Trade Schools
If you’re passionate about cars and you enjoy working with your hands, you can turn your passion into a rewarding career in the auto mechanics field.
On average, auto service technicians and mechanics in New Mexico earned $46,380 per year as of May 2024, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
An Auto Mechanic works on engines, brakes, transmissions, electrical components, and a variety of other systems.
Before being ready to apply for your first job as an auto mechanic, you have to learn a few skills, such as:
- Identifying mechanical and electrical problems in vehicles
- Conducting routine maintenance tasks
- Replacing worn and damaged parts
- Explaining vehicle problems to customers
- Ensuring safety procedures are followed
- And more
All these skills can be learned through a post-secondary program at a trade school or community college.
To help you choose the program and the format that best meet your needs and career aspirations, on this page, we have compiled information about the best auto mechanic schools in New Mexico.
1Clovis Community College
About the School
Clovis Community College offers high-quality education, training, and lifelong learning.
The college provides degrees, certificates, and extended learning opportunities.
Courses Offered
The Automotive Technology program at Clovis Community College offers classroom and laboratory experience and covers all aspects of car diagnostics, repair, and maintenance.
Students receive a well-rounded knowledge of the industry through laboratory work on vehicles from a variety of manufacturers.
They become familiar with computerized technical manuals and multiple diagnostic hand and power tools used by professional line technicians.
The training teaches the application of diagnostics, parts inspection, and repair or replacement of failed components.
Students learn about:
- Automotive Electronics
- Engine Repair & Performance
- Automatic & Manual Transmissions
- Transaxle Theory
- Engine Repair Diagnostics
- Suspension and Steering Theory
- Brake Systems/Antilock Brake Systems
- Automotive HVAC
Contact Information
- Address: 417 Schepps Blvd. Clovis, New Mexico 88101
- Phone: 575.769.2811
- Website: https://www.clovis.edu
2Central New Mexico Community College
Central New Mexico Community College offers an Automotive Technology program that gives students the opportunity to earn a degree or certificate, become ASE and OSHA Occupational Safety certified, and start a career in the auto industry.
Courses Offered
The curriculum covers essential topics such as brake and electrical systems, engine repair and performance, manual and automatic transmission, alternative fuels, and more.
The program also covers valuable training for Ford and Subaru models to broaden students’ expertise.
CNM’s new Transportation Technology Center at the RioTECH campus is a cutting-edge facility built to support the future of automotive and transportation education.
The center includes labs and equipment to help students gain real-world skills in a high-tech environment.
The CNM Auto Technology program prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions, providing a pathway for further study in auto repair or related fields.
Contact Information
- Address: 716 University Blvd. SE (Official), 525 Buena Vista Dr. SE (Billing) Albuquerque, NM 87106
- Phone: (505) 224-3000
- Website: https://www.cnm.edu
3The University of New Mexico- Gallup
About the School
The University of New Mexico- Gallup offers an Automotive Technology program that ensures students enrolled have the opportunity to achieve their desired degree and receive Entry-Mid-Upper level training as automotive technicians.
The program includes classroom lectures and laboratory experiences on past and current vehicles and products.
Courses Offered
The program covers approved ASE certified curricula from Engine Repair and Performance to Automatic Transmission, Drivelines, Electrical and Body Systems, Air Conditioning and Heating, Brakes, Steering and Suspension Systems, Testing and Diagnosis, and more.
The following degree options are available:
- Auto Tech CERT
- Auto Tech AAS
The 33-credit Certificate in Automotive Technology includes the following core classes:
- Automotive Testing & Diagnostics
- Brake Systems
- Electrical System Repair
- Steering & Suspension
- Emission Control Service
- Electrical Systems Overhaul
- Practicum in Auto Technology
Contact Information
- Address: 705 Gurley Ave. Gallup, NM 87301, USA
- Phone: (505) 863-7500
- Website: https://www.gallup.unm.edu
4New Mexico State University
About the School
New Mexico State University offers more than 180 degree programs designed to shape students’ futures and advance their personal and professional goals.
Among many other academic paths, the university offers an Automotive Technology program with the following degree options:
- Automotive Technology- Associate of Applied Science
- Basic Automotive Technology- Certificate of Completion
- Intermediate Automotive Technician- Certificate of Completion
- Advanced Automotive Technician- Certificate of Completion
Courses Offered
Students are trained in:
- Engine Repair
- Suspension and Steering
- Manual Drive Train and Axles
- Electrical Systems
- Brakes
- Engine Performance
- Automatic Transmission
- And more
Classes are also offered in the daytime and at night to accommodate work schedules.
Contact Information
- Address: Las Cruces, New Mexico
- Phone: (575) 646-0111
- Website: https://nmsu.edu/
5Santa Fe Community College
About the School
Santa Fe Community College offers an Automotive Technologies program that teaches students about electric vehicles.
A Certificate or Associate Degree in Automotive Technologies from Santa Fe Community College prepares students for a dynamic career as a technician or mechanic who can work on all kinds of vehicles in any part of the country.
The classes are taught by ASE Certified Technicians in a real-life instructional atmosphere.
Courses Offered
The program includes a wide range of hands-on coursework in car repair and automotive technical training that helps students develop skills in multiple competency areas:
- Automotive Engine Repair
- Auto Maintenance and Light Truck Repair
- Automatic Transmission Transaxle
- Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning
- Brakes, Manual Transmission, and Drive Train
- And more
The following degrees and certificates are available:
- Automotive Technology, A.A.S.
- Automatic Transmission Transaxle, Certificate
- Automotive Engine Repair, Certificate
- Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning, Certificate
- Automotive Internal Combustion Technology, Certificate
- Automotive Steering and Suspension Certificate
- Brakes, Certificate
- Electric Vehicle Technology, Certificate
- Maintenance and Light Repair, Certificate
- Manual Transmission and Drive Train, Certificate
Contact Information
- Address: 6401 Richards Avenue, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87508
- Phone: 505-428-1000
- Website: https://www.sfcc.edu
6Cibola High School
About the School
Cibola High School offers an Automotive Technologies program that trains students for careers as automotive technicians.
The program aligns with the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation and Automotive Service Excellence standards.
Students receive the technical expertise and hands-on experience needed for success in the automotive industry.
Courses Offered
Students learn how to service and maintain their personal automobile during the Automotive Technology I course.
Automotive Technology II provides the application of the knowledge and skills learned in Automotive Technology I.
Students learn how to apply the knowledge and skills learned in Auto Technology II as part of the Automotive Technology III course.
An Automotive Capstone is also included in the programs.
This allows students to explore personal and career interests, aptitudes, and abilities.
Contact Information
- Address: 1510 Ellison NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87114
- Phone: (505) 897-0110
- Website: https://cibola.aps.edu
7Dona Ana Community College
About the School
Dona Ana Community College offers an Automotive Technology program that can lead to the following credentials:
- Basic Automotive Technician Certification
- Intermediate Automotive Technician Certification
- Advanced Automotive Technician Certification
Students are trained in:
- Engine service
- Suspension and steering
- Manual drive train and axles
- Electrical systems
- Brakes, fuel, and emissions
- Heating and air conditioning
- Engine performance
- Automatic transmission/transaxle
Students are trained to use state-of-the-art equipment.
In laboratories, they practice the same service and repair techniques required of any professional service technician working in the real world.
Each class includes a number of carefully selected competencies that students need to master in order to complete the program.
Contact Information
- Address: 2800 Sonoma Ranch Blvd. Las Cruces, NM 88011
- Phone: (575) 527-7500
- Website: https://dacc.nmsu.edu
8Eastern New Mexico University Roswell
About the School
ENMU Roswell offers an Automotive Technology program that follows a schedule of courses that allows students to receive a Certificate of Occupational Training for each of the eight specialty areas determined by ASE guidelines.
The following certificate and degree options are available:
- Automotive Technology A.A.S.- a degree that transfers into a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences Degree program at ENMU
- Automotive Technology- Brakes C.O.E.
Courses Offered
This program prepares students to:
- Demonstrate the proper use of safety equipment
- Locate and utilize vehicle electronic service information
- Explain the theory of operation of brake systems and components
- Apply a proper diagnostic approach when analyzing a brake system fault
- Demonstrate a proper repair verification procedure
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 52 University Blvd. Roswell, NM 88203
- Phone: 800-243-6687
- Website: https://www.roswell.enmu.edu
9UEI College
Automotive training programs are also available at schools and colleges in neighboring states.
About the School
United Education Institute offers Automotive Technician training at several locations in Arizona, California, Georgia, Nevada, and Washington.
The program helps students get into an entry-level career by giving them the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills needed to earn a position as a service technician, parts specialist, or alternative fuels technician.
The program is approximately 10 months long and is available in a hybrid format.
Students learn through hands-on training with instructors who have years of automotive experience.
Courses Offered
The program includes nine modules and courses such as:
- Engine Theory and Systems
- Electrical Theory and Diagnosis
- Engine Performance and Ignition Systems
- Fuel Systems and Emission Control
- Brake Systems
- Manual Transmissions
- Preventive Maintenance and Hybrid Technology
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 3737 Rosedale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93308
- Phone: (661) 846-2244
- Website: https://www.uei.edu
10Mt. San Jacinto College
About the School
The Automotive Transportation Technology program at Mt. San Jacinto College is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in high-tech automotive repair shops.
The program has experienced instructors who offer real-world knowledge and hands-on practice in performing automotive diagnosis, repair, and maintenance.
A special emphasis is placed on preparing students to begin or advance their careers by becoming certified Master Automobile Technicians and Advanced Level Specialists in the rapidly changing field of modern transportation technologies.
Courses Offered
The following degrees/certificates are available:
- Non-Transfer Degree- Automotive Technology, A.S.
- Certificate- Automotive/Transportation Technology Certificate
- Employment Concentrations:
- Engine Performance Technician Employment Concentration
- General Technician Employment Concentration
The Automotive/Transportation Technology Certificate provides students with hands-on training and instruction in automotive diagnosis, repair, and maintenance.
The program requirements include:
- Basic Auto Mechanics
- Automotive Suspension, Steering, and Alignment Systems
- Automotive Brake Systems
- Automotive Electrical/Electronics I
- Engine Performance
Contact Information
- Address: 1499 N. State St., San Jacinto, CA 92583
- Phone: 951-487-MSJC (6752)
- Website: https://www.msjc.edu
Schools Summary Table
Regional Salary in New Mexico
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | 2,290 | $53,440 | $25.69 | $78,890 | $30,940 |
| Farmington, NM | 410 | $52,300 | $25.15 | $77,350 | $28,240 |
| Las Cruces, NM | 360 | $48,640 | $23.39 | $72,690 | $29,330 |
| Santa Fe, NM | 350 | $54,950 | $26.42 | $79,320 | $31,300 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our selection of the best auto mechanic schools in New Mexico, the next step is to continue the research and decide if this is the path you want to pursue.
Once you have decided that an auto mechanic profession is the right fit for you, it’s time to choose the school that will prepare you for your first job in the field.
