Trade Schools
If you live in Missouri and you want to turn your passion for cars into a rewarding career, the auto mechanic profession may be the right fit for you.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage reported by Automotive Service Technicians in the United States was $49,670 as of May 2024.
Salaries vary depending on experience, education, location, and a variety of other factors.
Missouri Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics can earn anywhere between less than $23,000 and more than $63,000 per year, with the average calculated at $42,940.
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.
A certificate can typically be earned in one year or less, while associate degree programs are two years long.
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 Missouri.
1Metropolitan Community College
About the School
Metropolitan Community College offers Automotive Technology programs that are accredited by the ASE Education Foundation at the Master Automotive Service Technology level.
The college’s instructors are ASE Master Certified Technicians.
The testing equipment used by the college is state-of-the-art.
Students learn in a facility that is bright, spacious, and stocked with tools, equipment, and components.
The college keeps a fleet of more than 40 late-model cars for students to train on.
Courses Offered
The following specialized programs are available at Metropolitan Community College:
- Ford Asset- the program is designed for students who want to begin their career path at a Ford or Lincoln dealership.
- GM/ASEP- a program designed for students who are interested in beginning their career path at the General Motors dealership or an AC-Delco TSS service center
- Collision Repair- a new program at MCC designed for students who want to enter this high-demand field
- Early College Academy Automotive Program- high school students can take auto classes at MCC to complete their degree early
Contact Information
- Address: 3200 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64111
- Phone: 816.604.1000
- Website: https://mcckc.edu
2State Technical College of Missouri
About the School
State Technical College of Missouri offers academic and technical programs focused on students and their success.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition for in-state resident students is $225 per credit hour.
The State Tech campus is home to more than 50 labs, an automotive bay, an aviation hangar, and more than 40 acres of land dedicated to the school’s heavy equipment operation program.
Courses Offered
The Automotive Technology program at State Technical College of Missouri includes cutting-edge technology and machinery that prepares students for work in the best-equipped shops around the country.
Those interested in pursuing a certificate instead of a degree have the option to choose either Maintenance and Light Repair or General Automotive.
Contact Information
- Address: One Technology Drive, Linn, MO 65051
- Phone: (573) 897-5000
- Website: https://statetechmo.edu
3Ranken Technical College
Ranken Technical College provides students with the training and skills they need to land the job they want in only a few months.
The programs focus on the most in-demand careers, and the college has strong relationships with major employers.
Courses Offered
The following automotive programs are offered at Ranken Technical College:
- Automotive Collision Repair
- Automotive Maintenance Technology
- Professional Technician Program
- Certified Dealership Technician Program
- Diesel Technology
- High Performance Racing Technology
- Commercial Driver License
The Automotive Maintenance Technology program is available in Ranken, St. Louis, or Ranken-West (Wentzville).
The following day school programs are available:
- Associate of Technology
- Associate of Science
- Certificate of Technology
An evening school program that leads to a Certificate in Automotive Maintenance Technology is also available.
Contact Information
- Address: 4431 Finney Ave, St. Louis, MO 63113
- Phone: (314) 371-0236
- Website: https://ranken.edu
4St. Louis Community College
About the School
St. Louis Community College offers Automotive Technology programs that combine general education with auto mechanic training in the eight Automotive Service Excellence areas.
The programs offer hands-on instruction and prepare students for ASE certification tests.
Students get to master industry-standard safety procedures and learn how to conduct vehicle inspections.
The training covers industry-standard areas of specialization, which include:
- Engine repair
- Automatic transmission/transaxle
- Manual drive train and axles
- Suspension and steering
- Brakes
- Electrical/electronic systems
- Heating and air conditioning
- Air performance
Different types of credentials are available:
- Associate of Applied Science
- Certificate of Proficiency
- Certificate of Specialization
Contact Information
- Address: 3400 Pershall Road, Ferguson, MO 63135
- Phone: 314-513-4200
- Website: https://stlcc.edu
5State Fair Community College
About the School
State Fair Community College offers an Automotive Technology program that includes the following credentials:
- Professional Certificate in Automotive Technology- 59 credit hours program
- Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology- 75 credit hours
SFCC’s Automotive Technology program is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation MAST level.
Students who pursue a Professional Certificate take classes such as:
- Introduction to the Automotive Industry
- Manual Transmissions, Drivelines and Axles
- Introduction to Automotive Technology
- Automatic Transmissions
- Power Train Management
- Automotive Brakes
- Automotive Electrical Systems
- Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning
- Automotive Engines
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 3201 W. 16th Street, Sedalia, Missouri 65301-2188
- Phone: (877) 311-7322
- Website: https://www.sfccmo.edu
6Ozarks Technical Community College
About the School
Ozarks Technical Community College offers an Automotive Technology program that trains students to be auto experts.
The program teaches students about automotive system design, operation, diagnosis, and repair.
Students get to work on various kinds of cars and trucks in the school’s lab, where they put their knowledge into practice.
The curriculum covers topics like engine repair, brakes, engine performance, and automatic transmissions.
Graduates can find work as general service technicians or in various entry-level specialties.
The Automotive Technology Program is accredited by the ASE Foundation.
The following credentials are available:
- Associate of Applied Science
- Certificate of Achievement
- Short-Term Training
Contact Information
- Address: 1001 E. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield, MO 65802
- Phone: (417) 447-7500
- Website: https://programs.otc.edu
7Northwest Technical School
About the School
Northwest Technical School offers an Automotive Technology program that prepares automotive technicians who are ready to repair today’s cars.
The program uses a variety of instructional methods that include a variety of hand and power tools, class work, demonstrations, and actual hands-on laboratory work.
Courses Offered
Students learn about:
- General Shop Operation
- Electrical Systems
- Engine Performance Theory and Operation
- Engine Diagnosis and Repair
- Steering and Suspension Systems
- Tire Service
- Heating and Air Conditioning
- And more
The program is designed for adult and/or secondary students with a one-year or a two-year option.
Contact Information
- Address: 1515 South Munn, Maryville, Missouri 64468
- Phone: (660) 562-3022
- Website: https://nts.maryville.k12.mo.us
8Cape Girardeau Career & Technology Center
About the School
Cape Girardeau Career & Technology Center offers an Automotive Technology program that is structured as follows:
- Automotive Technology I- Powertrain/Driveline- a two-semester, three-period program eligible for students in grades 11 and 12th and adults
- Automotive Technology II- Electrical/Chassis- a two-semester, three-period program for students in grade 12 and adults
Students in Automotive Technology I learn about automotive industry fundamentals, including shop safety, vehicle systems, system operation, maintenance, and light repair.
Students in Automotive Technology II learn about the automotive industry, shop safety, vehicle systems, maintenance and light repair, and three areas of Automotive Service Excellence.
High school students who want to apply for this program should contact their school’s guidance counselor.
Contact Information
- Address: 1080 South Silver Springs Road, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
- Phone: 573.334.0826
- Website: https://www.capectc.org
9Jefferson College
About the School
Jefferson College offers an ATS Automotive Technology program.
This is a seniors-only program and is held only in the mornings.
The instruction begins with Automotive Shop Safety.
Students complete an online curriculum, plus jack and properly support vehicles.
They also get to use twin-post frame contact lifts and runway ramp style lifts with swing arm jacks.
The program also covers the proper use of bench grinders, power tools, and power shop washers while students work in the automotive shop.
In the spring semester, students learn about automotive steering and suspension systems.
Instruction involves both classroom and laboratory experiences, with home study required.
Contact Information
- Address: 1000 Viking Drive, Hillsboro, MO 63050
- Phone: (636) 481-3000
- Website: https://www.jeffco.edu
10Mineral Area College
About the School
Mineral Area College offers an Automotive Technology program that offers hands-on training in many aspects of automotive technology, including:
- Shop safety
- Automotive maintenance
- Base engine
- Brake system technology
- Auto HVAC
- Automatic transmissions/transaxle,
- Wheel alignment
- Driveline
- And more
Courses Offered
The following credential options are available:
- Automotive Technology Certificate- a one-year program designed to provide students with basic skills essential for entry into the automotive technology field
- Associate of Applied Science, Automotive Technology- a two-year program that requires a general education component consisting of college-level coursework
The Certificate plan includes courses such as:
- Intro to Auto Tech
- Auto Electronic Systems
- Auto Braking System Drum
- Auto Steering and Suspension
- Auto Heating and Air Conditioning
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 5270 Flat River Road, P.O. Box 1000, Park Hills, MO 63601
- Phone: (573) 431-4593
- Website: https://mineralarea.edu
Schools Summary Table
Regional Salary in Missouri
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | 330 | $48,040 | $23.10 | $63,440 | $30,160 |
| Columbia, MO | 560 | $49,910 | $23.99 | $74,400 | $31,200 |
| Jefferson City, MO | 410 | $46,550 | $22.38 | $67,960 | $29,260 |
| Joplin, MO-KS | 610 | $45,590 | $21.92 | $63,540 | $29,940 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | 5,440 | $55,140 | $26.51 | $79,620 | $36,070 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | 290 | $48,640 | $23.38 | $73,570 | $27,220 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | 7,640 | $53,160 | $25.56 | $77,000 | $36,000 |
| Springfield, MO | 1,690 | $50,540 | $24.30 | $75,750 | $30,660 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
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 Missouri, it’s time to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your lifestyle and career aspirations.
