Trade Schools
If you live in Nebraska and you want to prepare for a career as an auto mechanic, this page is for you.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers in this profession reportedly earned $44,700 per year, on average.
Salaries range from less than $23,570 and more than $66,780, depending on experience, employers, skills, and a variety of other factors.
Before being ready to apply for your first position as an auto mechanic, you have to learn a few skills, such as:
- Shop safety
- Tool and equipment usage
- Routine maintenance procedures
- Diagnosing and repairing motor vehicle systems
- Demonstrating professional customer service skills used in the industry
- And more
Auto mechanic classes are available in person and online at several colleges across the state.
The programs included in our list can lead to a Certificate, Diploma, or Associate Degree.
Program duration ranges from less than a year 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 Nebraska and the programs they offer.
1Metropolitan Community College
About the School
Metropolitan Community College is a comprehensive, public community college that offers affordable, quality education to all residents of Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy, and Washington counties.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses Offered
Among many other programs, the college offers the following automotive programs:
- Auto Collision Technology
- Automotive Technology
The Automotive Technology program prepares students for hands-on careers in the auto industry.
The following degrees and certificates are offered:
- Automotive Technology
- Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair Technician
- Automotive Technician Assistant
- Automotive Under-Vehicle Specialist
The Automotive Technician Assistant program leads to a Career Certificate and requires 24 credits.
The program prepares students with the skills and knowledge necessary for an advanced entry-level position in the automotive field.
Contact Information
- Address: 5300 N. 30th St., Omaha, NE 68111
- Phone: 531-622-2272
- Website: https://www.mccneb.edu
2Central Community College
About the School
The Central Community College offers an Automotive Technology program available at its Hastings campus.
The following program levels are available: certificate, diploma, and associate.
Courses Offered
The college offers the following program options:
- Automotive Technology AAS Degree
- Automotive Technology Diploma
- Automotive Engine Performance Certificate
- Automotive Technology Certificate
- Brakes/Steering/Suspension Certificate
- Engine Repair Certificate
The CCC Automotive Technology Program is accredited by the Automotive Service Education Foundation.
The Automotive Engine Performance Certificate includes the following courses:
- Basic Shop Practices
- Engine Performance
- Fuel Systems
The certificate requires 12 credits in total.
Contact Information
- Address: P.O. Box 1027, 4500 63rd Street, Columbus, NE
- Phone: 877-222-0780
- Website: https://www.cccneb.edu
3Southeast Community College
Southeast Community College offers a wide variety of career paths as well as a robust transfer program that helps students save money as they pursue a four-year degree.
Courses Offered
The Automotive Technology program at Southeast Community College prepares students for a rewarding career in the high-demand, high-tech automotive industry.
Students receive intensive, hands-on training with state-of-the-art equipment and have the chance to master essential skills in engine repair, transmissions, steering systems, brakes, electrical systems, heating and air conditioning, and engine performance.
The estimated cost for an A.A.S. degree is $18,890 and includes tuition, supplies/fees, books, and tools.
An Automotive Technology and Light Repair Certificate is also available and costs approximately $2,805
Students need 61 credits for an AAS degree and 31 credits for a diploma.
The Automotive Technology and Light Repair Certificate requires 12 credit hours.
Contact Information
- Address: 4771 W. Scott Road, Beatrice, NE 68310-7042
- Phone: 402-228-3468
- Website: https://www.southeast.edu
4Western Nebraska Community College
Western Nebraska Community College offers an Automotive Technology program that gives students the ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair today’s vehicles through theoretical and hands-on training.
Students learn how to rebuild an engine, properly troubleshoot an electrical system, and diagnose and repair everything from suspension systems to fuel systems.
Courses Offered
Students can choose from the following award types:
- Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology
- Certificate- Drivetrain and Under Hood Repair
- Certificate- Powertrain and Chassis Repair
The Automotive Technology, AAS program includes courses such as:
- Engine Repair
- Automotive Brake Systems
- Suspension, Steering, & Alignment
- Chassis Electrical Systems
- Manual Transmissions & Differential Axles
- Automotive Body Electrical Systems
- Ignition Systems
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1750 Sweetwater Ave. Alliance, NE 69301
- Phone: 308.763.2000
- Website: https://wncc.edu
5Mid-Plains Community College
About the School
Mid-Plains Community College offers an Automotive Technology program that prepares students for careers as automotive service technicians and mechanics.
Students learn how to work on traditional mechanical systems, such as engines, transmissions, and drive belts, and also become familiar with a growing number of electronic systems, such as braking, transmission, and steering systems.
They receive skills and training necessary for entry-level employment or career advancement.
Courses Offered
The program includes an Associate of Applied Science degree option and five certificates:
- Basic Engine and Electrical Repair
- Transmission and Drive Line
- Suspension and Alignment
- Tune-up
- Automotive Technology
Contact Information
- Address: 1205 East Third St., McCook, NE 69001
- Phone: 308-345-8100
- Website: https://www.mpcc.edu
6Northeast Community College
About the School
Northeast Community College offers an Automotive Technology program that prepares students for high-demand careers in the automotive repair and service industry.
The program offers two flexible options:
- Associate of Applied Science degree
- A diploma for a faster entry into the workforce
Students build strong technical, diagnostic, and problem-solving skills while working with the latest automotive technologies.
The program also covers the training needed to diagnose, test, and repair the complex systems found in modern cars, light trucks, and SUVs.
The college offers industry-relevant training, strong support and career preparation, and flexible degree options.
The Associate of Applied Science degree can be completed in two years, and the Diploma can be completed in one year.
The Automotive Technology program is accredited through the Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation.
Students receive both foundational knowledge and specialized skills, such as:
- Suspension, steering, and brake systems
- Electrical Tune-up and Fuel Systems
- Major Engine Repair
- Automatic and Manual Transmission Repair and Diagnostics
- Automotive Electronics
- Heating and Air Conditioning Repair and Diagnostics
Contact Information
- Address: 801 East Benjamin Avenue, Norfolk, Nebraska 68701
- Phone: (402) 371-2020
- Website: https://northeast.edu
7Ranken 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 available:
- 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
Students also have the option to enroll in an evening school program that leads to a Certificate in Automotive Maintenance Technology.
Contact Information
- Address: 4431 Finney Ave, St. Louis, MO 63113
- Phone: (314) 371-0236
- Website: https://ranken.edu
8Ozarks Technical Community College
Auto mechanic programs are also available at schools located in neighboring states.
About the School
Located in Missouri, Ozarks Technical Community College offers an Automotive Technology program that trans 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
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, skills that are covered while students are in the automotive shop.
In the spring semester, students learn about the automotive steering and suspension system.
Instruction involves both classroom and laboratory experiences, with home study required.
The college also offers an Associate of Applied Science curriculum with courses such as:
- Automotive Shop Safety
- Automotive Brake Systems
- Automotive Engine Repair
- Introduction to Engine Repair
- Driveline Diagnosis and Service
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1000 Viking Drive, Hillsboro, MO 63050
- Phone: (636) 481-3000
- Website: https://www.jeffco.edu
10Johnson County Community College
About the School
Located in Kansas, 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 can 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
Schools Summary Table
Regional Salary in Nebraska
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Island, NE | 220 | $52,240 | $25.12 | $74,130 | $32,400 |
| Lincoln, NE | 660 | $53,370 | $25.66 | $78,110 | $31,770 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | 2,200 | $55,280 | $26.58 | $81,340 | $33,810 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
If you want to learn the skills needed for entry-level employment as an auto mechanic, the schools included in our list can get you ready for certification exams and entry-level employment in two years or less.
Now that you have read our selection of the best auto mechanic schools in Nebraska, the next step is to continue the research and decide if this is the path you want to pursue.
