10 Best Auto Mechanic Schools inMichigan

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If you live in Michigan and you want to turn your passion for cars and solving mechanical puzzles into a career, our selection of the best auto mechanic schools in your state is for you.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage reported by auto service technicians and mechanics in Michigan was $43,980.

As an auto mechanic, you should be prepared to perform tasks 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

An Auto Technician curriculum typically covers topics such as:

  • Brake Systems
  • Electrical Systems
  • Steering and Suspension Systems
  • Engine Repair
  • Heating and Air Conditioning
  • Engine Performance
  • And more

Auto mechanic classes are available in person and online at several colleges across the state.

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 Michigan and the programs they offer.



1Baker College

About the School

Baker College offers its students the opportunity to mix and match multiple ways to take classes and create the academic experience that works for them.

The college offers classes on campus and online, or in a blend of both.

Courses Offered

The Auto/Diesel program at Baker College helps students make real progress in their careers from day one.

Instructors are ASE master certified technicians/instructors with working experience in the automotive field, and help students achieve the tools needed to succeed.

Classes are kept small so each student receives the attention they need.

Trainees are introduced to the world of vehicle repair in the college’s state-of-the-art, 43,000-square-foot automotive and truck labs.

They have access to the latest in tools, equipment, and repair procedures.

Contact Information


2Michigan Career & Technical Institute

About the School

Michigan Career & Technical Institute is a residential vocational training facility for people with disabilities.

The institute’s main campus is located on the shore of Pine Lake and Barry County, thus providing students with a beautiful and peaceful setting.

The campus offers a blend of support services and state-of-the-art training that prepares students for jobs needed today.

Most students start by participating in the Career Assessment.

Courses Offered

The institute offers 11 certified technical training programs that provide students with industry skills, specialized knowledge, and help them fast-track their career advancement.

The Automotive Technology program available at Michigan Career & Technical Institute trains students in the diagnosis and repair of brakes, suspensions, electrical, heating/air conditioning, and engine performance systems while giving them the opportunity to work toward State of Michigan and national certifications.

The curriculum includes courses such as:

  • General Maintenance Tech
  • Brake Tech
  • Suspension/Steering Tech
  • Electrical Tech
  • HVAC Tech
  • Engine Performance Tech
  • And more

Contact Information


3Macomb Community College

About the School

Macomb Community College offers programs that put students on a career path filled with endless opportunities.

The college has the support and resources to help students earn an associate degree, transfer to a four-year school, land an apprenticeship, or fast-track their careers with a skills certificate.

Courses Offered

Macomb Community College offers an Automotive Technology program that is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

The college’s labs are just like service bays found in modern shops, and provide students with the latest diagnostic and repair tools.

Students gain hands-on experience maintaining, troubleshooting, and fixing modern cars, covering all their systems.

The Associate of Applied Science, Automotive Technology program is accredited by the Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation.

After graduation, students may find employment in repair facilities and dealerships.

Contact Information

  • Address: 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038-1139
  • Phone: 866.Macomb1 – Toll Free
  • Website: https://www.macomb.edu

4Northern Michigan University

Northern Michigan University offers more than 170 undergraduate educational programs.

Courses Offered

Among many other programs, the university provides an Automotive Services program that prepares students to be multi-disciplinary problem-solvers.

The program emphasizes real-world application, providing students with significant time for hands-on labs.

Students learn a blend of mechanical engineering, electrical systems, and computer diagnostics, combining traditional mechanical skills with modern technology.

The following programs are available:

  • Automotive Service- a two-year Certificate
  • Automotive Maintenance- a one-year certificate
  • Automotive Service Technology- two-year associate of technology degree
  • Automotive Service Technology- minor

Contact Information

  • Address: 1401 Presque Isle, Marquette, MI 49855-5301
  • Phone: 906-227-1000
  • Website: https://nmu.edu

5Southwestern Michigan College

About the School

Southwestern Michigan College has dedicated itself to helping students achieve their dreams for more than 60 years.

The college has a 240-acre campus and provides students with a wealth of opportunities to get a high-quality education.

Courses Offered

Among many other programs, the college offers an Automotive Technology program that helps students become certified, full-service mechanics.

Students learn how to inspect, diagnose, repair, and maintain cars and light trucks.

The following pathways are available:

  • Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology
  • Certificate in Automotive Technology

The Certificate program includes courses such as:

  • Intro to Automotive Technology
  • Trade Mathematics- Automotive
  • Brake Systems
  • Electrical I
  • Steering and Suspension Systems
  • Engine Repair
  • Heating and Air Conditioning
  • Electrical II
  • Engine Performance I

Contact Information

  • Address: 58900 Cherry Grove Road, Dowagiac, MI 49047
  • Phone: 800.456.8675
  • Website: https://swmich.edu

6Mott Community College

About the School

Mott Community College offers more than 100 degree and certificate pathways, including an Automotive Technology Associate in Applied Science.

The AAS includes all eight ASE areas and covers all the tasks set forth by ASE/NATEF.

The program aims to help students become self-directed learners and develop lifelong learning skills.

Students must pass all courses with a 2.0 or higher.

Mott Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Courses Offered

The program includes:

  • Automotive Fundamentals
  • Engine Theory and Repair
  • Electrical Fundamentals
  • Ignition and Fuel Systems
  • Brakes and Braking Systems
  • Heating, Venting, and Air Conditioning
  • Suspension and Alignment
  • Electrical Systems
  • And more

Contact Information

  • Address: 1401 E. Court St. Flint, MI 48503-2089
  • Phone: (810) 762-0200
  • Website: https://www.mcc.edu

7Henry Ford College

About the School

Henry Ford College offers an Automotive Technology program for those who are interested in a career as an automotive technician, automotive master mechanic, or engine specialist.

The program is designed to provide students with the skills required for automotive diagnostics, servicing, and testing.

Graduates have the ability to solve complex problems, communicate technical information to clients, and possess the skills needed for employment in the automotive industry.

Students also learn about standards of safety associated with the automotive service industry and develop the skills to work safely in auto labs and service shop environments.

The school’s Auto Lab contains the latest state-of-the-art equipment currently used to service today’s automobiles.

Courses Offered

The following credentials are available:

  • Automotive Service (ASSET)- Associate in Applied Science
  • Automotive Technology- Associate in Applied Science
  • Automotive Technology- Certificate of Achievement

Contact Information


8Mid Michigan College

About the School

Mid Michigan College offers an Automotive & Diesel Service Technology program.

Students who attend the program prepare for work in the automotive repair, service, and maintenance sectors.

The school has a 100% internship placement rate and prepares students to be well-prepared for real-world work when they study at Mid.

Courses Offered

The following Automotive & Diesel Service Pathways are available:

  • Two-Year Associate Degree
  • One-Year Training Credential

Students also have access to industry certifications such as:

  • NC3
  • Snap-On and Starrett Precision Measurement Instruments Certification
  • Snap-On Multimeter Certification
  • Snap-On Wheel Service & Alignment Certification
  • And more

Students take classes such as:

  • Automotive Service Introduction
  • Basic Automotive Electricity
  • Small Engines
  • Engine Performance
  • Automotive Heating & Air Conditioning
  • Steering & Suspension Systems
  • And more

Contact Information

  • Address: 1375 S. Clare Ave. Harrison, MI 48625
  • Phone: 989-387-6622
  • Website: https://midmich.edu

9Jackson Area Career Center

About the School

Jackson Area Career Center offers more than 20 training programs in areas such as:

  • Agriscience
  • Automotive Collision Repair
  • Automotive Technology
  • Construction
  • Culinary Arts
  • Firefighting
  • Law Enforcement
  • Sales & Marketing
  • And more

The Automotive Technology pathway is a two-year program that provides students with a basic understanding of today’s automobile sector and prepares them for entry-level transportation technician positions.

The program is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation and is an Automotive Service Excellence student training site.

Certifications are available, and students can take the Michigan Automotive Technician License test on-site.

Students learn the basics of vehicle service and shop/lab safety, as well as repair techniques and proper usage of automotive tools to repair both gas and diesel vehicles.

Contact Information


10West Shore ESD

About the School

The Automotive Technology program available at West Shore ESD combines classroom training with auto shop applications.

The instruction portion of the course focuses on preparing students for the ASE certification test.

The auto shop component provides them with the opportunity to work with industry equipment on test automobiles.

The following certifications are available:

  • ASE Education Foundation
  • Michigan Secretary of State Mechanic Testing:
    • Brakes and Braking Systems
    • Front End, Suspension, and Steering Systems
    • Electrical Systems

Contact Information

  • Address: West Shore ESD 2130 West US-10, Ludington, MICHIGAN 49431
  • Phone: 231-843-5960
  • Website: https://www.wsesd.org

Schools Summary Table

Rank School
#1Baker College
#2Michigan Career & Technical Institute
#3Macomb Community College
#4Northern Michigan University
#5Southwestern Michigan College
#6Mott Community College
#7Henry Ford College
#8Mid Michigan College
#9Jackson Area Career Center
#10West Shore ESD

Regional Salary in Michigan

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Ann Arbor, MI500$57,610$27.70$82,360$35,600
Battle Creek, MI340$52,330$25.16$77,940$31,350
Bay City, MI210$50,480$24.27$74,860$29,410
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI8,710$56,180$27.01$84,080$31,770
Flint, MI940$52,060$25.03$78,420$31,060
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI2,670$53,670$25.80$77,170$35,350
Jackson, MI270$52,040$25.02$77,850$29,600
Kalamazoo-Portage, MI570$53,370$25.66$77,160$34,830
Lansing-East Lansing, MI850$54,550$26.23$80,140$33,630
Midland, MI160$52,020$25.01$77,890$31,970
Monroe, MI250$53,740$25.84$77,250$31,480
Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI360$49,630$23.86$75,820$30,710
Niles, MI250$51,200$24.61$78,260$30,610
Saginaw, MI540$53,100$25.53$80,230$32,280
Traverse City, MI340$53,050$25.51$77,130$35,270
* Salary information based on the May 2024 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, OCC Code 49-3023, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

Auto mechanic schools can get you ready for entry-level employment in a shop after just a few months of training.

Most programs provide a combination of hands-on and classroom learning and get students ready for entry-level employment.

Now that you have read our selection of the best auto mechanic schools in Michigan, the next step is to continue the research and apply for the program that best fits your lifestyle.