independent automotive and/or truck repair facilities.
Average Full-Time Wage
Automotive Service Technology is rapidly increasing in sophistication, and job prospects are far above average. As the need for specialized technicians grows, there is an increasing demand for entry level automotive technicians. Median hourly earnings of automotive service technicians and mechanics, including commission, were $15.60 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $11.35 and $20.75 per hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $8.70, and the highest 10 percent earned more that $26.22 per hour.*
Awards
Associate Degree in Applied Technology in Automotive Service Technology
Certificate in Automotive Service Technology
Specialized Training Certificate in Automotive Service Technology
Estimated Length & Cost*
| Tuition Award | Length & Fees | Credit Hours | Books | Tools | Supplies |
| Associate Degree | 6 Terms $6,840 | 76 | $250 | $750 | $0 |
| Certificate | 6 Terms $5,400 | 61 | $250 | $750 | $0 |
| Spec. Training Certificate | 4 Terms $2,520 | 28 | $250 | $750 | $0 |
*Tax not included. Prices are subject to change without prior notice; cost of books may vary considerably among suppliers. The length of the program is based on full-time status of 12-15 credit hours per term. Enrollment in transitional level general education courses will alter the length of the program.
**Data obtained from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2006-2007.
