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Vehicle mechanic education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Usually, vehicle mechanics don't need a college education. The most common degree for vehicle mechanics is high school diploma with 42% graduates, with only 26% vehicle mechanic graduates earning associate degree. Vehicle mechanics who decided to graduate from college often finish Texas A&M; University - Central Texas or University of Phoenix. Some good skills to have in this position include hand tools, electrical systems and diesel engines.

Popular vehicle mechanic certifications include EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA), Air Conditioning Service Certification, or Certified Maintenance Manager (CMM). To improve vehicle mechanic qualification and skills, we prepared some online courses to help in vehicle mechanic education paths.

What education do you need to become a vehicle mechanic?

What degree do you need to be a vehicle mechanic?

The most common degree for vehicle mechanics is high school diploma, with 42% of vehicle mechanics earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 26% and associate degree degree at 17%.
  • High School Diploma, 42%
  • Associate, 26%
  • Bachelor's, 17%
  • Diploma, 10%
  • Other Degrees, 5%

What should I major in to become a vehicle mechanic?

You should major in automotive technology to become a vehicle mechanic. 31% of vehicle mechanics major in automotive technology. Other common majors for a vehicle mechanic include general studies and business.

Best majors for vehicle mechanics

RankMajorPercentages
1Automotive Technology31.1%
2General Studies13.3%
3Business13.1%
4Criminal Justice8.9%
5Education3.2%

20 best online courses for vehicle mechanics

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1. Electric Vehicle Battery Management System - Course

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4. Electric Vehicle Technology - A Beginner's Course

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Electric Vehicle Tech & Components Motors Battery management system Charging technology Electric Vehicle testing...

5. Automobile Engineering: Vehicle dynamics for Beginners

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

6. Mastering Advanced Battery Management for Electric Vehicle

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ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM DESIGN EV LITHIUM ION BMS SELECTION COMPONT SIZING JOB COMM...

7. Electric Vehicle Battery Charging Motor Components - Basics

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ELECTRIC VEHICLE BASICS LITHIUM ION BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM CHARGING TECHNOLOGY MOTOR EV COMPONENT BMS JOB...

8. Electric Vehicle Education

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4
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Vehicle Types, Nomenclature, How They Work, Charging, Performance, Cost of Ownership, Features, Benefits, And More.....

9. Lithium Battery Technology for Electric Vehicle - Advanced

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Electric Vehicle Batteries Selection Sizing Methods Battery Management BMS Pack Design Battery Testing Methods...

10. Railway Systems Engineering (Equivalent to Micro MSc )

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11. Electric Vehicle Crash Course

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EV Projects & Prototype Development...

12. Electrical Control & Protection Systems

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This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical substation...

13. Electric Vehicle basics

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Learn the basics of an electric car...

14. Control Systems Made Simple Beginner's Guide

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Learn fundamentals of Mechanical & electrical system modeling, simulation and control with this unique practical course!...

15. Operating Systems Final Part (4): File Systems & Threads

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Learn the concepts of Operating Systems from scratch as Operating System forms the core of Computer Science...

16. Product Development & Systems Engineering

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The complete Product Development & Systems Engineering course! Earn 25 contact hours AND prepare to take the INCOSE Exam...

17. Hybrid Vehicles - The Fundamentals & Operating Principles

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Become a pro in Hybrid Vehicle Operations, Functions & Fundamentals...

18. Electrical Control & Protection Systems part 2

udemy
4.7
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This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical substation...

19. Electric Motor Design for Electric Vehicle's - Advanced

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4.4
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Advanced Level - Case studies on electric powertrain technology of automotive OEM's...

20. Systems Innovation

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Learn systems innovation - the new systems-based approach to enabling transformative change within complex organizations...

Average vehicle mechanic salary by education level

Vehicle mechanics with a Bachelor's degree earn more than those without, at $45,793 annually. With a Associate degree, vehicle mechanics earn a median annual income of $45,623 compared to $42,624 for vehicle mechanics with an High School Diploma degree.
Vehicle mechanic education levelVehicle mechanic salary
High School Diploma or Less$42,624
Bachelor's Degree$45,793
Some College/ Associate Degree$45,623

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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