If you live in Alaska and you’re passionate about cars and working with your hands, a career as an auto mechanic may be the right fit for you.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage reported by Alaska auto service technicians and mechanics was $53,110, which makes it the second-highest paying state for workers in this profession.
As an auto mechanic, you should be prepared to work on engines, brakes, transmissions, electrical components, and a variety of other systems.
Before being ready to apply for your first position as an auto mechanic, you have to learn a few skills, such as:
- Performing diagnostic tests to identify mechanical and electrical problems in vehicles
- Conducting routine maintenance tasks
- Replacing worn and damaged parts
- Explaining vehicle problems to customers
- Maintaining records of the work performed
- Ensuring safety procedures are followed
- And more
Auto mechanic classes are available in person and online at several colleges across the state.
To help you choose the program that best fits your needs, on this page, we have compiled information about the best auto mechanic schools in Alaska and the programs they offer.
#1University of Alaska Anchorage
About the School
Among many other career paths, the University of Alaska Anchorage offers an Automotive Technology Undergraduate Certificate program.
This program provides students with on-the-job training, state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities to obtain industry certifications.
Students may obtain certifications through partnerships with Fiat Chrysler Automotive, Subaru, AC Delco, and the National Coalition of Certification Centers.
The program also provides industry-recognized technical training and certifications as a Mopar Level 1 Technician.
The department has partnerships with Alaska car dealerships and repair facilities that donate cutting-edge equipment and often hire UAA alumni.
The program also provides registered practicum opportunities through local new car dealerships, allowing students to specialize as technicians for Cadillac, Buick, GMC, Honda, Acura, Nissan, Subaru, Mazda, and Volvo.
Courses Offered
The following programs are also available at the university:
- Occupational Endorsement Certificate- Automotive Specialist
- Occupational Endorsement Certificate- Engine Performance Specialist
- A.A.S. Automotive Technology
- Undergraduate Certificate in Diesel Power Technology
- A.A.S. in Diesel Power Technology
- A.A.S. in Technology (2 OECs are required for this program)
- B.S. in Applied Technologies Leadership
Contact Information
- Address: 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508
- Phone: (907) 786-1800
- Website: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu
#2University of Alaska Fairbanks- Community & Technical College
About the School
University of Alaska Fairbanks- Community & Technical College offers training programs for a variety of career paths.
Among many other programs, the college provides an Automotive Technology Certificate program.
This program prepares students for entry-level automotive technician positions, emphasizing hands-on training and in-class experiences to teach students how to perform under-hood and under-car maintenance inspections, determine root causes of equipment failures, and make necessary repairs to the complex systems specific to today’s vehicles.
Courses Offered
The program has the following requirements:
- Introduction to Automotive Technology
- Basic Electrical Systems
- Engine Theory and Diagnosis
- Brake Systems
- Suspension Alignment
- Auto Fuel and Emissions Systems
- Automotive Engine Performance
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1810 Salcha Street, 102 Signers’ Hall, P.O. Box 757495 | Fairbanks, AK 99775-7480
- Phone: 907-474-6300
- Website: https://www.uaf.edu/uaf
#3Northern Industrial Training, LLC
Northern Industrial Training, LLC offers a variety of training programs that prepare students for careers in pro truck driving, welding, mechanics, carpentry, and more.
Courses Offered
The NIT mechanic programs have been designed to meet the needs of students and employers.
Among many other paths, the following programs are available at the school:
- Heavy Duty Mechanic Level I
- Workshops
The Heavy Duty Mechanic Level I curriculum includes the following topics:
- SMAW Basic Welding
- Introduction to Servicing Heavy Trucks
- Tools and Fasteners
- Maintenance Programs
- Batteries
- Hydraulics
- Standard Transmissions
- Heavy Duty Truck Axles
- Steering and Alignment
- Wheels and Tires
- And more
The program can be completed in eight weeks and is conducted at the Main Campus in Palmer, Alaska
This course costs $10,000.
Contact Information
- Address: 1740 N. Terrilou Ct. Palmer, AK 99645
- Phone: 907.357.6400
- Website: https://nitalaska.com
#4Alaska Vocational Technical Center
About the School
Alaska Vocational Technical Center offers a variety of training programs, including:
- Construction Technology
- Culinary Arts
- Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technologies
- Industrial Electricity
- Industrial Welding
- Plumbing and Heating
- Refrigeration
- And more
Courses Offered
The Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technologies program prepares students for apprenticeships in the construction and maintenance trades.
The program awards the following industry certifications:
- OSHA 10
- First Aid and CPR
- Receive training to obtain EPA 609 certification for handling of refrigerants
The program includes the following courses:
- First Aid and CPR
- OSHA 10 Training
- General Shop Operations
- Engines
- Fuel Systems
- Welding
- Intro to HVAC
- Applied Math
- Brakes
- Tire Repair
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 809 Second Ave, PO Box 889, Seward, AK 99664
- Phone: (907) 224-3322
- Website: https://avtec.edu
#5Alaska Metal & Mechanical Apprenticeship
About the School
Alaska Metal & Mechanical Apprenticeship provides quality training for all local 23 union apprentices and journeypersons.
AMMA strives to provide Alaskan contractors with productive and responsible workers through educational and practical on-the-job training that prepares a skilled workforce of journeypersons capable of craftsmanship that exceeds the industry’s standards.
Apprentices have access to a full sheetmetal shop and an HVAC-R Service Technician Lab.
The sheetmetal shop includes:
- Hand brakes and hydraulic press brakes for precision metal bending
- Slip rolls and a metal forming table for diverse metal shaping needs
- American Welding Society Accredited lab featuring stick, wire, feed, and TIG welders
- State-of-the-art laser welder for advanced welding applications
- Dedicated duct installation area for hands-on practice with mock ductwork
- Mock roof installation area
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1307 East 75th Ave. Suite #4 Anchorage, AK 99518-3528
- Phone: 907-277-5367
- Website: https://akmetalmech.com
#6East Central Community College
About the School
East Central Community College offers an Automotive Technology program with the following degree options:
- 30-hour Career Certificate
- 45-hour Technical Certificate
- Associate of Applied Science Degree
The following courses are taught in this program:
- Introduction, Safety & Employability Skills
- Basic Electrical/Electronic Systems
- Manual Drive Train/Transaxles
- Engine Repair
- Brakes
- Engine Performance I, II, III
- Heating & Air Conditioning
- And more
East Central Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the Associate Degree.
Contact Information
- Address: 15738 Hwy 15 South, P.O. Box 129, Decatur, Mississippi 39327
- Phone: 1-877-GO-2-ECCC
- Website: https://www.eccc.edu
#7University of Alaska Southeast
About the School
The University of Alaska Southeast has campuses in Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, and online.
The University offers a Power Technology program designed for students who are interested in solving problems and repairing machinery the correct way.
The courses cover a variety of machine systems as well as diesel engines.
Classes are at least 50% hands-on and allow students to practice their new skills.
Courses Offered
The program provides many training aids, including:
- Wheel loaders
- Axle and off-highway tractors
- Backhoe loaders
- Marine gears
- Engines
- Power generators
- Refrigeration and hydraulic units
- Scanning tools and software to assess onboard electronics
- And more
The following degrees are available:
- AAS Power Technology with emphasis in:
- Diesel
- Mine Mechanics
- OE Maritime & Multi Skilled Worker
- OE Welding
- OE Power Technology with emphasis in:
- Diesel/ Heavy Duty
- Diesel/Marine
- Mine Mechanic
Contact Information
- Address: 11066 Auke Lake Way, Juneau, AK 99801
- Phone: (907) 796‑6100
- Website: https://uas.alaska.edu
#8Ogeechee Technical College
About the School
Some auto technician classes may also be available online, at schools located in other states.
Ogeechee Technical College offers a student-centered environment to prepare students to become lifelong learners who succeed in a global society.
Courses Offered
Among many other career paths, the college offers the following programs of study:
- Automotive Technology Diploma
- Automotive Chassis Technician Specialist Certificate
- Automotive Climate Control Technician Certificate
- Automotive Engine Performance Technician Certificate
- Automotive Engine Repair Technician Certificate
- Electric Vehicle Professional Certificate
- And more
Students may earn a Diploma or Certificate.
Programs are available in-person and online.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 Joe Kennedy Blvd. Statesboro, GA 30458
- Phone: (800) 646-1316
- Website: https://www.ogeecheetech.edu
#9Penn Foster
About the School
Penn Foster offers an online Automotive Repair Technician program.
The program leads to a career diploma and can be completed in four months.
The online classes prepare students for auto repair jobs in a variety of settings, from repair shops to dealerships.
Students learn about engine repair, automatic transmission/transaxle, manual drive train and axles, suspension and steering, brakes, and electrical/electronic systems.
The program prepares students to sit for ASE Certification exams.
The online programs are flexible enough for students to finish them at a pace that works for them.
The online courses include:
- Automotive Repair Foundations
- Engine Repair
- Automotive Brakes
- Suspension and Steering
Contact Information
- Address: 200 Hickory Street, Scranton, PA 18505 USA
- Phone: 800-275-4410
- Website: https://www.pennfoster.edu
#10Advanced Automotive Training
About the School
Advanced Automotive Training is a school located in the Sacramento area that specializes in automotive training.
The program is designed to provide technicians with a better understanding of today’s complex computer-controlled vehicles.
Programs are available in both online and in-person sessions with hands-on training techniques.
Courses Offered
The following classes are available:
- BAR Specific Diagnostic and Repair Training
- Smog Check Repair Technician Update- online only
- Level 1 Inspector Course
- Level 2 Inspector Course
- And more
Costs range from $275 to $1,095, depending on the class.
Contact Information
- Address: 5750 Sunrise Blvd, Suite 130, Citrus Heights, CA 95610
- Phone: 916-804-2980
- Website: https://www.advancedautomotivetraining.com
Schools Summary Table
Auto Mechanic Salary by Metro Area in Alaska
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | 850 | $65,090 | $31.29 | $98,410 | $39,400 |
| Fairbanks-College, AK | 260 | $68,090 | $32.74 | $99,840 | $39,170 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our selection about the best auto mechanic schools in Alaska, it’s time to choose the program that best fits into your schedule.
This is an important step, so make sure you complete thorough research before deciding where to enroll.
