Trade Schools
If you want to turn your passion for cars into a rewarding career, the auto mechanic profession is worth exploring.
To help you decide whether this is the path you want to pursue and choose the training program that best fits your learning style and career aspirations, on this page, we have compiled information about the best auto mechanic schools in Minnesota.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage reported by Automotive Service Technicians in Minnesota was $45,820 as of May 2024.
However, salaries vary depending on experience, education, location, and a variety of other factors.
As an entry-level employee, your annual salary may be lower than $30,000, but experienced mechanics can earn more than $65,000 per year.
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
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 your state and the programs they offer.
1Newgate School
About the School
Newgate School offers the following auto training programs:
- Auto Body Training- a program that prepares students for a career in collision repair centers, customizing shops, restoration services, or auto accessory and hot rod shops
- Auto Mechanic Training- this program covers training in basic auto mechanics and prepares graduates to work as general service technicians and start satisfying life-long careers.
- Wheels for Women- reliable training at no charge to working single moms in and around the Twin Cities
Students in the Auto Mechanic program learn to diagnose and repair engines, brake systems, suspensions, and more.
After graduation, they are ready to work as general service technicians in shops, dealerships, and service centers across the metro area.
Contact Information
- Address: 2900 East Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55413
- Phone: 612-378-0177
- Website: https://www.newgateschool.org
2Goodwill Easter Seals
About the School
Goodwill Easter Seals offers programs that help students train for a new career.
Training is available for high-demand fields such as automotive, construction, business services, and the financial industry at no cost.
Students earn industry certificates, college credits, and connect to employers where they have hiring and advancement opportunities.
Courses Offered
The Automotive program is open for students who are 18 years of age or older.
They have to score at a seventh grade or higher in reading and take a math assessment.
Students get started with 10 weeks of training that includes job placement assistance.
They receive hands-on training in the school’s 5,600 square feet, four-bay automotive training facility.
The program includes paid stipends for meeting program milestones.
The curriculum covers instruction in shop safety, engine lubrication, cooling systems, tires, brakes, belts, customer service, technical service information, multi-point inspection, and maintenance.
Contact Information
- Address: 553 Fairview Ave. N, St. Paul, MN 55104
- Phone: 651-379-5800
- Website: https://www.goodwilleasterseals.org
3Hennepin Technical College
Hennepin Technical College offers more than 40 programs, including certificates, diplomas, associate’s degrees, and bachelor’s degree partnership programs.
Courses Offered
The college offers an Automotive Technology program that helps students gain the skills employers are looking for in an automotive service technician.
Students train in the diagnosis, repair, and routine maintenance of automobiles and light trucks.
They prepare to become highly skilled in using industry-standard diagnostic and repair equipment used in a career as a vehicle repair professional.
After completing the two-year Associate’s degree, graduates are eligible to take an exam to become an ASE-certified Master Automobile Technician.
Graduates can also continue their education with Medium/Heavy Truck repair and/or Auto Body Technician training.
Classes are available in day or evening schedules at the Brookly Park or Eden Prairie campus.
Contact Information
- Address: 9000 Brooklyn Boulevard, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
- Phone: 952-995-1300
- Website: https://hennepintech.edu
4Anoka Technical College
About the School
Anoka Technical College offers an Automotive Technician program that helps students jump-start their automotive career.
The program prepares students for work through extensive hands-on education using state-of-the-art equipment.
The program is accredited by ASE.
The Anoka Technical College Automotive program is nationally accredited by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation.
Courses Offered
The program includes the following courses:
- General Automotive Service
- Vehicle Electronics
- Suspension and Steering System Service
- Chassis Electrical Systems
- Starting and Charging Systems
- Mathematical Ideas
- Engine Repair and Service
- And more
In total, the program includes 72 credits 57 technical credits and 15 general education credits.
Contact Information
- Address: 1355 West Highway 10, Anoka, MN 55303
- Phone: 763-433-1100
- Website: https://www.anokatech.edu
5Minnesota North College
About the School
Minnesota North College offers an Automotive Technician program that combines classroom study and practical hands-on application to provide students with the skills needed to determine and make the appropriate repairs on today’s vehicles.
The program is accredited by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence- Education Foundation at the MasterAutomobile Service Technician level.
Tuition for this program is approximately $14,600.
The college has six campuses: Hibbing, Itasca, Mesabi Range- Eveleth, Mesabi Range- Virginia, Rainy River, and Vermilion.
Courses Offered
The Automotive Training hybrid program includes courses such as:
- Engine Diagnosis and Repair
- General Service Shop
- Basic Electricity and Ignition Systems
- Brakes
- Welding for Auto and Diesel
- Steering and Suspension
- Starting and Charging Systems
- Fuel Systems
- Automotive Heat/Air Conditioning
- Auto Computers
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1515 East 25th Street, Hibbing, MN 55746
- Phone: 218.403.9200
- Website: https://minnesotanorth.edu
6Minnesota West Community & Technical College
Minnesota West Community & Technical College offers more than 60 academic programs in Southwest Minnesota that provide a diverse range of opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals.
Courses Offered
The Automotive Technician program at Minnesota West Community & Technical College teaches students the skills in any area of automotive repair.
The diploma program is ASE-accredited and one year long.
More than 75% of class time is spent working on repairs in the shop, giving students hands-on learning.
The diploma program is two semesters long and awards 35 credits.
The program typically costs $3,932 per semester.
The course list includes:
- Intro to Transportation
- Electrical Fundamentals
- Steering/Suspension/Alignment
- Brakes
- Engine Performance
- Engine Technology & Lab
- Air Conditioning Automatic Transmission
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1011 First Street West, Canby, MN 56220
- Phone: 800-658-2330
- Website: https://www.mnwest.edu
7Minnesota State College Southeast
About the School
Minnesota State College Southeast offers an Automotive Technology program with coursework that is packed with everything students need to know in order to get started in this high-paying, high-demand career area.
The following degrees in Automotive Technology are available:
- Automotive Technology DIP- a 55-credit program
- Automotive Maintenance and General Repair Cert- a 17-credit program
The certificate focuses on:
- Shop safety, the use of service manuals, preventative maintenance, and the use of automotive tools and equipment
- An introductory look at basic automotive electrical systems
- Suspension and steering systems diagnosis
- Brake systems, including hydraulic systems, disc and drum brakes, parking brakes, and power assist units
The program costs approximately $7,700
Contact Information
- Address: 308 Pioneer Road, Red Wing, MN 55066
- Phone: 507-453-2700
- Website: https://southeastmn.edu
8Minnesota State Community and Technical College
About the School
Minnesota State Community and Technical College teaches the skills most needed by employers.
This is an expertly-led, hands-on program.
The coursework is reviewed by an advisory board or local and regional industry members, and the program and instructors are certified in all eight areas of automotive service.
The following degree options are available:
- Automotive Service Technology- a 66-credit program that leads to an Associate of Applied Science and is available at the Moorhead Campus
- Automotive Service Technology- a 60-credit program that leads to a Diploma
The program covers:
- Vehicle operating system theories
- Diagnosis of vehicle operating system problems
- Repair of vehicle operating systems
- Interpreting service information
Contact Information
- Address: 900 Hwy 34 E, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
- Phone: 218-846-3700
- Website: https://www.minnesota.edu
9Saint Paul College
About the School
Saint Paul College offers an Automotive Service Technician program for students who love cars and want to turn their passion into a career.
Students learn from experienced professionals who are experts in their field and have hands-on experience working with cars.
They gain the skills and knowledge they need to diagnose, repair, and maintain all types of vehicles.
Students prepare for work at a dealership or start their own repair shop.
56 credits are needed for a diploma.
Courses Offered
The following degree options are available:
- Automotive Service Technician Associate in Applied Science
- Automotive Service Technician Diploma
A Truck Technician Diploma program is also available at the college.
The total cost is between $18,200-$25,300
Contact Information
- Address: 235 Marshall Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55102
- Phone: 651.846.1600
- Website: https://www.saintpaul.edu
10St. Cloud Technical & Community College
About the School
St. Cloud Technical & Community College offers an Automotive Service Technician program that leads to a degree and prepares students for entry-level positions in the automotive repair industry.
The following degrees are available in the Automotive Service Technician program:
- Automotive Service Technician Associate of Applied Science- a 72-credit program
- Automotive Service Technician Diploma- a 67-credit program
Courses Offered
Students learn:
- Technical competence and entry-level skills to become an auto service technician
- Diagnose, maintain, adjust, and repair automotive systems and equipment
- Effective and efficient use of available resources
Safe and appropriate use of test equipment and how to be in compliance with all environmental regulations
Contact Information
- Address: 1540 Northway Drive, St. Cloud, MN 56303
- Phone: (800) 222-1009
- Website: https://sctcc.edu
Schools Summary Table
Regional Salary in Minnesota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth, MN-WI | 760 | $56,010 | $26.93 | $81,690 | $36,920 |
| Mankato, MN | 340 | $55,270 | $26.57 | $75,660 | $36,780 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | 8,070 | $61,390 | $29.52 | $84,390 | $38,510 |
| Rochester, MN | 630 | $56,480 | $27.15 | $78,900 | $37,650 |
| St. Cloud, MN | 730 | $54,830 | $26.36 | $77,310 | $36,960 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
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 Minnesota, the next step is to continue the research and apply for the program that best fits your lifestyle and career aspirations.
