If you live in Idaho 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, most Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in Idaho earn between $30,000 and more than $60,000 per year, with the average calculated at $43,390.
Before being ready to apply for your first job at an auto shop, the first step is to complete your training.
Entry-level auto mechanic skills can be learned at several trade schools and community colleges across the state.
During their training, auto mechanic students learn about topics such as:
- Auto Electrical & Electronics
- Engine Repair
- Braking Systems
- Manual Transmissions & AC
- Automotive Transmissions
- Engine & Emission Controls
- 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 Idaho and the programs they offer.
#1College of Western Idaho
College of Western Idaho offers an Automotive Technology program that provides students with high-quality, hands-on training for a successful career.
Courses Offered
The comprehensive Automotive Technology program includes the following degree options:
- Basic Technical Certificate
- Advanced Technical Certificate
- Associate of Applied Science
The program focuses on hands-on experience and teaches students how to perform maintenance, light repairs, and parts installation on automobiles and light trucks.
The curriculum combines practical skills with advanced technical theory, preparing students for a high level of technical expertise.
Regardless of the degree options, students have the opportunity to tailor their education to meet their career aspirations in the industry.
The programs take between one and two years to complete.
Costs vary depending on the chosen pathway.
The Basic Technical Certificate costs $10,659, while the Associate of Applied Science Degree costs $16,973.
Contact Information
- Address: P.O. Box 3010, Nampa, ID 83653
- Phone: 208.562.3000
- Website: https://cwi.edu
#2Idaho State University
About the School
Idaho State University was founded in 1901 and is one of only six institutions in the US offering programs from technical certificates through graduate and professional degrees.
Courses Offered
The university offers an Automotive Technology program with the following degree options:
- Automotive Technology Associate of Applied Science- a two-year program
- Automotive Technology Advanced Technical Certificate- a two-year option
- Bachelor of Applied Science- a program that takes more than four years to complete
The Advanced Technical Certificate program includes the following requirements:
- Electrical Systems
- Engine Repair
- Automotive Tech Fundamentals and Safety
- Advanced Engine Mechanical and Repair
- Brakes
- Automotive Electrical
- Engine Performance
- Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 921 South 8th Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho, 83209
- Phone: (208) 282-4636
- Website: https://www.isu.edu
#3North Idaho College
About the School
North Idaho College offers an Automotive Technology program designed to prepare students for employment as entry-level technicians in the automotive repair industry.
The program teaches all ASE areas through lectures, mock-ups, and customer vehicles.
Students must complete each semester or have the instructor’s permission for admission to the next semester.
Courses Offered
The following degree options are available:
- Intermediate Technical Certificate
- Advanced Technical Certificate
- Associate of Applied Science Degree
Degree requirements for an Intermediate Technical Certificate include:
- Automotive Technology Fundamentals and Safety
- Manual Drive Trains and Axles
- Electrical Systems
- Automotive Lab I
- Brakes, Suspension and Steering
- Engine Repair
- Automotive Lab II
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1000 W. Garden Ave. Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 USA
- Phone: (208) 769-3300
- Website: https://www.nic.edu
#4Lewis Clark State College
About the School
Lewis-Clark State College offers an Auto Mechanics Technology program that teaches skills for servicing and repairing all systems of cars and trucks.
The program is available in Lewinston and has two degree options: Associate and Certificate.
Students develop skills for servicing and repairing all systems of the automobile while working on customer projects and gaining shop experience.
They develop advanced on-the-job training through internships.
Students must pass the ASE certification tests in order to graduate.
Courses Offered
The following degree options are available:
- Associate: Auto Mechanics Technology- a 64-credit option
- Certificate: Auto Mechanics Technology (ATC)- a 55-credit option
- Certificate: Auto Mechanics Technology (ITC)- a 24-credit program
- Certificate: Auto Mechanics Technology (SC)- a 24-credit program
The ATC program has the following requirements:
- Safety and General Automotive Maintenance and Repair
- Electrical/Electronic Systems
- Engine Repair
- Steering and Suspension
- Light Vehicle Diesel Engines
- Automobile Service Consultant
- Applied Algebra
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 500 8th Avenue, Lewiston, Idaho 83501
- Phone: 208-792-5272
- Website: https://www.lcsc.edu
#5College of Eastern Idaho
About the School
College of Eastern Idaho offers an Automotive Technology program designed to give students the knowledge and practical hands-on experience to meet the Automotive Service Excellence certification standards.
Automotive students spend approximately two hours per day in the classroom completing the theory portion of the courses, developing reasoning, understanding concepts, and learning the ins and outs of Automotive Technology.
Students gain practical knowledge and experience by spending approximately four and a half hours per day completing hands-on training in labs.
Courses Offered
The following program options are available:
- Associate of Applied Science- a 69-credit, four-semester option
- Advanced Technical Certificate- a 54-credit, four-semester option
- Intermediate Technical Certificate- a 30-credit, two-semester program.
Students learn skills such as:
- Vehicle electrical systems
- Proper safety, maintenance, testing, and repair
- Automotive engine performance diagnosis
- Diagnosis and repair of typical modern automobiles
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1600 S 25th E, Idaho Falls, ID 83404
- Phone: (208) 524-3000
- Website: https://www.cei.edu
#6College of Southern Idaho
College of Southern Idaho offers an Automotive Service Technology program designed to provide the technical and professional competency required for vehicle service center employment.
The curriculum involves classroom and lab experience on a variety of manufacturer brand vehicles as well as work experience in a dealership or service center.
Courses Offered
The program includes the following courses:
- General Automotive Fundamentals
- Automotive Chassis Systems
- Electrical and HVAC
- Engine Repair and Performance
- Advanced Vehicle Concepts
- And more
In total, students need 60 credit hours for an Automotive Service Technology Program, Associate of Applied Science.
Contact Information
- Address: 315 Falls Avenue, PO Box 1238, Twin Falls, ID 83303-1238
- Phone: (208) 733-9554
- Website: https://www.csi.edu
#7Career Technical Education Center
Career Technical Education Center offers an Automotive Technology program that prepares students for highly technical and rewarding careers within the automotive field.
The center provides Auto I, Auto II, and Auto III courses that feature state-of-the-art equipment used in the industry, training from industry experts, and hands-on experience.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available:
- Automotive Tech I, one trimester, Grade 10
- Automotive Tech IIA one trimester- two-hour block Grades 11, 12
- Automotive Tech IIB one trimester- two hour block Grades 11,12
- Automotive Tech III three trimesters- two-hour block Grades 12
Advanced students may earn certifications and participate in internships.
Students also complete an industry-mentored work-based learning experience and can earn industry certifications and college credit.
Contact Information
- Address: 450 E St., Idaho Falls, ID 83402
- Phone: 208-525-7549
- Website: https://ctec.ifschools.org
#8West Ada School District
About the School
West Ada School District offers an Automotive Technology program that teaches students hands-on top auto industry knowledge and skills.
Students begin the program starting in the 10th grade, completing a three-course pathway sequence until graduation.
Auto Tech students have the possibility to earn two industry certificates:
- SP-2 Safety Training
- Automotive Service Excellence certificate
The pathway has the following course sequence:
- Auto Tech I 10th grade, semester class
- Auto Tech II, 11th grade, full-year class
- Auto Tech III, 12th grade, full-year class
The program is offered at the CTE Center- Meridian campus, a state-of-the-art technical center.
Contact Information
- Address: 1303 East Central Drive, Meridian, ID 83642
- Phone: 208-855-4500
- Website: https://www.westada.org
#9Porter and Chester Institute
About the School
Auto mechanic classes are also available online, at schools located in other states.
Porter and Chester Institute offers an Automotive Technology Hybrid Electric Vehicle Program in Worcester.
Students are prepared to work in several automotive settings, such as an independent service center or a car dealership, in as few as 12 months.
The campus also offers hybrid and electric vehicle training.
There are two education delivery options currently offered for Automotive Technology at the Worcester campus:
- Blended Program- lectures take place online, labs take place on campus
- On-Ground Program- lectures and labs take place on campus
Students spend a lot of time in the school’s auto shops with scan tools, computer diagnostic oscilloscopes, emissions diagnostic equipment, computerized alignment machines, brake lathes, and more.
In addition to motor vehicle knowledge, students also learn auto technician soft skills that prepare them to interact with customers with professionalism.
Contact Information
- Address: 156 Boston Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610
- Phone: (475) 273-2400
- Website: https://porterchester.edu
#10Penn 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
Schools Summary Table
Auto Mechanic Average Salary in Idaho
Estimated Earnings Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
|
$30K
|
|
|
$50K
|
|
|
$75K
|
Auto Mechanic Salary by Metro Area in Idaho
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise City, ID | 2,000 | $51,860 | $24.94 | $75,900 | $29,640 |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | 500 | $53,710 | $25.82 | $80,260 | $35,460 |
| Idaho Falls, ID | 590 | $51,240 | $24.63 | $78,800 | $28,560 |
| Lewiston, ID-WA | 210 | $53,670 | $25.80 | $75,440 | $34,220 |
| Pocatello, ID | 260 | $49,400 | $23.75 | $77,870 | $28,890 |
| Twin Falls, ID | 430 | $50,460 | $24.26 | $74,410 | $31,000 |
* Employment opportunities may differ based on your location.
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 Idaho, the next step is to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your learning style and career aspirations.
