If you live in New Jersey 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.
New Jersey Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics can earn anywhere between $25,000 or less and more than $76,000 per year, with the average calculated at $50,960- higher than the national average.
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 New Jersey.
#1Pennco Tech
About the School
Pennco Tech offers vocational training at its campus in Blackwood, New Jersey.
The programs are designed to produce experienced professionals who are ready to enter high-demand fields and thus improve their overall career readiness.
Students receive individualized attention and support from a trained faculty and staff.
The school is accredited by the Accredited Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Daytime and evening classes are available.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available in Blackwood:
- Collision Repair
- Automotive Technology
- Diesel Technology
- Electrician Training
- And more
The Automotive Technology program provides students with specialized training in both the mechanical and computerized components of a vehicle.
The program combines practical experience and a well-rounded curriculum to provide students with experience regarding automotive theory and hands-on lab training.
Students learn how to perform tasks such as:
- Identify mechanical problems
- Utilize computerized diagnostic equipment
- Specialized automotive A/C equipment
- Understanding electrical systems
- Hybrid school vehicle training
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 3815 Otter St, Bristol, PA 19007
- Phone: 215-268-7885
- Website: https://www.penncotech.edu
#2Raritan Valley Community College
About the School
Raritan Valley Community College offers an Automotive Technology program designed in partnership with the local industry to teach students the skills needed to get a great job.
The hands-on full-time program is geared toward turning students into Automotive Technicians that employers are eager to hire.
Courses Offered
The following paths are available:
- One-year Certificate track- requires between 35 and 36 credits and prepares students for entry-level technician positions.
- Two-year AAS degree track- a path that requires 60 credits and prepares students for higher-level Automotive Technician positions
The college has partnerships with manufacturers to bring a higher level of industry certification to the program:
- Mopar CAP local specialized certification track
- Subaru University specialized certification track
- Ford ACE specialized certification track
- Toyota’s specialized certification track
The program is eligible for federal and state financial aid.
Tuition is $192 per credit for in-county Hunterdon/Somerset residents and $272 for out-of-county residents.
Contact Information
- Address: 118 Lamington Road, Branchburg, NJ 08876
- Phone: 908-526-1200
- Website: https://www.raritanval.edu
#3Lincoln Tech
About the School
Lincoln Tech provides Automotive Technician training at its Union campus.
The program covers the theory and application of automotive electrical and electronic systems, the service, repair, and rebuild of a gasoline engine & troubleshooting on-board computers.
Students also learn how to diagnose and repair drive train components and how to apply mechanical and technical principles to automotive steering, alignment, and suspension systems.
They learn from experts in a well-equipped environment.
Courses Offered
The Automotive Service Technology Certificate Program includes 55 total semester credit hours and can be completed in approximately 57 weeks.
Students prepare for ASE certification exams.
The core courses include:
- Powertrain Electronics
- Transmissions and Drive Systems
- Air Conditioning and Electrical Accessories
- Automotive Brake Systems
- Service Shop Management
- Service Shop Operations
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2299 Vauxhall Road, Union, NJ 07083
- Phone: (908) 964-7800
- Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu
#4Union College of Union County
About the School
Union College of Union County offers an Automotive Technology, A.A.S. program.
The program is available as a partnership between Union County Vocational-Technical School and UCNJ Union College of Union County.
All courses are taught by UCNJ faculty, and all professors are ASE certified.
The courses are offered within UCNJ’s Scotch Plains campus, a state-of-the-art automotive facility of the Vocational-Technical school.
Courses Offered
The program trains and prepares students in eight automotive areas: A/C & Heating, Brakes, Steering & Suspension, Electrical & Electronic Repair, Engine Performance, Engine Repair, Manual Drive Trains, and Automatic Transmissions.
Eligible students may participate in work activities such as internships, mentoring, apprenticeships, and Cooperative Industrial Education.
Contact Information
- Address: 1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016-1599
- Website: https://www.ucc.edu
#5Hudson Training Center
About the School
Hudson Training Center prepares students to become technicians in just six months.
The center offers intensive, career-focused courses designed to meet the demands of the modern economy.
The programs include certifications in electrical, plumbing, automotive, as well as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, welding, and more.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available at the center:
- Electricity Residential & Commercial
- Mechanic Automotive
- Heating Residential & Commercial
- And more
The Mechanic Automotive program can be completed in 28 weeks and is available at the Palisades-Park campus.
The program costs $5,800.
The course includes downloadable content, an official certificate, and teacher support.
Contact Information
- Address: 2321 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 301, North Bergen, NJ 07047
- Phone: (888) 883-9192
- Website: https://www.hudsontrainingcenter.com
#6Rowan College
About the School
Rowan College offers an Automotive Technology, A.A.S. degree program that is a joint venture between Rowan College of South Jersey, Gloucester County Institute of Technology, and the Ford Motor Company.
ASSET at Rowan College of New Jersey is a 24-month curriculum.
The Automotive Technology classes, which include lecture and hands-on shop experience, are held at the Gloucester County Institute of Technology.
Supportive liberal courses, including mathematics, science, and computer classes, are held at the Rowan College of South Jersey campus.
Courses Offered
The program goals include:
- Safely and completely work in an automotive repair facility.
- Understand all eight National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence areas of automotive technology, regardless of manufacturer.
- Diagnose and fix all major automotive systems.
- Demonstrate social skills and a high level of professionalism
Contact Information
- Address: 1400 Tanyard Road, Sewell, NJ 08080
- Phone: 856-468- 5000
- Website:https://www.rcsj.edu
#7Monmouth County Vocational School District
About the School
Monmouth County Vocational School District offers an Automotive Technology program at its Hazlet, Middletown, and Tinton Falls locations.
The high school program uses an ASE-based curriculum, designed as a two-year course of study.
Courses Offered
The program covers the following skills and tasks:
- Inspect and service wheels, tires, electrical systems, and starter systems.
- Inspect and repair mechanical systems.
- Service and repair brake systems, cooling systems, ignition systems, fuel systems, automatic transmissions, and steering and suspension systems.
Students have the opportunity to earn high school credits for the on-the-job training part.
The workplace readiness curriculum includes technical skill preparation, employability skills, safety, and applied academics related to the selected technical area of study.
Contact Information
- Address: P.O. Box 50334000 Kozloski Road, Freehold, NJ 07728-5033
- Phone: 732-431-7942
- Website: https://www.mcvsd.org
#8Brookdale Community College
About the School
Brookdale Community College offers an Automotive Technology program that is certified by the NATEF.
The following programs are available:
- AAS Degree for General Motors GMASEP
- AAS Degree for General Automotive
The college has an articulation agreement with Pennsylvania College of Technology to help students obtain a bachelor’s degree.
The program includes hands-on practical training in Brookdale’s modern, state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
Courses Offered
The following degrees in Automotive Technology are available at Brookdale:
- Automotive Technology Program, Automotive Engineering Technician Option A.A.S.
- Automotive Technology Program, Automotive Technology Option A.A.S.
- Automotive Technology Program, General Motors Automotive Service Educational Program A.A.S.
- Automotive Tech- Academic Credit Certificate of Achievement
Contact Information
- Address: 765 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft, NJ 07738
- Phone: 732.224.2345
- Website: https://www.brookdalecc.edu
#9Burlington County Institute of Technology
Burlington County Institute of Technology offers an Automotive Technology program designed to meet the demand for skilled and certified Automotive Technicians.
Courses Offered
Students get to explore the five essential areas of automotive expertise: fundamentals, braking systems, steering and suspension, drivelines, and electricity and electronics.
They learn in state-of-the-art facilities and work with top-of-the-line equipment.
Students work on real vehicles, master routine maintenance tasks, and delve into advanced diagnostic and repair techniques.
They have the chance to earn an ASE certification by the end of the program.
The curriculum includes the following classes:
- Foundations and Safety
- Introduction to Automotive Technology
- Engine Repair
- Brakes
- Manual Drive Trains and Axles/Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
- Electrical
- Engine Performance
- Advanced Vehicle Electronics
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: Westampton-695 Woodlane Road, Westampton, NJ 08060
- Phone: (609) 267-4226
- Website: https://www.bcit.cc
#10Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools
About the School
An Automotive Technology Adult Certificate program is available at Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools.
This program prepares students for entry-level employment in the automotive field.
It is designed for individuals who are interested in changing careers and for those who would benefit from the opportunity to obtain an education with classroom, laboratory, and realistic shop settings.
Instruction includes classroom and hands-on learning.
Students prepare for ASE/NATEF certification exams.
Graduates earn a certificate of completion.
To qualify for admission into the program, applicants must be 16 years of age or older and not currently enrolled in a high school program.
The program takes between six and 12 months to be completed.
In total, the program has 540 hours.
The total cost for this program is $4,375.
Contact Information
- Address: 21 Suttons Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854
- Phone: (732) 257-3300
- Website: https://mycareer.nj.gov/training/48164
Schools Summary Table
Auto Mechanic Average Salary in New Jersey
Estimated Earnings Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
|
$34K
|
|
|
$59K
|
|
|
$88K
|
Auto Mechanic Salary by Metro Area in New Jersey
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | 650 | $55,370 | $26.62 | $83,310 | $35,300 |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ | 780 | $57,780 | $27.78 | $80,720 | $35,840 |
| Vineland, NJ | 310 | $52,470 | $25.23 | $77,630 | $33,890 |
* 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 available at New Jersey trade schools and community colleges.
Now that you have read our selection of the best auto mechanic schools in your state, it’s time to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your lifestyle and career aspirations.
