If you’re passionate about cars and you enjoy working with your hands, a career as an auto mechanic may be the right fit for you.
On average, auto service technicians and mechanics in Alabama earned $42,360 per year as of May 2024, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
An Auto Mechanic works on engines, brakes, transmissions, electrical components, and a variety of other systems.
Before being ready to apply for your first job as an auto mechanic, you have to learn a few skills, such as:
- Identifying mechanical and electrical problems in vehicles
- Conducting routine maintenance tasks
- Replacing worn and damaged parts
- Explaining vehicle problems to customers
- Ensuring safety procedures are followed
- And more
All these skills can be learned through a post-secondary program at a trade school or community college.
To help you choose the program and the format that best meet your needs and career aspirations, on this page, we have compiled information about the best auto mechanic schools in Alabama.
#1Lawson State Community College
About the School
Lawson State Community College offers programs for students who want to enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year college.
The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate degree.
The college has two campuses: Birmingham and Bessemer.
Courses Offered
The Automotive Mechanics program prepares students for a career as an automotive technician on all makes and models of vehicles.
The program focuses on hands-on experiences and teaches students:
- How to diagnose and repair problems in engines, drive trains, brakes, electrical systems, suspensions, and transmission systems.
- Prepare for the Automotive Service Excellence certifications.
The following degree options are available:
- Associate in Occupational Technologies Degree: 73 Credit hours
- Certificate: 49 credit hours
- Short Certificate: 28 credit hours
Contact Information
- Address: 3060 Wilson Road, SW, Birmingham, AL 35221
- Phone: 205.925.2515
- Website: https://www.lawsonstate.edu
#2Coastal Alabama Community College
About the School
Coastal Alabama Community College offers programs in a variety of areas of study, including industry, manufacturing, and construction.
The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate degree.
Courses Offered
Coastal Alabama Community College offers the following Automotive Mechanics courses:
- Fundamentals of Automotive Technology
- Electrical Fundamentals
- Braking Systems
- Steering and Suspension
- Automotive Engine
- Drain Train and Axles
- Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning
- Electrical and Electronic System
- Advanced Automotive Engines
- Manual Transmission and Transaxle
- Auto Transmission and Transaxle
- Engine Performance
- Engine Performance and Diagnostics
- Automotive Emissions
In-state tuition is $129 per credit hour.
Contact Information
- Address: 6574 AL Hwy 21, Atmore, AL 36502
- Phone: (800) 381-3722
- Website: https://www.coastalalabama.edu
#3Drake State Community & Technical College
Drake State Community & Technical College offers educational programs designed to help students pursue their dream careers.
Courses Offered
The Automotive Service program at Drake State Community & Technical College is designed to provide the educational background and practical training that prepares students with the skills to repair today’s cars and light trucks.
The program has received ASE Training Program accreditation by the ASE Education Foundation.
Drake State’s automotive program has been accredited by the Master Automobile Service Technology.
The following program options are available:
- Automotive Technology- a program that leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree
- Automotive Electrical 9-Hour Short Certificate
- Automotive Technology 24-Hour Short Certificate
- Brakes and Suspensions 9-Hours Short Certificate
- Engine Repair 9-Hours Short Certificate
- Hybrid and Electric Vehicles Short Certificate
Contact Information
- Address: 3421 Meridian Street North, Huntsville, AL 35811
- Phone: 256-539-8161
- Website: https://drakestate.edu
#4Calhoun Community College
About the School
Calhoun Community College offers more than 150 local, in-person, and hybrid programs.
The college offers an opportunity for every type of student to launch their career, across North Alabama and beyond.
Courses Offered
The Advanced Automotive Technology program at Calhoun Community College is a comprehensive four-semester program that prepares students for employment as automotive technicians.
Students who complete the program may earn an Associate in Applied Science degree upon completing the program.
The following paths are available at the college:
- Automotive Technology Associate in Applied Science
- Automotive Electrician Technician Short-Term Certificate
- Brakes and Suspension Technician Short-Term Certificate
- Engines Technician Short-Term Certificate
- Tune Up or Drivability Technician Short-Term Certificate
- Equipment Service- Electrical Certificate
The Automotive Electrician Technician Short-Term Certificate includes courses such as:
- Electrical Fundamentals
- Electrical and Electronic Systems
- Advanced Electrical and Electronic Systems
Contact Information
- Address: 6250 Hwy 31 North Tanner, AL, 35671
- Phone: 256-306-2500
- Website: https://calhoun.edu
#5Southern Union State Community College
About the School
Southern Union State Community College offers an Automotive Service Technology program designed to prepare individuals for employment in the automotive service industry.
Students prepare for careers as automotive service technicians, service advisors, parts salespersons, or automobile specialists.
The program emphasizes a combination of automotive mechanics theory and practical application necessary for successful entry-level employment.
Students prepare for the nationally recognized industry credentials for Automotive Service Excellence certification.
Courses Offered
The curriculum includes:
- Fundamentals of Automotive Technology
- Electrical Fundamentals
- Electrical and Electronic Systems
- Breaking Systems
- Automotive Engines
- Drive Train and Axles
- Advanced Automotive Engines
- Automotive Emissions
- AC/DC Machines
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 750 Roberts Street, Wadley, AL 36276
- Phone: 256-395-2211
- Website: https://www.suscc.edu
#6Wallace Community College
About the School
Wallace Community College offers an Automotive Technology program designed to provide students with the necessary educational background and practical training to repair today’s automobiles and light trucks.
The program combines theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
The program learning areas include:
- Automatic Transmissions
- Braking Systems
- Electrical and Electronic Systems
- Engine Performance
- Engine Repair
- Manual Transmissions
- Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning
- Suspension and Steering
The Automotive Technology program is accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation/Automotive Service Excellence.
The following degrees are available:
- Automotive Technology Associate’s Degree
- Automotive Technology Certificate
- Automotive Technology Short Certificate
Contact Information
- Address: 1141 Wallace Drive, Dothan, AL 36303
- Phone: 334.983.3521
- Website: https://www.wallace.edu
#7Wallace State
About the School
Wallace State offers more than 100 programs of study at its two campuses: Hanceville and Oneonta.
Students may earn in-demand degrees, certificates, and transfer options.
Courses Offered
Wallace State offers an Advanced Automotive Technology program that may lead to Associate in Applied Science Degrees, Certificates, or Short-Term Certificates.
Tuition varies depending on the credential pursued.
In-state students who want to earn a Certificate pay approximately $9,600.
The Certificate program awards 55 credits and is four-semester long.
Students take classes such as:
- Fundamentals of Automotive Technology
- Electrical Fundamentals
- Braking Systems
- Automotive Engines
- Drive Train and Axles
- Electrical And Electronic Systems
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 801 Main Street NW, P.O. Box 2000, Hanceville, AL 35077-2000
- Phone: (866) 350-9722
- Website: https://www.wallacestate.edu
#8Lurleen B. Wallace Community College
About the School
Lurleen B. Wallace Community College provides an Automotive Mechanics program that prepares students for careers in the automotive industry.
Graduates prepare to diagnose and repair common automobile problems and may find employment with automotive dealerships, garages, chain store repair shops, service stations, parts supply companies, or become independent business owners.
The Certificate program awards 60 credits and includes courses such as:
- Fundamentals of Automotive
- Electrical Fundamentals
- Engine Performance
- Braking Systems
- Steering and Suspension
- Auto Transmission and Transaxle
- Manual Transmission and Transaxle
- Introductory Technical Mathematics
- Hybrid & Electrical Vehicles
- Automotive Emissions
- And more
Lurleen B. Wallace Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate’s degree.
Contact Information
- Address: 750 Greenville By-Pass, Greenville, AL 36037
- Phone: 334-382-2133
- Website: https://www.lbwcc.edu
#9Bevill State Community College
About the School
Bevill State Community College has four main campuses and one instructional site.
The college offers university parallel and applied technology educational opportunities to over one-quarter million people in a seven-county area.
Courses Offered
Bevill State Community College offers a Vehicle Technology & Repair program.
The following degree options are available:
- Associate in Applied Science Degree
- Long-Term Certificate
The following concentration options are also offered:
- Automotive Service Excellence
- Diesel Technician
The program prepares technicians for employment in new vehicle dealerships, independent repair shops, auto body repair shops, fleet service centers, and rental organizations.
Students learn through a combination of classroom and lab activities.
Contact Information
- Address: 2631 Temple Avenue N, Fayette, Alabama 35555
- Website: https://www.bscc.edu
#10Trenholm State Community College
Trenholm State Community College offers programs that can fast-forward your career or provide you with a foundation for further education.
Courses Offered
The Automotive Service program is designed to teach students the basic principles of all eight areas of the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation certification, namely:
- Engine repair
- Automatic transmissions/transaxles
- Manual drive train and axles
- Suspension and steering
- Brakes
- Electrical/electronic systems
- Heating and air conditioning
- Engine Performance
H. Council Trenholm State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate degree.
Contact Information
- Address: 1225 Air Base Blvd, Montgomery, Alabama 36108
- Phone: 866-753-4544
- Website: https://www.trenholmstate.edu
Schools Summary Table
Auto Mechanic Average Salary in Alabama
Estimated Earnings Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
|
$30K
|
|
|
$49K
|
|
|
$77K
|
Auto Mechanic Salary by Metro Area in Alabama
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anniston-Oxford, AL | 230 | $46,180 | $22.20 | $69,940 | $28,890 |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL | 300 | $48,640 | $23.39 | $73,770 | $31,080 |
| Birmingham, AL | 2,450 | $54,270 | $26.09 | $84,350 | $33,320 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | 490 | $50,890 | $24.47 | $78,090 | $29,700 |
| Decatur, AL | 300 | $48,950 | $23.54 | $75,290 | $31,400 |
| Dothan, AL | 360 | $46,110 | $22.17 | $68,970 | $28,270 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | 280 | $47,970 | $23.06 | $74,130 | $30,400 |
| Gadsden, AL | 210 | $45,810 | $22.03 | $71,630 | $28,140 |
| Huntsville, AL | 920 | $53,440 | $25.69 | $77,600 | $32,940 |
| Mobile, AL | 1,050 | $48,350 | $23.25 | $75,580 | $30,070 |
| Montgomery, AL | 710 | $49,630 | $23.86 | $77,630 | $30,080 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 590 | $48,720 | $23.42 | $75,430 | $32,100 |
* Employment opportunities may differ based on your location.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our selection of the best auto mechanic schools in Alabama, the next step is to continue the research and decide if this is the path you want to pursue.
Once you have decided that an auto mechanic profession is the right fit for you, it’s time to choose the school that will prepare you for certifications and entry-level employment.
