If you want to turn your passion for cars into a rewarding career, the auto mechanic profession is worth exploring.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage reported by Automotive Service Technicians was $49,670 as of May 2024.
Before being ready to apply for your first job in an auto shop, dealership, or similar setting, the first step is to complete a training program.
Typically, during your training, you will learn about:
- Auto Electrical & Electronics
- Engine Repair
- Braking Systems
- Manual Transmissions & AC
- Automotive Transmissions
- Engine & Emission Controls
- And more
To help you choose the school and the program that best fit into your schedule, on this page, we have compiled information about the best auto mechanic school in Arizona.
The programs included in our list take between a few months and two years to complete, depending on the credential it leads to.
As an auto mechanic student, you should expect to spend a lot of time in hands-on training.
The programs are available for adults and high school students who want to earn dual credit.
We encourage you to read our selection and see what Arizona auto mechanic schools have to offer.
#1Doorman Training Center
Doorman Training Center offers in-person training events.
The auto mechanical training is led by ASE-Certified Instructors.
The events include special in-person technical training led by industry experts, and provide hands-on and in-depth knowledge to keep working professionals updated with the latest advancements in the field.
Courses Offered
Available are classes such as:
- Hands-On: Advanced Automotive Lab Scopes
- Advanced Automotive Lab Scopes
- Mastering the Art of Electrical Troubleshooting
- Live Webinar: Heavy Duty Scan Tool Usage
- Live Webinar: Modern Day For Diagnostics
- In-Person: RevUp- Smarter Solutions for Faster Repairs.
Contact Information
- Website: https://www.dormantrainingcenter.com
#2Salt Lake Community College
About the School
Salt Lake Community College served nearly 50,000 students across eight campuses and with online classes.
Students may take the first step into higher education and later transfer to a four-year degree or learn skills that take them directly into the workforce.
Among many other programs, the college offers an Automotive Technician program that leads to an Associate of Applied Science.
The program requires a minimum of 68 credits.
The four-semester program is designed to train students in both domestic and imported vehicle mechanics and repairs.
Courses Offered
The required courses include:
- Auto Electrical & Electronics
- Automotive Engine Repair
- Automotive Braking Systems
- Manual Transmissions & AC
- Automotive Transmissions
- Engine & Emission Controls
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 4600 South Redwood Road Salt Lake City, UT 84123
- Phone: 801-957-7522
- Website: https://www.slcc.edu
#3Arizona Automotive Industry
About the School
The Arizona Automotive Industry has helped students get career development training that prepares them for a variety of careers for more than 45 years.
The school keeps classes small to ensure students get one-on-one training time with instructors.
Arizona Automotive Industry is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, as a branch campus of Miller-Motte College in Chattanooga.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the school:
- Automotive Service Technician
- CDL Training: Class A Tractor Training
- Electrical
- Construction and Trade Management
- Diesel-Heavy Truck Technician
- And more
The Automotive Service Technician program leads to a diploma and awards 71.5 credits.
The program can be completed in 13 months.
Contact Information
- Address: Arizona Automotive Institute, 6829 N. 46th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85301
- Phone: 623-250-4837
- Website: https://www.aai.edu
#4Arizona Western College
About the School
Arizona Western College offers an Automotive Technology program designed for individuals who have the ability and aptitude to become skilled automotive technicians.
The program is certified through the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation.
Graduates are able to:
- Analyze automotive applications and determine the needed materials and equipment to perform tasks related to all automotive disciplines listed in the degree.
- Perform entry-level diagnosis and repair of automobiles.
- Be able to overhaul suspension systems.
- Participate in the on-car brake lathe certification.
- Describe the interaction of automotive computers with various systems of operation on the vehicle.
- And more
Courses Offered
The following degrees and certificates are available:
- Automotive Technology- A.A.S. Occupational Degree
- Automotive Technology- CERT Occupational Certificate
- Automotive Computer Fundamentals, Engine Performance, and Diagnostics
- Automotive Brakes and Suspension CERT Occupational Certificate
- Automotive Electrical and Air Conditioning Systems CERT Occupational Certificate
- Automotive Powertrains CERT Occupational Certificate
Contact Information
- Address: 2020 S Ave 8 E, Yuma, AZ 85365
- Phone: (928) 317-6000
- Website: https://www.azwestern.edu
#5Pima Community College
About the School
Pima Community College offers an Automotive Technology program.
The program is built to align with Automotive Service Excellence automotive repair certifications.
Pima’s courses range from:
- Basic Maintenance
- Engine Repair
- Electrical Diagnosis
- Advanced Driveability
The program is designed for high school students participating in dual enrollment courses, recent graduates looking to get a jump start into a high-demand career, or established technicians looking to upskill.
The following degrees and certificates are available:
- Automotive Technology- Associate in Applied Science Degree
- Automotive, Ford ASSET
- Automotive Mechanics- Certificate
- PimaFastTrack: Automotive
Contact Information
- Address: 4905 E. Broadway Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85709-1010
- Phone: (520) 206-4500
- Website: https://pima.edu
#6Evit College and Career
About the School
Evit College and Career offers a variety of adult and high school career training programs.
Programs are available in 50 high-demand fields for Phoenix-area adults and East Valley high school students.
Courses Offered
The following industrial trades programs are available at Evit College and Career:
- Collision Repair
- Electrical and Power Transmission
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration
- Plumbing
- Welding
The Collision Repair program covers topics such as:
- Collision shop operations
- Safety practices
- Tool and equipment usage
- Basic repair processes
- Damage assessment
- Welding techniques
- Painting and detailing
Contact Information
- Address: 1601 W Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85201
- Phone: 480-461-4000
- Website: https://www.evit.edu
#7Mesa Community College
Mesa Community College offers a variety of programs and degrees, including an Automotive Service pathway.
Courses Offered
The Automotive Service program helps students develop the diagnostic, maintenance, and repair skills needed for a career in the field of automotive repair.
The college offers certificates in many mechanical areas, including specialization in heavy equipment maintenance.
The following certificates are available at Mesa Community College:
- Automotive Automatic Transmission and Transaxle
- Automotive Brake Systems
- Automotive Chassis
- Automotive Drive Train
- Automotive Engine Repair
- Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair
- Automotive Service
- And more
The Automotive Automatic Transmission and Transaxle program requires four credits and teaches skills such as:
- Safe personal and workplace habits
- How to comply with federal and state regulations
- How to repair an automatic transmission/transaxle
- Prepare the vehicle for delivery to the customer
- Use, maintain, and store automotive tools
- Practice ethical behavior
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1833 West Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85202
- Phone: 480-461-7000
- Website: https://www.mesacc.edu
#8Eastern Arizona College
About the School
Eastern Arizona College offers an Automotive program that provides the instruction students need in order to take the industry certification exams.
The college has a state-of-the-art auto shop.
Courses Offered
The following paths are available at Eastern Arizona College:
- The Automotive Service Technology Associate of Applied Science
- The Automotive Service Consultant Certificate
- The Automotive Technician Certificate
- The Auto Maintenance Certificate
The Associate in Applied Science program is four-semester long.
The Automotive Service Consultant and the Auto Technician Certificate programs are two semesters long, while the Auto Maintenance Certificate includes a one full-time semester and one part-time semester.
The program is available at the Thatcher location.
The Auto Maintenance Certificate is a short-term program of study that provides entry-level automotive skills training and prepares students for the ASE certification examination.
The Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Service Technology helps students develop and upgrade the skills needed to be productive and successful in several automotive service and repair occupations.
AAS students also prepare for ASE certification tests.
Contact Information
- Address: 615 N Stadium Ave, Thatcher, AZ 85552
- Phone: (928) 428-8472
- Website: https://eac.edu
#9Yavapai College
About the School
Yavapai College offers educational programs in a variety of areas of study, including
- Applied Technology
- Computer and Information Technology
- Education
- Health Science
- STEM
- And more
Courses Offered
The college catalog includes programs such as:
- Automotive Technician (MLR) Certificate
- Automotive Master Technician Certificate
- Automotive Technology- Associate in Applied Science
- Diesel Technician- AAS
- And more
The Automotive Technician (MLR) Certificate is two semesters long and awards 46-47 credits.
Students take courses such as:
- Automotive/Diesel Preventive Maintenance
- Auto/Diesel Electrical Systems
- Automotive Brakes
- Auto/Diesel Suspension and Steering
- Auto Engine Repair
Contact Information
- Address: 1100 E. Sheldon Street, Prescott, AZ 86301
- Phone: 928-717-7777
- Website: https://www.yc.edu
#10American Leadership Academy
About the School
American Leadership Academy helps students turn their passion for solving mechanical puzzles into a clear career path.
Over four years, students progress from foundational skills to advanced techniques through hands-on experiences such as:
- Performing basic vehicle maintenance and safety checks
- Diagnosing engine performance and electrical issues
- Restoring custom vehicles
- Interning with real-world automotive service centers
Students learn using industry-standard tools on actual customer vehicles.
During their training, they earn recognized certificates like:
- ASE Master Automobile Student Technician
- EPA Section 609
Automotive students also earn college credit through Maricopa Community College.
Contact Information
- Address: 7729 E Pecos Rd. Mesa, AZ 85212
- Phone: (480) 896-9960
- Website: https://www.alaschools.org
Schools Summary Table
Regional Salary in Arizona
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flagstaff, AZ | 330 | $58,930 | $28.33 | $90,530 | $36,850 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | 550 | $51,750 | $24.88 | $77,660 | $35,250 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | 12,300 | $59,320 | $28.52 | $96,400 | $36,540 |
| Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ | 480 | $54,870 | $26.38 | $82,010 | $35,520 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | 200 | $52,010 | $25.00 | $73,750 | $31,710 |
| Tucson, AZ | 2,180 | $54,530 | $26.22 | $79,710 | $34,180 |
| Yuma, AZ | 590 | $48,730 | $23.43 | $76,680 | $31,750 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
If you want to learn the skills needed for entry-level employment as an auto mechanic, the schools included in our list can get you ready for certification exams and entry-level employment in two years or less.
Now that you have read our selection of the best auto mechanic schools in Arizona, the next step is to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your learning style and career aspirations.
