Trade Schools
If you’re a North Dakota resident and you want to turn your love for cars and mechanical puzzles into a rewarding career, we encourage you to read our selection of the best Auto Mechanic schools in your state.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage reported by North Dakota Automotive Service Technicians was $53,890 as of May 2024, higher than the national average for this profession.
Before being ready to apply for your first job in an auto shop, dealership, or similar setting, the first step is to complete an accredited training program.
Although the curriculum varies depending on the school and the credential you want to obtain, auto mechanic trainees typically study:
- Automotive Performance
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
- Automotive Drivetrains
- Brakes/Steering and Suspension
- Electricity and Electronic Systems
- Automotive Transmissions
- Engine & Emission Controls
- And more
To help you choose the school and the program that best fit into your schedule, on this page, we have compiled information about the best auto mechanic schools in North Dakota.
Depending on the credential you want to pursue, the programs included in our list take between a few months and two years to complete.
We invite you to read further to find out more about what North Dakota auto mechanic schools can teach you.
1Western Dakota Technical College
Western Dakota Technical College offers an Automotive Technology program and a Diesel Technology program.
Courses Offered
The Automotive Technology program available at Western Dakota Technical College leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree that provides education in most types of land transportation vehicles.
The program strives to provide students with the latest technology and training.
The program requirements include:
- Introduction to Automotive Technology
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
- Automotive Drivetrains
- Brakes/Steering and Suspension
- Electricity and Electronic Systems
- Engine Performance
- Engine Overhaul
- Engine Construction and Operation
- Shop and Parts Management
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 800 Mickelson Dr, Rapid City, SD 57703
- Phone: (800) 544-8765 or (605) 718-2565
- Website: https://www.wdt.edu
2North Valley Community and Technology Center
North Valley CTC gives students the opportunity to explore a variety of industries, from agriculture and auto tech, to business education and marketing.
Students learn through classroom instruction, hands-on experiences, and on-the-job training.
Courses Offered
The Auto Technology program available at North Valley Community and Technology Center is an ASE Accredited Training Program.
Students learn about the correct use of hand tools, diagnostic and test equipment used in the repair process.
Those who complete the program could be eligible for ASE certification in their areas and articulate credits to a post-secondary auto technology program.
The program includes the following courses:
- Introduction to Auto Technology
- Auto Technology
- Commercial Driver’s License
The Introduction to Auto Technology program includes topics related to vehicle engines, power transmissions, steering, brakes, and electrical systems.
Contact Information
- Address: 1540 School Road, Grafton, ND 58237
- Phone: 701-352-3705
- Website: https://northvalleyctc.org
3Southeast Region Career and Technology Center
About the School
Southeast Region Career and Technology Center offers the following Automotive, Welding, and Diesel Technology programs:
- Automotive General Service Technology I
- Automotive General Service Technology II
- Foundations of Automotive
- Welding Technology
- Diesel Technology
The Automotive General Service Technology I program can be completed in 36 weeks, awards 2 credits, and is available for students in grades 10-12.
The Automotive General Service Technology II program is available to students in grades 11-12.
The first year of training begins with an orientation to the eight areas of NATEF standardized programming- Engine repair, Automatic transmissions, Manual drive, Brakes, and more.
The second year General Service Technology program consists of a two-hour course continuing orientation to Engine Repair, Automatic transmissions, Manual drive, Suspension and steering, and more.
Contact Information
- Address: 2101 9th Street North, Wahpeton, ND 58075
- Phone: 701-642-8701
- Website: https://www.srctc.k12.nd.us
4James Valley Career & Technology Center
About the School
James Valley Career & Technology Center provides educational programs and support services for students from Jamestown, Gackle, Montpelier, and Pingree-Buchanan.
Among many other programs, the center offers an Automotive Collision and an Automotive Technology program.
Both Automotive Programs at CTC are NATEF Certified Training Programs.
Courses Offered
Automotive Collision Technology students learn about:
- Small Dent Repair
- Welding
- Panel Replacement
- Paining Techniques
- Special Paint Applications
- Estimating
- Glass and Hardware
Automotive Technology students learn about:
- Engine Repair
- Electrical/Electronic Systems
- Brakes
- Suspension and Steering
- Use of Diagnostic and Testing Equipment
Contact Information
- Address: 207 2nd Avenue Southeast, Jamestown, ND 58401
- Phone: (701) 252-1950
- Website: https://www.jamestown.k12.nd.us
5Bismarck State College
About the School
Bismarck State College offers an Automotive Technology program that helps students gain the classroom and hands-on knowledge to repair automotive, mechanical, and electrical systems.
Students hone their skills on training vehicles, using the latest diagnostic technology.
Courses Offered
The following degree plans are available:
- Automotive Technology Associate in Applied Science
- Automotive Technology Diploma
- Automotive Technology Electrical Chassis Systems Program Certificate
- Automotive Technology Engine Performance/ Air Conditioning Program Certificate
Students enrolled in the Diploma program need 69 credits and take classes such as:
- Mechanical and Shop Orientation
- Electronics
- Starting and Charging Systems
- Manual Transmissions and Transaxles
- Brake Fundamentals
- Engine Fundamentals
- Engine Repair
- A/C Heating Theory and Orientation
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1500 Edwards Ave, Bismarck, ND 58506, USA
- Phone: 701.224.5400 or 1.800.445.5073
- Website: https://catalog.bismarckstate.edu
6North Dakota State College of Science
About the School
North Dakota State College of Science offers an Auto Mechanics Technology program that equips students with the skills to diagnose, repair, and maintain today’s complex vehicles.
Students gain hands-on experience using industry-standard tools and technology.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available:
Automotive Technology- Associate in Applied Science
- Automotive and Diesel Master Technician- Associate in Applied Science
- Automotive Technology Certificate
- Automotive Electrical & Drivability
- Automotive Engines
- Automotive Powertrains
- Automotive Steering, Suspension, and Alignment
The Automotive Technology program includes the following classes:
- Power Trains/Brakes
- Automotive Electrical and Electronics
- Hybrid and Electrical Vehicle Systems
- Engine Repair
- Drivability Procedures
- Air Conditioning
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 800 6th St. N., Wahpeton, ND 58076 | 1305 19th Ave. N. Fargo, ND 58102
- Phone: 800-342-4325
- Website: https://catalog.ndscs.edu
7Academy of Engineering & Technical Science
About the School
The Academy of Engineering & Technical Science offers an Automotive Pathway program that prepares students for the following high-wage, high-skill, high-demand careers:
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver
- Automotive Service Technician and Mechanic
- Farm Equipment Mechanic and Service Technician
- Logistician
The following pathway courses are included in the program:
- Basic Mechanics- a course that provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills in welding and small engines
- Automotive I- a course that begins with an orientation to the eight areas of NATEF standardized programming
- Automotive II- students continue with direct work in the eight areas of NATEF programming
- Work-Based Learning
Contact Information
- Address: 1415 Empire Road, Dickinson, ND, 58601
- Phone: 701-456-0030
- Website: https://www.dickinson.k12.nd.us
8United Tribes Technical College
About the School
United Tribes Technical College offers an Automotive Technology program that provides theory plus the technical skills needed to enter the automotive repair job market.
The training facility is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment used in major dealerships and repair facilities.
Students of the UTTC Automotive Technology AAS degree and diploma programs learn how to:
- Diagnose automotive concerns
- Differentiate the undertakings of a repair
- Apply automotive language
- Diagnose and repair or replace drivability systems and components
Courses Offered
The Diploma plan includes courses such as:
- Intro to Automotive Service/Safety
- Engine Repair and Service
- Manual Drive Trains and Axles
- Automotive Brakes
- Engine Performance
- Steering & Suspension
- Heating and Air Conditioning
Contact Information
- Address: 3315 University Drive, Bismarck, ND 58504
- Phone: 701.255.3285
- Website: https://uttc.edu
9Williston State College
Williston State College offers a variety of Online Technician Training courses through a partnership with George Brown College.
The courses are designed to be completed by students at their own pace online and can be purchased as a total course or individual modules as they progress through the program.
Courses Offered
The following programs and outlines are available:
- Automation Technician Certificate Program
- Electric Vehicle Technician Certificate Program
- Electromechanical Technician Certificate Program
- Electronics Technician Certificate Program
- PLC Technician Certificate Program
- Robotics Technician Certificate Program
Program costs are $1,780 or $60-$90 per module.
Contact Information
- Address: 1410 University Avenue, Williston, ND 58801, USA
- Phone: 701.774.4200
- Website: https://willistonstate.edu
10Northland Community and Technical College
About the School
Northland Community and Technical College offers an Automotive Service Technician program that provides students with training in many service and diagnostic procedures.
The A.A.S. degree requires 73 credits.
The program is available at Thief River Falls.
Northland Community and Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Students learn how to:
- Apply the theory of vehicle operating systems
- Diagnose vehicle operating systems
- Repair vehicle operating systems
- Interpret service information
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2022 Central Avenue NE, East Grand Forks, MN 56721
- Phone: 218-793-2800
- Website: https://www.northlandcollege.edu
Schools Summary Table
Regional Salary in North Dakota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck, ND | 300 | $57,130 | $27.47 | $81,040 | $38,130 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | 540 | $55,730 | $26.79 | $79,580 | $36,710 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | 240 | $56,530 | $27.18 | $78,590 | $37,420 |
| Minot, ND | 210 | $58,790 | $28.26 | $80,910 | $38,210 |
* 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 in our list.
Now that you have read our selection of the best auto mechanic schools in North Dakota, it’s time to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your lifestyle and career aspirations.
