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Head mechanic education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a head mechanic. Head mechanics usually study automotive technology, mechanical engineering, or business. 37% of head mechanics hold a high school diploma, and 22% hold an bachelor's degree. We analyzed 2,300 real head mechanic resumes to see exactly what head mechanic education sections show.
The most common colleges for head mechanics are the Carnegie Mellon University and the Carnegie Mellon University.
There are also many online head mechanic courses to help get the education required to be a head mechanic.
What education do you need to become a head mechanic?
What degree do you need to be a head mechanic?
- High School Diploma, 37%
- Bachelor's, 22%
- Associate, 21%
- Diploma, 10%
- Other Degrees, 10%
What should I major in to become a head mechanic?
- Business, 9%
- Other Majors, 40%
Most common colleges for head mechanics
| Head mechanic common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University | 12.96% |
| Pennsylvania State University | 7.41% |
| Ferris State University | 5.56% |
| Vincennes University | 5.56% |
| South College | 5.56% |
Best majors for head mechanics
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Automotive Technology | 29.8% |
| 2 | Mechanical Engineering | 14.7% |
| 3 | Business | 9.2% |
| 4 | Electrical Engineering | 6.1% |
| 5 | Mechanical Engineering Technology | 4.8% |
Best colleges for head mechanics
The best colleges for head mechanics are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Rochester.
A head mechanic with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for head mechanics. 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 head mechanics.
1. SUNY College of Technology at Alfred
Alfred, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,570
Enrollment
3,721
2. Dunwoody College of Technology
Minneapolis, MN • Private
In-state tuition
$22,046
Enrollment
1,294
3. SUNY College of Technology at Delhi
Delhi, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,360
Enrollment
3,142
4. Northern Michigan University
Marquette, MI • Private
In-state tuition
$10,729
Enrollment
6,722
5. New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM • Private
In-state tuition
$6,686
Enrollment
11,139
6. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$51,354
Enrollment
7,083
7. University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM • Private
In-state tuition
$7,633
Enrollment
17,321
8. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,306
Enrollment
9,394
9. Siena Heights University
Adrian, MI • Private
In-state tuition
$27,124
Enrollment
2,035
10. Harvard University
Cambridge, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$50,420
Enrollment
7,582
20 best online courses for head mechanics
Advertising disclosure
1. Modelling and simulation of mechanical systems
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 for Engineers
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...
3. Diesel Engine Fundamentals (Mechanical Engineering)
Learn about the diesel engine! Ideal for Automotive Engineering and Automobile Engineering!...
4. Electrical Control & Protection Part 4
This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical network...
5. Mechanics / Statics - Introduction to Mechanical Engineering
Engineering Solid Mechanics / Engineering Statics...
6. The Complete Engineering Mechanics Course
Master the fundamentals of mechanics, statics and applied physics and then solve real-world mechanics problems...
7. Mechanical design and Product development process
Learn the basic ideas and concepts behind developing mechanical products related to mechanical engineering...
8. Electric Vehicle Battery Management System - Course
Battery management system battery design & modelling Electric vehicle Lithium ion battery management Simulation...
9. Python for Mechanical Engineers
Learn Python to solve problems in mechanical fields...
10. Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering Explained
Learn how things work! Boilers, engines, valves, transformers, pumps, learn it all in this constantly growing course!...
11. Rotating Equipment Masterclass: Pumps & Compressors
A compelete understanding of pumps & compressors used in process industries for a successful operation of your facility...
12. HVAC Psychrometry, Air Handling System and Duct Selection
Build your knowledge systematically, from building cooling load estimation, to sizing and selection of AHU and ductings...
13. Automobile Engineering: Vehicle dynamics for Beginners
Introductory course on the mechanics which govern vehicle behavior and the Suspension design concepts...
14. Data Center Essentials: Mechanical & Cooling
The mechanical cooling systems that support data centers and the internet...
15. Electrical Control & Protection Systems
This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical substation...
16. Basics of Material selection for mechanical design engineers
Learn about the fundamentals of materials and their selection for mechanical engineering design for design engineers...
17. Electrical Control & Protection Part 3
This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical network...
18. Internal Combustion Engine Basics (Mechanical Engineering)
Learn how internal combustion engines work! Learn all of a combustion engine's main components and how they work!...
19. Control Systems Made Simple Beginner's Guide
Learn fundamentals of Mechanical & electrical system modeling, simulation and control with this unique practical course!...
20. Electrical Control & Protection Systems part 2
This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical substation...
Top 10 most affordable universities for head mechanics
The most affordable schools for head mechanics are SUNY Farmingdale, baruch college of the city university of new york, and brooklyn college of the city university of new york.
If the best universities for head mechanics 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 head mechanics.
1. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,306
Cost of attendance
16,091
2. Baruch College of the City University of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,262
Cost of attendance
14,046
3. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York
Brooklyn, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,240
Cost of attendance
13,991
4. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,620
Cost of attendance
18,136
5. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN • Private
In-state tuition
$9,992
Cost of attendance
22,430
6. USF Sarasota-Manatee
Sarasota, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$5,587
Cost of attendance
13,043
7. Clayton State University
Morrow, GA • Private
In-state tuition
$5,419
Cost of attendance
17,697
8. Minot State University
Minot, ND • Private
In-state tuition
$7,064
Cost of attendance
15,576
9. Florida International University
Miami, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,556
Cost of attendance
19,434
10. Southern University at New Orleans
New Orleans, LA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,033
Cost of attendance
12,702
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for head mechanics
The hardest universities for head mechanics to get into are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Rochester.
Some great schools for head mechanics 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 head mechanics 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. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
Admissions rate
4%
SAT average
1,497
2. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,508
3. University of Rochester
Rochester, NY • Private
Admissions rate
29%
SAT average
1,422
4. Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN • Private
Admissions rate
10%
SAT average
1,514
5. University of Tulsa
Tulsa, OK • Private
Admissions rate
41%
SAT average
1,321
6. Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD • Private
Admissions rate
11%
SAT average
1,513
7. SUNY at Binghamton
Vestal, NY • Private
Admissions rate
40%
SAT average
1,376
8. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN • Private
Admissions rate
58%
SAT average
1,309
9. Providence College
Providence, RI • Private
Admissions rate
49%
SAT average
1,294
10. Clemson University
Clemson, SC • Private
Admissions rate
47%
SAT average
1,337
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for head mechanics
The easiest schools for head mechanics to get into are Notre Dame de Namur University, life university, and nyack college.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a head mechanic 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 head mechanics.
1. Notre Dame de Namur University
Belmont, CA • Private
Admissions rate
82%
SAT average
983
2. Life University
Marietta, GA • Private
Admissions rate
94%
SAT average
979
3. Nyack College
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
98%
SAT average
999
4. D'Youville College
Buffalo, NY • Private
Admissions rate
100%
SAT average
1,072
5. University of North Texas at Dallas
Dallas, TX • Private
Admissions rate
83%
SAT average
992
6. Gwynedd Mercy University
Gwynedd Valley, PA • Private
Admissions rate
92%
SAT average
1,031
7. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Standish, ME • Private
Admissions rate
84%
SAT average
1,069
8. LIM College
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
83%
SAT average
1,061
9. La Roche College
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
Admissions rate
99%
SAT average
1,008
10. Saint Martin's University
Lacey, WA • Private
Admissions rate
96%
SAT average
1,111
Average head mechanic salary by education level
| Head mechanic education level | Head mechanic salary |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or Less | $115,651 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $130,749 |
| Some College/ Associate Degree | $118,317 |
Head mechanic education FAQs
Have more questions? See all answers to common installation, maintenance and repair questions.
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Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025