If you live in Georgia and you want to prepare for a career as an auto mechanic, this page is for you.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Georgia auto service technicians and mechanics earned $43,040 per year, on average.
Salaries range from less than $23,000 and more than $65,000, depending on experience, employer, skills, and a variety of other factors.
Before being ready to apply for your first position as an auto mechanic, you have to learn a few skills, such as:
- Rebuild an engine, flush a brake line, and troubleshoot on-board computers
- Diagnose and repair transmissions and drive train components
- Repair A/C and heating systems
- Perform basic maintenance
- And more
Auto mechanic classes are available in person and online at several colleges across the state.
The programs included in our list can lead to a Certificate, Diploma, or Associate Degree.
Program duration ranges from a few months to two years, depending on the program and the credential it leads to.
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 Georgia and the programs they offer.
#1Lincoln Tech
About the School
Lincoln Tech offers several trade and vocational programs at its East Point campus.
The available programs include:
- Automotive Technology
- Electrical/Electronics
- HVAC
- Welding Technology
Courses Offered
The Automotive Service Technician training program helps students acquire skills such as:
- Rebuild an engine, flush a brake line, and troubleshoot on-board computers
- Diagnose and repair transmissions and drive train components
- Repair A/C and heating systems
- Perform basic maintenance
- Study the theory and application of automotive electrical and electronic systems
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1200 Centre Parkway, East Point, GA 30344
- Phone: 844-884-7471
- Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu
#2Gwinnett Technical College
About the School
Gwinnett Technical College helps students develop real-world job skills that lead to successful careers.
Classes are offered at the college’s Lawrenceville and Alpharetta-North Fulton campuses, and online.
Among many other career paths, Gwinnett Technical College offers an Automotive Technology program that is accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, Inc./Automotive Service Excellence.
Courses Offered
Students have the following program options:
- Automotive Technology, AAS
- Automotive Technology, Diploma
- Automotive Chassis Technician Specialist Certificate
- Automotive Climate Control Technician Certificate
- Automotive Engine Repair Technician Certificate
- Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Service Technician
- And more
Students must be at least 16 years old to start the program.
The Automotive Technology, Diploma program requires the completion of 55 credit hours and includes general education and technical courses.
The technical courses are:
- Automotive Technology Introduction
- Automotive Electrical Systems
- Automotive Brake Systems
- Automotive Engine Performance
- Automotive Engine Repair
- Automotive Manual Drive Train and Axles
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville, GA 30043
- Phone: 770-962-7580
- Website: https://gwinnetttech.edu/
#3Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Georgia Piedmont Technical College is committed to educating a skilled and qualified workforce for DeKalb, Newton, and Rockdale counties, and beyond.
Courses Offered
The Automotive Technology program at Georgia Piedmont Technical College enables students to develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement.
Graduates receive an Automotive Technology associate degree that qualifies them as entry-level technicians.
Students gain skills in:
- Engine/performance diagnosis and repair
- Suspension and steering diagnosis and repair
- Brake diagnosis and repair
- Electrical/electronic systems diagnosis and repair
- Heating/air conditioning diagnosis and repair
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 495 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, GA 30021
- Phone: 404-297-9522
- Website: https://www.gptc.edu
#4United Education Institute
About the School
United Education Institute offers Automotive Technician training in Morrow, GA.
The program helps students get into an entry-level career by helping them develop the knowledge and skills needed to earn a position as a service technician, parts specialist, or alternative fuels technician.
The program is approximately 10 months long and is available in a hybrid format.
Students learn through hands-on training with instructors who have years of automotive experience.
Courses Offered
The program includes nine modules and courses such as:
- Engine Theory and Systems
- Electrical Theory and Diagnosis
- Engine Performance and Ignition Systems
- Fuel Systems and Emission Control
- Brake Systems
- Manual Transmissions
- Preventive Maintenance and Hybrid Technology
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1564 Southlake Pkwy. Morrow, GA 30260
- Phone: (678) 902-6440
- Website: https://www.uei.edu
#5Savannah Technical College
About the School
Savannah Technical College offers career-focused education with more than 150 programs tailored to today’s job market.
The college provides affordable tuition and flexible learning options.
Courses Offered
The Automotive Technology program offered by Savannah Technical College equips students with the skills to troubleshoot car problems.
The following programs are available at the college:
- Hybrid/Electrical Vehicle Repair Technician- a 19-credit-hour program
- Electrical Vehicle Professional- a certificate program that prepares students for entry-level employment in the electric vehicle production industry
- Light-Duty Diesel Training- a 28-credit-hour, two-semester program
Students may earn a degree, diploma, or short-term Technical Certificate of Credit.
Contact Information
- Address: 5717 White Bluff Rd, Savannah, GA 31405
- Phone: 912-443-5700
- Website: https://www.savannahtech.edu
#6Oconee Fall Line Technical College
Oconee Fall Line Technical College offers programs in a variety of areas of study, including credit, dual enrollment, and adult education.
Courses Offered
The Automotive Technology program gives students hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment and training tools.
Students help maintain the college’s vehicle fleet, thus gaining real-world exposure to the issues they’ll face on the job.
The program has a strong focus on practical training and prepares students to step confidently into the workforce as skilled automotive technicians.
The programs can be completed in 1 to 5 semesters.
The following programs are available:
- Auto Electrical/Electronic Systems Technician Technical Certificate of Credit- a one-semester program
- Automotive Chassis Technician Specialist Technical Certificate of Credit- a two-semester program
- Automotive Climate Control Technician Technical Certificate of Credit- a two-semester program
- Automotive Fundamentals Diploma- a three-semester program
- Automotive Technology Diploma- a three-semester program
- Electric Vehicle Professional Technical Certificates of Credit- a one-semester program
- And more
Tuition is $107 per credit hour.
Total costs range from $1,231 to $7,155.
Books and supplies cost an additional $275.
Contact Information
- Address: 560 Pinehill Road, Dublin, GA 31021
- Phone: 478-274-7866
- Website: https://oftc.edu
#7Jumpstart Automotive Training Center
About the School
Jumpstart Automotive Training Center is a non-profit in Atlanta, Georgia, that provides technical automotive training to young men and women from under-resourced backgrounds.
The school offers a positive, encouraging, and challenging environment for developing both soft skills and workforce development.
The programs are built to help students obtain entry-level employment in the automotive repair industry.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the center:
- Intro Training- an introductory training program available to students ages 15-25
- Tech-1- entry-level technician program
- Tech-2- advanced-level technician program
Tech 1 and Tech 2 programs are open to students 18-25.
The Tech 1 program can be completed in 10 weeks, while the Tech 2 program is 16 weeks long.
Tech 1 students learn how to:
- Lift a vehicle
- Complete vehicle inspection
- Change the oil
- Replace/Balance tires
- Replace drive belts
- Brakes
- Basic Alignments
- And more
Tech 2 students receive instruction for:
- Reading wiring diagrams
- Utilizing vehicle service information
- Electrical diagnosis
- Diagnostic tool operation
- Engine performance
- Mechanical repairs
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2210 Sylvan Rd. Ste M, East Point, GA 30344
- Phone: 404-507-2058
- Website: https://www.jumpstartautomotive.org
#8Ogeechee Technical College
Ogeechee Technical College offers a student-centered environment that prepares lifelong learners to 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
Depending on the program they choose, students may earn a Diploma or Certificate.
Programs are available in-person and online.
The Automotive Technology Diploma program includes classes such as:
- Automotive Technology Introduction
- Automotive Brake Systems
- Automotive Electrical Systems
- Automotive Engine Performance
- Automotive Climate Control Systems
- Automotive Engine Repair
- And more
Students need to earn a minimum of 55 semester credit hours for a Diploma.
The Diploma program generally takes five semesters to complete and requires a minimum of 1,461 contact hours.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 Joe Kennedy Blvd. Statesboro, GA 30458
- Phone: (800) 646-1316
- Website: https://www.ogeecheetech.edu
#9Lanier Technical College
Lanier Technical College offers tuition-free programs for high-demand career opportunities.
The college is open to individuals who are seeking post-secondary education.
Courses Offered
The Automotive Technology program at Lanier Technical College is a curriculum designed to prepare graduates with all the skills and knowledge to be successful in the career of modern automotive repair and service.
The program is offered at the college’s campus in Barrow and Dawson.
The following program paths are available:
- Automotive Technology Degree
- Automotive Technology Diploma
- Automotive Chassis Technician Specialist Certificate
- Automotive Climate Control Technician Certificate
- Automotive Electrical/Electronic Systems Technician Certificate
- Automotive Engine Performance Technician Certificate
- Automotive Engine Repair Technician Certificate
- Automotive Transmission/Transaxle Tech Specialist Certificate
Contact Information
- Address: 2535 Lanier Tech Drive, Gainesville, GA 30507
- Phone: 770-533-7000
- Website: https://www.laniertech.edu
#10Warren Technical School
About the School
Warren Technical School is part of the DeKalb County School District.
Among many other career paths, the school offers an Automobile Maintenance and Light Repair program.
This two-year program is designed to provide a basic understanding of automobile mechanics and maintenance.
Courses Offered
Students become familiar with tools and diagnostic systems, applied mathematics, and skills related to customer service and proper workplace procedures.
The course begins with basic repair, tools, and parts recognition and culminates in work-based learning experiences at local businesses and government agencies.
Students work with various types of equipment and services.
The school partners with DeKalb County Fleet Management, where students have the opportunity to work alongside veteran technicians and experience real-world work and situations.
Contact Information
- Address: 3075 Alton Road, Chamblee, GA 30341
- Phone: 678.676.6502
- Website: https://warrentechct.dekalb.k12.ga.us
Schools Summary Table
Auto Mechanic Salary by Metro Area in Georgia
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany, GA | 430 | $52,070 | $25.03 | $76,390 | $30,250 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | 500 | $53,690 | $25.81 | $80,340 | $27,310 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | 13,820 | $58,590 | $28.17 | $88,360 | $31,500 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | 1,460 | $48,480 | $23.31 | $76,400 | $24,410 |
| Brunswick-St. Simons, GA | 290 | $46,730 | $22.46 | $73,180 | $25,940 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | 630 | $48,930 | $23.52 | $74,600 | $29,150 |
| Dalton, GA | 240 | $50,110 | $24.09 | $74,900 | $29,650 |
| Gainesville, GA | 430 | $54,670 | $26.29 | $80,030 | $30,140 |
| Hinesville, GA | 120 | $71,920 | $34.58 | $101,820 | $27,360 |
| Macon-Bibb County, GA | 510 | $53,560 | $25.75 | $78,080 | $29,200 |
| Rome, GA | 210 | $48,050 | $23.10 | $70,720 | $32,240 |
| Savannah, GA | 1,070 | $56,490 | $27.16 | $88,810 | $29,390 |
| Valdosta, GA | 320 | $51,210 | $24.62 | $73,430 | $29,640 |
| Warner Robins, GA | 440 | $50,060 | $24.07 | $78,250 | $28,080 |
* 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 after two years or less of classroom and hands-on training.
Now that you have read our selection of the best auto mechanic schools in Georgia, the next step is to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your learning style and career aspirations.
