If you live in Arkansas and 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.
Salaries vary depending on experience, education, location, and a variety of other factors.
Arkansas Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics can earn anywhere between $23,000 or less and more than $60,000 per year, with the average calculated at $38,970.
Before being ready to apply for your first position as an auto mechanic, you have to learn how to perform specific job tasks, such as:
- Diagnosis tests to identify mechanical and electrical problems in vehicles
- Routine maintenance tasks
- Replacing worn and damaged parts
- Explaining vehicle problems to customers
- Maintaining records of the work performed
- Following safety regulations
- And more
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 Arkansas and the programs they offer.
#1Arkansas Tech University
About the School
Arkansas Tech University offers an Automotive Technology program that can be completed in two years.
The program provides hands-on training and related information to teach students how to repair today’s high-technology vehicles.
Students prepare for employment in dealerships, specialty shops, and service centers.
Graduates may receive 16 hours of college credit and a Certificate of Proficiency in automotive service technology.
The university has a laboratory that is well-equipped and uses the latest computerized diagnostic equipment, tools, and procedures.
The major areas of study include:
- Brakes
- Steering and suspension
- Electrical systems
- Engine performance and maintenance
- Light repair
The program is certified by the National Automotive Technician Educational Foundation.
Contact Information
- Address: 215 West O Street, Russellville, Arkansas 72801 USA
- Phone: 479-968-0389
- Website: https://www.atu.edu
#2Northwest Technical Institute
About the School
Northwest Technical Institute offers a variety of diploma programs.
The Automotive Service Technology program can be completed in two semesters and one summer term.
The estimated cost, including in-state tuition, fees, books, and supplies, is $7,045.
The classes cover Automotive Service Excellence certification areas.
The program is designed to prepare students to enter the automotive field at the entry level, with a basic knowledge of automotive repair and diagnostic skills.
Courses Offered
The curriculum includes:
- Auto Electrical
- Engine Repair
- Engine Performance
- Powertrain Systems
- Heating & Air Conditioning
- Technical Mathematics
- And more
In total, the program includes 46 credit hours and 1,151 clock hours.
Contact Information
- Address: 709 S Old Missouri Road Road, Springdale, AR 72764
- Phone: (479) 751-8824
- Website: https://www.nwti.edu
#3North Arkansas College
About the School
North Arkansas College offers an Automotive Service Technology program that leads to a Technical Certificate.
The program can be completed in 11 months.
The curriculum is based on the Automotive Service Excellence curriculum developed by the National Automotive Technical Education Foundation.
The learning outcomes include:
- Understand and use basic safety in the automotive service industry
- Identify and properly use automotive service materials, tools, and shop equipment
- Demonstrate the ability to read and interpret service manuals
- Demonstrate critical thinking techniques to diagnose and repair all auto service problems
Courses Offered
Students take classes such as:
- Gasoline Engine Repair
- Manual Drive Trains and Axles
- Automatic Transmission
- Industrial Safety
- Technical Math
- Automotive Electronics
- Engine Performance
- Automotive Climate Control
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1515 Pioneer Dr, Harrison, AR 72601
- Phone: 870.743.3000
- Website: https://www.northark.edu
#4East Arkansas Community College
About the School
East Arkansas Community College offers an Auto Service Technology program that gets students on the right path toward becoming an ASE Certified Master Technician.
Students learn through a combination of classroom and shop time and acquire knowledge and experience in:
- Engine repair
- Automotive transmission/trans/axle
- Manual drive train and axles
- Suspension and service
- Brakes
- Electrical/Electronic systems
- Heating and air conditioning
- Engine performance
The classroom is equipped with training software that allows students an inside view of the workings of a vehicle.
In the shop, students gain hands-on experience in repairing all mechanical aspects of a vehicle from bumper to bumper.
Contact Information
- Address: 1700 Newcastle Road, Forrest City, AR 72335
- Phone: 870-633-4480
- Website: https://www.eacc.edu
#5University of Arkansas Fort Smith
The University of Arkansas Fort Smith offers more than 70 future-focused academic programs.
Courses Offered
University of Arkansas Fort Smith offers an Automotive Technology department that is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering, and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
The instructors are ASE-certified and have industry as well as teaching experience.
The school’s facilities are well-furnished and enhance the educational experience.
The school also provides excellent job placement centers that place students in an internship to help them find their first job after graduation.
Contact Information
- Address: 5210 Grand Avenue, P.O. Box 3649, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72913-3649
- Phone: 479-788-7000
- Website: https://uafs.edu
#6Moore Tech
About the School
Moore Tech offers an Automotive Technology (AAT) program.
The students complete courses that cover all eight A.S.E. certification areas and all aspects of light-duty automotive service.
The program does not cover any body or paint work.
The last core class of the program is a full-time internship at a new-car dealership.
In the degree program, each student takes one automotive class (12 credit-hours each) and one general education class (three credit-hours each) every term until the last term.
Students in the diploma program follow the same schedule but are not required to take general education courses.
Courses Offered
The program includes the following course requirements:
- Automotive Service Technician Basics
- Internal Engine, HVAC, and Cooling System
- Automotive Transmissions and Drive Trains
- Professional Full-time Internship
- Technical Writing
- Technical Physics
- Math for Technicians
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1200 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104
- Phone: 901-726-1977
- Website: https://www.mooretech.edu
#7National Park College
About the School
National Park College offers academic programs, degrees, and certificates.
Among many other programs, the college provides an Automotive Service Technology curriculum that prepares students for employment in new car agencies, independent repair facilities, automotive supply stores, service stations, and as fleet mechanics.
The program combines classroom instruction on automotive theory with extensive lab time.
Students cover a wide range of topics relating to the automotive industry and apply the knowledge to actual work on lab vehicles.
The program is accredited by the Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation.
Courses Offered
The following degrees and certificates are available:
- Automotive Brake Specialist, CP
- Automotive Engine Performance Specialist, CP
- Automotive Front-End Specialist, CP
- Automotive Service Technology, AAS
- Automotive Service Technology, TC
- Automotive Service/Maintenance, CP
- Automotive Transmissions, CP
- Automotive Tune-Up Specialist, CP
Contact Information
- Address: 101 College Drive, Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas 71913
- Phone: (501) 760-4222
- Website: https://np.edu
#8Arkansas State University Beebe
About the School
Arkansas State University Beebe offers an Automotive Technology program designed to give students working knowledge in automobile service and repair.
The program has been evaluated by the Automotive Services Excellence Education Foundation standards of quality for training automobile technicians.
It is certified in all eight areas of automotive technology.
The university offers a shop equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and the latest publications to enhance student training.
Students can earn industry-recognized certifications from Yamaha in Marine Technology and Toyota in Automotive Technology.
They should earn ASE Entry-level certifications.
Students will be able to perform basic repairs, diagnostics, inspections, and maintenance.
Contact Information
- Address: 1000 Iowa Street, Beebe, AR 72012
- Phone: 501.882.3600
- Website: https://www.asub.edu
#9South Arkansas College
About the School
South Arkansas College offers an Automotive Service Technology program designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in automotive servicing, maintenance, and diagnostics.
The program is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation.
Students have access to industry-grade tools and diagnostic equipment and build confidence through hands-on learning in a fully equipped shop environment.
They have the opportunity to understand the technology that keeps modern vehicles running.
In-district tuition is $100 per credit hour.
Out-of-district tuition is $115 per credit hour.
Courses Offered
The following credentials are available:
- TC- Automotive Service Technology
- CP- Automotive Diagnostics
- CP- Automotive Maintenance
Contact Information
- Address: South Arkansas College, 300 South West Avenue, El Dorado, AR 71730
- Phone: 870-862-8131
- Website: https://www.southark.edu
#10Ozarka College
About the School
Ozarka College offers degrees and certificates in a variety of in-demand fields.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The college provides students with the opportunity to pursue an Automotive Service Technology Technical Certificate.
Students may take classes such as:
- Math for Business Technology
- College Algebra
- Engine Repair
- Electrical Systems
- Suspension and Steering
- Engine Performance
- Brake Systems
- Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning
- And more
The Automotive Service Technician program is accredited by the National Automotive Technicians’ Education Foundation.
Contact Information
- Address: PO Box 10, 218 College Drive, Melbourne, AR 72556
- Phone: 870.368.2300
- Website: https://www.ozarka.edu
Schools Summary Table
Auto Mechanic Salary by Metro Area in Arkansas
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | 1,230 | $51,310 | $24.67 | $81,390 | $31,310 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | 510 | $46,570 | $22.39 | $70,190 | $29,280 |
| Hot Springs, AR | 220 | $47,290 | $22.74 | $74,730 | $29,080 |
| Jonesboro, AR | 280 | $49,140 | $23.63 | $75,750 | $30,490 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | 1,910 | $49,600 | $23.85 | $77,340 | $30,110 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Your passion for cars can be turned into a rewarding career by completing one of the training programs included in our list.
Now that you have read our selection of the best auto mechanic schools in Arkansas, it’s time to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your lifestyle and career aspirations.
