If you live in Kansas, you’re passionate about cars and enjoy working with your hands, a career as an auto mechanic may be the right fit for you.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage reported by auto service technicians and mechanics in Kansas was $40,850.
As an auto mechanic, you should be prepared to work on engines, brakes, transmissions, and a variety of other car systems.
Before being ready to apply for your first position as an auto mechanic, you have to learn a few skills, such as:
- Diagnosing, repairing, and servicing suspension and steering systems
- Diagnosing and repairing the fuel injection and emissions system
- Accurately diagnosing, repairing, and servicing brake systems
- Servicing and repairing individual engine component systems
- Demonstrating mathematical skills
- And more
Auto mechanic classes are available in person and online at several colleges across the state.
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 Kansas and the programs they offer.
#1Olathe Advanced Technical Center
About the School
Olathe Advanced Technical Center offers a variety of programs in fields such as:
- Animal Science & Research
- Automotive Service Technology
- Construction Technology
- Electronics and Avionics
- Welding Technology
- And more
Courses Offered
The Automotive Service Technology program provides students with the opportunity to discover this industry through hands-on labs, unique partnerships, and competition.
The center is equipped with industry-standard equipment.
The plan of study includes classes such as:
- Steering & Suspension
- Brakes
- Alternative Power
- Drive Train Technology
- Mobile HVAC
- Engine Mechanical Repair
- Work Experience in Transportation
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 611 N. Nelson, Olathe, KS 66061
- Phone: 913-780-7026
- Website: https://www.olatheschools.org
#2Fort Hayes Tech Northwest
Fort Hayes Tech Northwest offers high-demand technical degrees and certificates in the latest and greatest fields.
Courses Offered
The Automotive Technology program available at Fort Hayes allows students to start with and develop the basic fundamentals before advancing to the necessary job skills and related work procedures.
The topics cover the use of technical service manuals, testing equipment, electronic ignition systems, rear, front, and four-wheel drive, and power steering and brakes.
The program includes the following learning outcomes:
- Accurately diagnose, repair, and service suspension and steering systems
- Diagnosing and repairing the fuel injection and emissions system
- Accurately diagnosing, repairing, and servicing brake systems
- Servicing and repairing individual engine component systems
- Demonstrating mathematical skills
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1209 Harrison Avenue, Goodland, KS 67735
- Phone: 785.890.3641
- Website: https://www.fhnw.edu
#3Washburn Tech
About the School
Washburn Tech is one of the most affordable ways to help students get the quality training they need for the career they want.
Courses Offered
The following classes are available at the college:
- Introduction to Auto Technology- an introductory course designed to provide students with a solid foundation in automotive electricity/electronics
- Engine Diagnostics/Performance- a course that covers testing, troubleshooting, and diagnosing, disassembly, inspection, and assembly of automotive engines
- Brakes/Steering & Suspension- a course that covers the identification of brake parts and how they function
- Drivetrain Automatic/Manual- an introduction to hydraulic principles, an introduction to the different types of automatic transmission fluids, and more
- Heating & Air Conditioning- climate control systems are explained in depth.
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 5724 SW Huntoon, Topeka, Kansas 66604
- Phone: 785.670.2010
- Website: https://www.washburntech.edu
#4WSU Tech
About the School
WSU Tech is the nation’s leading institution for education and training in automotive service, alternative fuels, and advanced electronics.
The following Automotive programs are available:
- Associate of Applied Science: a two-year program
- Technical Certificate: a one-year program
- Certificate of Completion: usually completed in less than one semester
WSU Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
The Automotive Technology program allows students to gain skills and knowledge to accurately diagnose, repair, and service various automotive vehicles.
The program includes classroom and lab instruction in safety, electrical and electronic systems, suspension and steering, and more.
The following Degree and Certificate programs are available:
- Associate in Applied Science, Automotive Technology
- Technical Certificate, Automotive Technology
Contact Information
- Address: 4004 N. Webb Road, Wichita, KS 67226
- Phone: 316.677.9400
- Website: https://wsutech.edu
#5Johnson County Community College
About the School
Johnson County Community College offers an Automotive Technology program that helps students become equipped to troubleshoot vehicle problems and provide regular maintenance.
Students get their degree or certificate in Automotive Technology at JCCC and use the school’s resources to get a job.
The program offers courses in the eight core areas of Automotive Service Excellence certification: brakes, steering and suspension, electrical, engine performance, automatic transmissions, manual transmissions, heating and air conditioning, and engine repair.
Three education paths are available in the school’s Automotive Technology program:
- Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology
- Automotive Technology (Maintenance and Light Repair) Certificate
- Automotive Technology (Automobile Service Technician) Certificate
Students who successfully complete the Automotive Technology program are able to:
- Apply safety procedures
- Diagnose and repair brake systems
- Perform wheel alignments and suspension system repairs
- Diagnose and repair electrical systems
- Diagnose and service manual drivetrains and axles
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210
- Phone: 913-469-8500
- Website: https://catalog.jccc.edu
#6Metropolitan Community College
Metropolitan Community College offers more than 120 degrees and certificates grouped into eight Academic and Career Pathways.
Courses Offered
The college offers an Automotive Technology program accredited by the ASE Education Foundation at the Master Automotive Service Technology level.
The following specialized programs are available at the college:
- Ford Asset
- GM/ASEP
- Collision Repair
- Early College Academy Automotive Program
The Early College Academy Automotive Program provides students with hands-on experience with:
- Engine repair and engine performance
- Electrical and electronics
- HVAC
- Manual and automatic transmissions
- Brakes, suspension, and steering
Students have the opportunity to complete an internship at a local shop.
Contact Information
- Address: 3200 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64111
- Phone: 816.604.1000
- Website: https://mcckc.edu
#7Manhattan Tech
About the School
Manhattan Tech offers an Automotive Technology program that prepares students to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all types of automobiles.
The course includes instruction in:
- Brake systems
- Electrical systems
- Engine performance
- Engine repair
- Suspension and steering
- Automatic and manual transmissions
- And more
The following degrees in Automotive Technology are available:
- Associate of Applied Science
- Certificate C
- Certificate A
The Automotive Technology program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and Automotive Service Excellence.
Contact Information
- Address: 3136 Dickens Ave, Manhattan, KS 66503
- Phone: (785) 587-2800
- Website: https://manhattantech.edu
#8Salina Tech
About the School
Salina Tech offers an Automotive Technology program taught by ASE-certified master technicians with more than 30 years of experience in the automotive service industry.
The two-year program teaches students the knowledge and skills to properly maintain, repair, and troubleshoot various automotive components, including steering, transmission, suspension, drive trains, and more.
Courses Offered
The following degree options are available:
- Technical Certificate- a two-year program that costs approximately $21,400
- Associate Degree- a two-and-a-half-year program that costs approximately $23,500.
Students learn about topics such as:
- Electrical systems
- Suspension and steering systems
- Engines
- Manual drive trains and axles
- Drum and disc brake systems
- Engine performance systems
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2562 Centennial Road, Salina, KS 67401
- Phone: 785-309-3100
- Website: https://salinatech.edu
#9Fort Hays Tech North Central
Fort Hays Tech North Central offers more than 20 programs of study and a 10-to-1 student-to-faculty rate.
Courses Offered
The Transportation Technology pathway includes the following programs:
- Agricultural Equipment Technology
- Automotive Collision and Refinishing Technology
- Automotive Technology
- Diesel Technology
- Powersports Technology
The Automotive Technology program provides the fundamental knowledge, skills, and training needed for entry-level employment or career advancement.
Students are trained in advanced brake, electrical, and fuel systems, electronic automatic transmission drive trains, and alternative fuel vehicles.
The program outcomes include:
- Service and repair automotive electrical systems
- Service and repair automotive performance and drivability systems
- Service and repair engines
- Automatic Transmission
- Brakes
- Engine Repair
- Heating and Air Conditioning
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 3033 US HWY 24, Beloit, Kansas 67420
- Phone: 800-658-4655
- Website: https://fhtechnc.edu
#10McPhearson College
McPhearson College offers more than 40 majors and pre-professional programs.
Courses Offered
The following majors are available at the college:
- Art & Design
- Automotive Restoration
- Behavioral Administration
- Communication
- Health Science
- And more
The Automotive Restoration program includes the following emphases:
- Historic Automotive Technology
- Automotive Restoration Management
- Automotive Communications
- Automotive Restoration Art & Design
- Automotive Restoration Technology
The Automotive Restoration Technology core courses include:
- Intro to Restoration
- Engine Rebuilding
- Automotive Electrical Systems
- Chassis Restoration
- Automotive Trim
- Introductory Methods for Historical Analysis
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1600 E. Euclid, McPherson, KS 67460
- Phone: 800.365.7402
- Website: https://www.mcpherson.edu
Schools Summary Table
Auto Mechanic Average Salary in Kansas
Estimated Earnings Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
|
$30K
|
|
|
$51K
|
|
|
$75K
|
Auto Mechanic Salary by Metro Area in Kansas
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, KS | 230 | $50,080 | $24.08 | $76,720 | $32,380 |
| Manhattan, KS | 240 | $48,830 | $23.48 | $74,130 | $28,640 |
| Topeka, KS | 520 | $51,870 | $24.94 | $75,570 | $31,440 |
| Wichita, KS | 1,360 | $50,180 | $24.13 | $74,640 | $31,200 |
* Employment opportunities may differ based on your location.
Final Thoughts
Your passion for cars and mechanical puzzles can be transformed 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 the state of Kansas, the next step is to continue the research and apply for the program that best fits your lifestyle and career aspirations.
