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Auto mechanics instructor education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become an auto mechanics instructor. Auto mechanics instructors usually study automotive technology, mechanical engineering, or business. 40% of auto mechanics instructors hold a bachelor's degree, and 23% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 300 real auto mechanics instructor resumes to see exactly what auto mechanics instructor education sections show.

The most common colleges for auto mechanics instructors are the Southern Illinois University Carbondale and the Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

There are also many online auto mechanics instructor courses to help get the education required to be an auto mechanics instructor.

What education do you need to become an auto mechanics instructor?

What degree do you need to be an auto mechanics instructor?

The most common degree for auto mechanics instructors is bachelor's degree, with 40% of auto mechanics instructors earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 23% and associate degree degree at 15%.
  • Bachelor's, 40%
  • Associate, 23%
  • Master's, 15%
  • Diploma, 10%
  • Other Degrees, 12%

What should I major in to become an auto mechanics instructor?

You should major in automotive technology to become an auto mechanics instructor. 14% of auto mechanics instructors major in automotive technology. Other common majors for an auto mechanics instructor include mechanical engineering and business.

Most common colleges for auto mechanics instructors

Auto mechanics instructors often get their degrees at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, University of Phoenix, and Syracuse University. Here are the most common colleges for auto mechanics instructors in the US based on their resumes.
Auto mechanics instructor common collegePercentages
Southern Illinois University Carbondale17.86%
University of Phoenix14.29%
Syracuse University7.14%
University of Dayton3.57%
Rice University3.57%

Best majors for auto mechanics instructors

Best colleges for auto mechanics instructors

The best colleges for auto mechanics instructors are Northwestern University, Johns Hopkins University, and Columbia University in the City of New York.

An auto mechanics instructor with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for auto mechanics instructors. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become auto mechanics instructors.

1. Cornell University

Ithaca, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$55,188

Enrollment

15,105

2. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

3. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$59,430

Enrollment

8,216

4. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

In-state tuition

$53,740

Enrollment

5,567

5. University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • Private

In-state tuition

$10,610

Enrollment

40,329

6. University of Wisconsin - Madison

Madison, WI • Private

In-state tuition

$10,555

Enrollment

30,360

7. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$53,948

Enrollment

17,238

8. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,354

Enrollment

7,083

9. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$15,094

Enrollment

32,974

10. Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • Private

In-state tuition

$9,992

Enrollment

33,495

20 best online courses for auto mechanics instructors

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1. Modelling and simulation of mechanical systems

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The course provides the principles of modelling and simulation of modern mechatronic systems, which are mechanical systems integrated with several types of sensors and actuators. The aim of the course is to show different methodologies to improve the potential of mechanical systems by transforming them into mechatronic systems based on virtual models. In particular, the lessons will be focused on case studies in three engineering fields: robotics, controlled electro-hydraulic actuators and...

2. Quantum Mechanics

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Course 2 of Statistical Thermodynamics presents an introduction to quantum mechanics at a level appropriate for those with mechanical or aerospace engineering backgrounds. Using a postulatory approach that describes the steps to follow, the Schrodinger wave equation is derived and simple solutions obtained that illustrate atomic and molecular structural behavior. More realistic behavior is also explored along with modern quantum chemistry numerical solution methods for solving the wave equation...

3. Maintenance Planning Basics

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4.4
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Understanding maintenance planning basics of successful maintenance department...

4. The Complete Engineering Mechanics Course

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4.5
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Master the fundamentals of mechanics, statics and applied physics and then solve real-world mechanics problems...

5. Exploring fluid mechanics using Wolfram notebook

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Exploring fluid mechanics using Wolfram notebook...

6. Quantum Mechanics for Engineers

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This Specialization is intended for engineers seeking to acquire fundamental understanding of quantum mechanics which are the basis of modern electrical, mechanical and quantum engineering. Through 3 courses, you will learn (1) basic concepts such as superposition and entanglement of quantum states, measurement in quantum mechanics and uncertainty principle, (2) mathematical tools needed to describe and manipulate quantum states, (3) advanced theory of angular momentum and (4) approximation...

7. Mechanical design and Product development process

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Learn the basic ideas and concepts behind developing mechanical products related to mechanical engineering...

8. Mechanics / Statics - Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

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Engineering Solid Mechanics / Engineering Statics...

9. Maintenance Management Basics

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Crucial knowledge and practices for successful maintenance department...

10. Reliability and Maintenance Engineering - FMEA

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Failure Mode and Effects Analysis - A mechanical engineering approach to risk management of plant and machinery...

11. Automobile Engineering: Vehicle dynamics for Beginners

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Introductory course on the mechanics which govern vehicle behavior and the Suspension design concepts...

12. AutoCAD Mechanical 2D and 3D for Beginners to Advanced

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Auto CAD Mechanical Engineering/ Drawing / Drafting / Design in 2D and 3D...

13. Garnett Cross Training in the Maintenance of Oil Hydraulics

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This course will prepare you to work with hydraulic systems, plan maintenance and perform troubleshooting...

14. Learn AutoCAD 2023- 21 Mechanical 2D and 3D Complete Course

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Autodesk Auto CAD 2023- 21 for Mechanical Engineer, Beginner to Advanced Auto CAD Course for 2D, 3D and advanced commands...

15. Engineering Mechanics: Statics

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The Study of Objects in Equilibrium...

16. Basics of Material selection for mechanical design engineers

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Learn about the fundamentals of materials and their selection for mechanical engineering design for design engineers...

17. High Voltage Electric Vehicle Safety

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Electric Vehicle Safety Battery Pack Fire Safety Electric Shock Safety Accidental Safety High Voltage Components...

18. Python for Mechanical Engineers

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Learn Python to solve problems in mechanical fields...

19. Data Center Essentials: Mechanical & Cooling

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The mechanical cooling systems that support data centers and the internet...

20. OSHA Safety Pro: Trenching Excavation & Soil Mechanics

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A quick yet detailed certification in OSHA safety with a focus on Trenching, Excavation, & Soil Mechanics...

Top 10 most affordable universities for auto mechanics instructors

The most affordable schools for auto mechanics instructors are University of Florida, california state university - long beach, and california state university - los angeles.

If the best universities for auto mechanics instructors are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for auto mechanics instructors.

1. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,381

Cost of attendance

21,034

2. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

3. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,749

Cost of attendance

14,823

4. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Socorro, NM • Private

In-state tuition

$7,770

Cost of attendance

21,244

5. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

6. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

7. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$5,656

Cost of attendance

21,623

8. Florida International University

Miami, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,556

Cost of attendance

19,434

9. California State University - Fullerton

Fullerton, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,886

Cost of attendance

17,645

10. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$4,094

Cost of attendance

14,302

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for auto mechanics instructors

The hardest universities for auto mechanics instructors to get into are Northwestern University, Johns Hopkins University, and Columbia University in the City of New York.

Some great schools for auto mechanics instructors are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for auto mechanics instructors based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,508

2. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,513

3. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

6%

SAT average

1,512

4. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

4%

SAT average

1,497

5. Cornell University

Ithaca, NY • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,471

6. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

7. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,420

8. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

Admissions rate

5%

SAT average

1,520

9. Tufts University

Medford, MA • Private

Admissions rate

15%

SAT average

1,461

10. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

17%

SAT average

1,507

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for auto mechanics instructors

The easiest schools for auto mechanics instructors to get into are The University of Texas Permian Basin, saint martin's university, and midwestern state university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as an auto mechanics instructor without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for auto mechanics instructors.

1. The University of Texas Permian Basin

Odessa, TX • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,046

2. Saint Martin's University

Lacey, WA • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,111

3. Midwestern State University

Wichita Falls, TX • Private

Admissions rate

71%

SAT average

1,033

4. Nyack College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

98%

SAT average

999

5. Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Valley, PA • Private

Admissions rate

92%

SAT average

1,031

6. Life University

Marietta, GA • Private

Admissions rate

94%

SAT average

979

7. San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA • Private

Admissions rate

72%

SAT average

1,054

8. Texas A&M University - Kingsville

Kingsville, TX • Private

Admissions rate

89%

SAT average

1,035

9. Wayland Baptist University

Plainview, TX • Private

Admissions rate

98%

SAT average

1,003

10. Felician University

Lodi, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

81%

SAT average

999

Average auto mechanics instructor salary by education level

Auto mechanics instructors with a Doctorate degree earn more than those without, at $77,824 annually. With a Master's degree, auto mechanics instructors earn a median annual income of $75,852 compared to $52,299 for auto mechanics instructors with an Bachelor's degree.
Auto mechanics instructor education levelAuto mechanics instructor salary
Master's Degree$75,852
Bachelor's Degree$52,299
Doctorate Degree$77,824

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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