If you live in Indiana 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, but salaries vary depending on experience, education, and a variety of other factors.
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.
Although the curriculum varies depending on the school and the credential you want to obtain, 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 schools in Indiana.
The programs included in our list take between a few months and two years to complete.
As an auto mechanic student, you should expect to spend a lot of time in hands-on training.
We invite you to read further to find out more about what Indiana auto mechanic schools can teach you.
#1Ivy Tech Community College
About the School
Ivy Tech Community College offers a variety of degrees and certificates, including an Automotive Technology program.
Students enrolled in this program receive both hands-on and cognitive skills training that prepares them to diagnose and service high-tech systems found on modern vehicles.
Upon graduation, students are ready to take and pass the Automotive Service Excellence Technician Certification Exams.
The following credentials are available:
- Associate of Applied Science
- Automotive Service
- GM ASEP
- Toyota T-TEN
- Diesel Technology
- Technical Certificates:
- Automotive Service
- Subaru University
- Ford ACE
- Diesel Technology
- Certificate:
- Maintenance & Light Repair
- Motorsports
- Diesel Chassis Systems
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1105 N. 19th St., Elwood, IN 46036
- Phone: 888-489-5463
- Website: https://www.ivytech.edu
#2Lincoln Tech
About the School
Lincoln Tech offers a variety of training programs at its Indianapolis campus, including:
- Automotive Service Technology
- Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology
- HVAC
- Diesel and Truck Service Technology
- Electrical and Electronic Systems Technology
- Welding Technology
- And more
The Automotive Technology program includes courses such as:
- Gasoline Engine Construction and Operation
- Electrical Systems
- Powertrain Electronics
- Transmissions and Drive Systems
- Air Conditioning and Electrical Accessories
- Automotive Brake Systems
- And more
Students prepare for a variety of tasks, including:
- Working under the hood in full-equipped auto bays
- Taking apart and reassembling gasoline engines
- Learning to operate exhaust gas analysis equipment
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 7225 Winton Drive, Building 128, Indianapolis, IN 46268
- Phone: (317) 632-5553
- Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu
#3Career Academy
About the School
Career Academy helps students supplement their education with hands-on experience.
Students can earn their high school diploma while gaining practical experience as an automotive technologist, a chef, a hair stylist or a firefighter.
Courses Offered
The Automotive program at Career Academy follows an industry-approved curriculum and relationships with local dealerships and repair shops.
The following programs are available:
- Automotive services
- Collision repair
The school provides a hands-on lab in a modern and up-to-date facility that allows students to experience work in the auto industry.
Contact Information
- Address: 1200 S. Barr Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802
- Phone: 260-467-1010
- Website: https://careeracademy.fortwayneschools.org
#4Vincennes University
About the School
Vincennes University was founded in 1801 by President William Henry Harrison.
The university has global university partners, hands-on learning, and career-driver programs.
Courses Offered
The university provides an Automotive Technology, A.S.C.T. program that prepares students for successful employment within the automotive industry.
The program offers Automotive Service Excellence certification testing and other specialized industry training.
The school has been training technicians since 1964.
The following programs are available:
- Auto Body Repair
- Automotive Service Technology
- Motorsports
The Auto Body Repair Certificate program costs approximately $14,400 if completed within normal time.
The Automotive Service Technology program costs approximately $13,800 if completed within normal time.
Contact Information
- Address: 1002 North First Street, Vincennes, Indiana 47591
- Phone: 812-888-VUVU
- Website: https://www.vinu.edu
#5LaPorte County Career & Technical Education
About the School
LaPorte County Career & Technical Education offers an Automotive Technology program for students who have a passion for cars and trucks and are mechanically inclined.
The courses give students the opportunity to work on a variety of vehicles under the direction of an ASE Master certified instructor.
Auto tech students are trained on engine repair, HVAC, transmissions, electrical and braking systems, and much more.
Courses Offered
The following dual credit and certifications are available:
- Basic Automotive Service
- Electrical System
- Brake systems
- Steering and Suspension
- Engine Performance Systems
- Engine Repair and Fundamentals
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 817 Lafayette Street (A. K. Smith Campus), 1001 US-20 (South Campus), Michigan City, IN 46360
- Phone: (219) 873-2120
- Website: https://cte.educatemc.net
#6MTS Motorsport Technical School
About the School
MTS Motorsport Technical School offers world-class motorsport training.
The courses are designed to equip students with the technical skills needed to excel as Racing Mechanics and Data Acquisition Technicians.
The school provides real-world experience, professional mentorship, and industry connections.
Courses Offered
The Race Mechanic Fundamentals was created to give students the opportunity to learn the most up-to-date vehicle repair techniques through a hands-on, practical approach.
Students gain a basic understanding of the mechanics and differences of a race car, while also covering essential automotive skills so that they receive a well-rounded introduction to the field.
The course does not include placement assistance in the motorsport industry, but it serves as a first step for those who want to pursue a career in this field.
After completing this course, students are eligible to advance into a Race Mechanic Course where they gain the specialized training needed to thrive in a competitive motorsport environment.
The Race Mechanic Fundamentals course costs $5,900.
Also available are the following courses:
- Composite Technician
- Motor Racing Mechanics
- Data Acquisition Technician
Contact Information
- Website: https://mtschool.us
#7Penn Foster
About the School
Auto mechanic classes are also available online, at schools in other states.
One such program is the one offered by Penn Foster.
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
#8Ogeechee Technical College
Ogeechee Technical College provides a variety of career-ready programs on campus and online.
Courses Offered
Among many other career paths, Ogeechee Technical 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
#9Advanced Automotive Training
About the School
Advanced Automotive Training is a school located in the Sacramento, California 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
#10Doorman Training Center
About the School
Doorman Training Center offers in-person training events at several locations across the country and online.
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
Schools Summary Table
Auto Mechanic Average Salary in Indiana
Estimated Earnings Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
|
$33K
|
|
|
$51K
|
|
|
$75K
|
Auto Mechanic Salary by Metro Area in Indiana
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IN | 290 | $50,060 | $24.07 | $74,140 | $31,200 |
| Columbus, IN | 170 | $47,570 | $22.87 | $67,110 | $33,340 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | 580 | $52,750 | $25.36 | $73,900 | $33,350 |
| Evansville, IN | 710 | $49,500 | $23.80 | $71,170 | $31,230 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | 1,270 | $50,740 | $24.39 | $74,580 | $34,200 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | 5,290 | $52,720 | $25.35 | $75,920 | $35,200 |
| Kokomo, IN | 180 | $48,680 | $23.41 | $70,060 | $31,750 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | 450 | $49,590 | $23.84 | $73,750 | $34,310 |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN | 230 | $52,580 | $25.28 | $77,550 | $34,310 |
| Muncie, IN | 260 | $49,600 | $23.85 | $72,530 | $33,010 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | 680 | $52,220 | $25.10 | $76,690 | $35,160 |
| Terre Haute, IN | 390 | $48,030 | $23.09 | $70,680 | $31,260 |
* 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 Indiana, the next step is to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your budget, schedule, learning style and career aspirations.
