Trade Schools
If you live in New York and you want to turn your passion for cars into a rewarding career, the auto mechanic profession is worth exploring.
New York Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics can earn anywhere between $31,000 and more than $80,000 per year, with the average calculated at $53,260.
Before being ready to apply for your first auto mechanic job, you have to complete a training program that lasts between a few months and two years, depending on the credential you are targeting.
During this time, you will learn about engines, chassis, powertrains, electrical systems, fuels, and automotive performance, and prepare for tasks 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 York.
1Lincoln Tech
About the School
Lincoln Tech has over 20 campuses across the United States, each featuring select programs.
The college offers an Automotive Technology program at its Queens campus.
Students learn from ASE-Certified instructors who bring valuable real-world experience to the classroom.
They prepare with skills such as:
- Rebuilding an engine
- Diagnosing and repairing transmissions and drive train components
- Repairing A/C and heating systems
- Performing basic maintenance
- Theory and application of all electrical and electronic systems
- And more
Courses Offered
The Automotive Technology career training is available in Whitestone, at a facility shared with the Greater New York Auto Dealers Association.
The instructors guide students through the inner workings of engines, parts, fuel, and emissions systems, drivability issues, diagnostics, airbag diagnosis, transmissions, drive lines, and more.
Financial aid is available for students who qualify.
Contact Information
- Address: 15-30 Petracca Place, Whitestone, NY 11357
- Phone: (718) 640-9800
- Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu
2Apex Technical School
About the School
Apex Technical School offers an Automotive Service & Repair program that helps students fine-tune their automotive training and turn their love for cars into a career by learning the skills required to help them get started in this field.
Students spend 900 hours in the classroom and shop, and are trained by skilled instructors.
They learn how to remove and inspect car parts, energy, and how it works in a car’s electrical circuit, the difference between manual and automatic transmissions, fuel systems, air conditioning repair, and more.
The instruction, course of study, facilities, and equipment have been evaluated by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation and Automotive Service Excellence.
Courses Offered
The classes include:
- Automotive Engines
- Automotive Chassis
- Automotive Powertrains
- Automotive Electrical
- Automotive Fuels
- Automotive Performance
The car mechanics school at Apex is designed to help students get started with entry-level automotive repair skills.
Contact Information
- Address:11-05 44th Drive, Long Island City, NY 11101
- Phone: 212-645-3300
- Website: https://apexschool.com
3The State University of New York
About the School
The State University of New York gives students the opportunity to learn automotive repair and refinishing trades.
The automotive programs at SUNY provide students with the technical skills needed to diagnose, service, and repair vehicles.
The program focuses on brake and engine systems, collision repair, and vehicle diagnostics and provides students with the hands-on experience required for careers as automotive technicians and auto mechanics.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available at the university:
- Apprentice Training: Automotive GM
- Apprentice Training: Automotive- Toyota T-Ten
- Autobody Repair
- Automotive Business
- Automotive Management
- Automotive Management
- Automotive Mechanics
- Automotive Service Technician
- Diesel Technology
- Electric & Autonomous Vehicles
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: State University Plaza, 353 Broadway, Albany, NY 12246
- Phone: (518) 320-1100
- Website: https://www.suny.edu
4The College of Transportation Technology
About the School
The College of Transportation Technology offers a variety of academic programs in Jamaica, New York.
The college helps students start a rewarding new profession in the field of automotive service.
The automotive technician training programs are based on the standards set by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and provide students with tutoring, financial aid, job search assistance, and more.
Courses Offered
Students receive training in all relevant areas of ASE Automobile Testing certification, including:
- Automatic transmissions
- Brakes
- Electrical/electronic systems
- Engine performance
- Heating and air conditioning
- Manual drive train
- Steering and suspension
The Automotive Service Technology certificate program requires the completion of 45 credits, amounting to 1,080 hours of training.
The program can be completed in around 11 to 12 months by full-time students and in 18 months by part-time students.
The Associate of Occupational Studies in Automotive Technology includes 61 credits and helps students accumulate 1,440 hours of training.
The AOS may be completed in 15 months full-time and in 25 months part-time.
Contact Information
- Address: 178-18 Liberty Ave. Jamaica, New York 11433
- Phone: 833-364-5132
- Website: https://nyadi.edu
5Monroe Community College
About the School
Monroe Community College offers an Automotive Technology program that encompasses four separate programs.
Three of the programs lead to an Associate in Applied Science degree, and one leads to a Certificate of Completion.
The programs combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction to prepare students for careers as automotive technicians.
Students can complete their degree within five to nine semesters.
Courses Offered
The following degrees and certificates are available:
- AAS Degrees:
- Multi-Manufacturer Automotive
- General Motors Automotive Service Excellence Program
- Toyota/Lexus Technical Education Network
- Certificates:
- Automotive Technology Apprentice Program
- Toyota/Lexus Technical Education Network
Contact Information
- Address: 1000 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, New York 14623
- Phone: 585.292.2000
- Website: https://www.monroecc.edu
6Rochester SUNY UCAWD
About the School
Rochester SUNY UCAWD offers an Auto Technician program that prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed to service, troubleshoot, and repair basic automotive systems.
The class is divided into two parts:
- Course content
- Hands-on shop time that allows students to diagnose, repair, and do tune-ups/inspections, among other tasks
Courses Offered
The curriculum includes:
- Safety in the auto shop
- Introduction to the automotive industry/careers as an auto tech
- Work appropriate behavior
- Soft skills to promote success in the workplace
- Vehicle tune-up
- Oil changes
- Air filter service
- Fuel and induction service
- Automatic, manual transmission, differential, and transfer case service
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 161 Chestnut Street, Rochester, NY 14604
- Phone: (585) 232-2730
- Website: https://reoc.brockport.edu
7Norwich University
About the School
Norwich University offers a Mechanical Engineering program that leads to a Bachelor of Science.
Mechanical Engineering majors learn to design, develop, and manufacture machines that produce, transmit, and use power.
The program stresses lab work, internships, and a focus on solving real-world problems.
Graduates are ready to use their expertise and experience to shape innovations that move industries forward.
Courses Offered
The core courses include:
- Introduction to Mechanics
- Materials Science
- Mechanics of Materials
- Fluid Mechanics
- Mechanical Engineering Tools
- Design and Professional Practice
- Manufacturing Processes
- Mechanical Control Systems
- And more
Norwich University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Contact Information
- Address: 158 Harmon Drive, Northfield, VT 05663
- Phone: (802) 485-2000
- Website: https://home.norwich.edu
8Suffolk County Community College
About the School
Suffolk County Community College offers multiple certificate and A.A.S. degree options in Automotive Technology and Automotive Business at its Selden campus.
The automotive programs are accredited by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence Education foundation and are designed to prepare students for employment as automobile technicians and in local car dealerships, franchises, and independent repair facilities.
Courses Offered
The following degree options are offered:
- Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair- Certificate
- Automotive Business- Associate in Applied Science degree
- Automotive Business- Certificate
- Automotive Service Specialist- A.A.S. Degree
- Toyota T-TEN Automotive Service- A.A.S. Degree
Students who want to obtain an Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair- Certificate take classes such as:
- Automotive Portfolio
- Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair
- Integrated Automotive Systems
- Automotive Braking Systems
- Automotive Steering and Suspension Systems
- And more
Resident tuition is $3,025 per semester for 12 credits or more.
Contact Information
- Address: 533 College Road, Selden, NY 11784
- Phone: (631) 451-4110
- Website: https://www.sunysuffolk.edu
9Rockland Community College
Rockland Community College offers quality education that prepares students for life-changing careers and new beginnings.
Students may choose from 35 degree programs and more than 20 certificate opportunities.
Courses Offered
The Automotive Technology program at Rockland gives students the opportunity to learn in a 27,304 square-foot facility that includes five classrooms, a certification room, and Snap-on Industrial certifications.
The college uses cutting-edge academic technology in the Automotive Technology program.
The following degree tracks are available:
- Associate of Applied Science: Automotive Technology
- Automotive Technician Fundamentals
- Automotive Technology Fundamentals
The Associate of Applied Science: Automotive Technology track includes courses such as:
- Engine Repair and Combustion Theory
- Electrical Theory
- Intro to Automotive Electrical/Electronic Systems
- Engine Performance
- Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning
- Advanced Computer Diagnostics
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 145 College Road, Suffern, NY 10901
- Phone: 845-574-4000
- Website: https://sunyrockland.edu
10A-Tech High School
About the School
A-Tech High School is a high school and career and technical education school located in the Greenpoint section of Brooklyn.
The center offers coursework in the career pathways of Automotive Technology, Digital Arts & Media, Business & Entrepreneurship, and Software Engineering.
Students graduate both college-ready and career-ready.
Courses Offered
The Academy of Automotive Technology at A-Tech High School includes the following student training and certifications:
- OSHA’s S/P2 Automotive Service Safety
- Automotive Service Excellence
- Engine Repair
- Suspension and Steering
- Brakes
- Electrical/Electronic Systems
- Engine Performance
- General Maintenance and Light Repair
Contact Information
- Address: 50 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
- Phone: (718) 218-9301
- Website: https://www.atechhs.org
Schools Summary Table
Regional Salary in New York
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | 2,140 | $56,190 | $27.02 | $75,790 | $37,200 |
| Binghamton, NY | 490 | $50,990 | $24.51 | $75,650 | $32,280 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | 2,650 | $51,360 | $24.69 | $74,550 | $33,760 |
| Elmira, NY | 210 | $50,510 | $24.28 | $76,870 | $33,890 |
| Glens Falls, NY | 360 | $51,770 | $24.89 | $75,540 | $34,160 |
| Ithaca, NY | 220 | $47,650 | $22.91 | $64,350 | $31,770 |
| Kingston, NY | 400 | $56,090 | $26.97 | $79,770 | $35,380 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | 1,590 | $56,660 | $27.24 | $79,040 | $35,520 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | 27,540 | $61,890 | $29.75 | $94,630 | $35,340 |
| Rochester, NY | 2,430 | $53,150 | $25.55 | $76,960 | $35,800 |
| Syracuse, NY | 1,660 | $52,770 | $25.37 | $75,750 | $33,890 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | 670 | $48,090 | $23.12 | $69,660 | $31,350 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum, NY | 280 | $49,660 | $23.88 | $71,070 | $32,050 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our selection of the best auto mechanic schools in New York, the next step is to continue the research.
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 certifications and entry-level employment.
This is an important step, so take your time and make sure it fits your budget, schedule, and career aspirations.
