If you live in Kentucky 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.
Kentucky Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics can earn anywhere between $21,000 or less and more than $62,000 per year, with the average calculated at $38,360.
Before being ready to apply for your first position as an auto mechanic, you have to learn a few skills, such as:
- Performing diagnostic tests
- Conducting routine maintenance tasks
- Replacing worn and damaged parts
- Explaining vehicle problems to customers
- Maintaining records of the work performed
- Ensuring safety procedures are followed
- And more
Auto mechanic classes are offered 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 Kentucky.
#1Elizabethtown Technical & Community College
About the School
Elizabethtown Technical & Community College offers training programs for students who are starting college for the first time and for individuals who are thinking about a career change.
The college offers associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
Courses Offered
The Automotive Technology program available at the college helps students gain the technical expertise necessary to diagnose, repair, and maintain today’s high-tech automotive systems.
Students need between 61 and 64 credits for a diploma and take classes such as:
- Engine Repair
- Climate Control
- Brake Systems
- Emission Systems
- Suspension and Steering
- Automatic Transmission/Tranaxle
- And more
An Automotive Technology AAS– Automotive Technician Track is also available.
The college also provides students with certificates such as:
- Automotive Air Conditioning Mechanic- Certificate
- Automotive Electrician- Certificate
- Brake Repairer- Certificate
- Front End Mechanic- Certificate
- Tune-Up Mechanic- Certificate
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 600 College Street Road, Elizabethtown, KY 42701
- Phone: (270) 769-2371 or 1 (877) 246-2322
- Website: https://elizabethtown.kctcs.edu
#2West Kentucky Community & Technical College
West Kentucky Community & Technical College offers programs for students who want to start college for the first time or think about a career change.
Available are associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
Courses Offered
West Kentucky Community & Technical College offers an Automotive Technology program that teaches students how to diagnose, repair, and maintain today’s high-tech automotive systems.
The following associate degree, diploma, and certificate options are available:
- Automotive Technician Track Associate Degree
- Automotive Technician Diploma
- Automotive Transmission/ Transaxle Technician Certificate
- Automotive Air Conditioning Mechanic Certificate
- Brake Repairer Certificate
- Engine Repairer Certificate
- Front End Mechanic Certificate
- Tune-up Mechanic Certificate
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 4810 Alben Barkley Drive, Paducah, Kentucky 42001
- Phone: (270) 554-9200
- Website: https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu
#3Ignite Academy North Campus
About the School
Ignite Academy North Campus offers an Automotive Technology program that covers the theory, component identification, operation, diagnosis, and the service and repair of engines, brake systems, electrical/electronic systems, suspension and steering systems, and more.
Appropriate theory, safety, and support instruction are taught and required for performing each task.
Courses Offered
The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Automobile Service Technology A
- Automobile Service Technology B
- Automobile Service Technology C
- Automobile Service Technology D
- Automotive Co-op
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2075 Merchant Drive, Richmond, KY 40475
- Phone: 859 387-6630
- Website: https://ignitenorth.madison.kyschools.us
#4East Central Community College
About the School
East Central Community College offers an Automotive Technology program that prepares students for a variety of career opportunities.
The program is designed for students who want to pursue a rewarding career in the Automotive Service sector.
Courses Offered
The curriculum is built around the eight Automotive Service Excellence certification areas:
- Engine repair
- Electrical and electronic systems
- Engine performance
- Brakes
- Steering and suspension systems
- Manual drivetrains and axles
- Automatic transmissions and transaxles
- Heating & air conditioning
The following courses are taught in the Automotive Mechanics Technology program:
- Introduction, Safety & Employability Skills
- Basic Electrical/Electronic Systems
- Automotive Transmissions/Transaxles
- Engine Repair
- Brakes
- Engine Performance, I, II, III
- Heating & Air Conditioning
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 15738 Hwy 15 South, P.O. Box 129, Decatur, Mississippi 39327
- Phone: 877-GO-2-ECCC
- Website: https://www.eccc.edu
#5Bluegrass Community & Technical College
About the School
Bluegrass Community & Technical College offers training programs in a variety of career pathways, including:
- Advanced Manufacturing Technology
- Air Conditioning Technology
- Automotive Technology
- Computer Engineering Technology
- Diesel Technology
- Engineering and Electronics Technology
- And more
The Automotive Technology program offers a variety of certificate programs and an AAS and Diploma option.
The Automotive Technology Diploma includes courses such as:
- Basic Automotive Electricity
- Engine Repair
- Climate Control
- Electrical Systems
- Brake Systems
- Emissions Systems
- Suspension and Steering
- Computer Control Systems and Diagnosis
- And more
In total, the diploma includes between 61 and 64 credits.
Contact Information
- Address: 300 North Main Street, Versailles, KY 40383
- Phone: (877) 528-2748
- Website: https://bluegrass.kctcs.edu
#6Automotive Apprenticeship Group
About the School
Automotive Apprenticeship Group offers a modern apprenticeship program that creates qualified auto technicians and connects them with their network of dealers and service centers.
Students earn while they learn with the no-cost automotive apprenticeship program.
There are no tuition fees.
Students have access to tools, laptops, uniforms, and protective equipment.
The school offers job placement and paid on-the-job training.
Students learn how to service and maintain light vehicles, mainly cars and vans.
They undertake routine vehicle servicing, from diagnosing and repairing faults, and replacing simple parts, to solving complex faults using diagnostic equipment.
The training also covers technology and the principles of electric vehicles.
Contact Information
- Address: 101 Bullitt ln. Suite 410, Louisville, KY 40222
- Phone: 1-833-JOBS-AAG
- Website:https://aagamerica.com
#7Maysville Community & Technical College
About the School
An Automotive Technology program is also available at Maysville Community & Technical College.
The program teaches the skills to diagnose, repair, and maintain today’s high-tech automotive systems.
Courses Offered
The curriculum provides instruction in systems such as engines, fuels, on-board computers, transmissions, steering, suspension, and brakes.
The program is available at the Rowan Campus.
The following options are available:
- General Occupational / Technical Studies AAS
- Automotive Technician Diploma
- Automotive Air Conditioning Mechanic Certificate
- Automotive Electrician Certificate
- Brake Repairer
- Front End Mechanic
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1755 U.S. Highway 68, Maysville, KY 41056
- Phone: (606) 759-7141
- Website: https://maysville.kctcs.edu
#8Cincinnati State
About the School
Cincinnati State offers the Kenwood Dealer Group School of Automotive Technology.
The program is available as a partnership between Cincinnati State and Kenwood Dealer Group.
Students prepare for a well-paid job in the fast-evolving auto maintenance industry.
They have access to new educational technologies produced locally at Walton, Kentucky.
Students have the chance to build their skills in solving complex electrical problems on today’s vehicles.
The following degree and certificate programs are available:
- Associate Degree
- One-year Certificate
- Short-term Certificates:
- Automotive Engine Repair Technician Certificate
- Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning Technician Certificate
- Automotive Powertrain Technician Certificate
- Automotive Undercar Technician Certificate
Contact Information
- Address: 3520 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45223
- Phone: (513) 569-1500
- Website: https://www.cincinnatistate.edu
#9Gateway Community & Technical College
About the School
Gateway Community & Technical College provides an Automotive Technology program that focuses on hands-on training and enables students to troubleshoot, perform preventive maintenance, service, and repair automobiles.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available:
- Automotive Technology AAS- Automotive Technician Track Associate Degree
- Automotive Technician Diploma
- Automotive Air Conditioning Mechanic Certificate
- Manual Transmission/Drive Train Technician Certificate
- Brake Repairer Certificate
- Front End Mechanic Certificate
- Automotive Electrician Certificate
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 500 Technology Way, Florence, KY 41042
- Phone: (859) 441-4500
- Website: https://gateway.kctcs.edu
#10Ashland Community & Technical College
About the School
Ashland Community & Technical College has three campuses that serve Boyd County: College Drive in Ashland, Roberts Drive in Summit, and Technology Drive Campus in East Park.
Courses Offered
The Automotive Technician program at Ashland Community Technical College includes the following pathways:
- General Occupational/Technical Studies AAS: 60-68 total credit hours
- Automotive Technician Diploma- 61-64 total credit hours
- Automotive Air Conditioning Mechanic Certificate- 4 total credit hours
- Manual Transmission/Drive Train Technician Certificate- 5 total credit hours
- Engine Repairer Certificate: 5 total credit hours
- Tune-Up Mechanic: Certificate: 25 total credit hours
- And more
Contact Information
- Address:
- Phone:
- Website: https://ashland.kctcs.edu
Schools Summary Table
Auto Mechanic Average Salary in Kentucky
Estimated Earnings Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
|
$28K
|
|
|
$45K
|
|
|
$68K
|
Auto Mechanic Salary by Metro Area in Kentucky
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green, KY | 470 | $45,570 | $21.91 | $64,340 | $28,970 |
| Elizabethtown, KY | 340 | $43,520 | $20.92 | $63,970 | $28,700 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | 1,440 | $46,070 | $22.15 | $68,990 | $29,780 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | 3,590 | $49,900 | $23.99 | $74,820 | $30,640 |
| Owensboro, KY | 280 | $45,090 | $21.68 | $62,480 | $28,650 |
| Paducah, KY-IL | 290 | $45,530 | $21.89 | $63,920 | $28,910 |
* Employment opportunities may differ based on your location.
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 Kentucky, it’s time to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your lifestyle and career aspirations.
