Trade Schools
This page compiles information about the best auto mechanic schools in the state of Ohio.
If you’re passionate about cars and enjoy working with your hands, a career as an auto mechanic may be the right fit for you.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage reported by auto service technicians and mechanics in Ohio was $47,290 in 2024.
Before being ready to apply for your first auto mechanic job, you should be prepared to work on engines, brakes, transmissions, heating and cooling, and a variety of other car systems.
You have to learn a few skills, such as:
- Diagnosing and troubleshooting different car systems
- Performing regular maintenance tasks
- Engine inspection and testing
- Communicating with customers
- And more
Auto mechanic classes are available 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 your state, what they will teach you, how much they cost, and other useful information.
1Butler Tech
About the School
Butler Tech offers an Automotive Technology program that combines a college-like instruction with hands-on activities to prepare students for the technical occupations of the future and to provide a pathway to an associate degree or beyond.
College Tech Prep programs provide advanced skills in math, science, communication, and technology.
The program combines academic and job skills at all educational levels.
The program includes the following costs:
- SkillsUSA Fee: $25
- Tools: $150
Courses Offered
The coursework includes:
- Automotive troubleshooting
- Engine performance
- Electrical systems
- Customer relations
- Suspension and steering systems
- Transmissions
- Brake systems
- HVAC systems
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 3605 Hamilton Middletown Rd, Fairfield Township, OH 45011
- Phone: 513-868-1911
- Website: https://www.butlertech.org
2Stark State College
About the School
Stark State College offers an Automotive Technology program that provides students with a solid foundation in the automotive technical skills and the academic classes needed to quickly advance in their automotive careers.
The program is a two-year associate degree program.
The college has two state-of-the-art automotive facilities where students use the latest tools and diagnostic equipment to apply practical service techniques to the school’s fleet of late-model vehicles.
Students learn hands-on skills that can be applied immediately while in the program or upon graduation.
The automotive classes are accredited by the ASE Education Foundation and prepare students to pursue Automotive Service Excellence certification.
Stark State also offers a comprehensive automotive technology certificate and a one-year automotive certificate that contain the core automotive courses that can take students right to the workforce or help them directly apply to the automotive technology associate degree program.
Courses Offered
The following courses are included in a one-year Automotive Technology program:
- Automotive Technical Skills
- Engine Diagnosis and Major Service
- Automotive HVAC Systems
- Fuel and Emissions Management Systems
- Advanced Automotive Electronics
- Computerized Vehicle Control
- And more
In total, the program includes 41 credits.
Contact Information
- Address: 6200 Frank Ave. NW, North Canton, OH 44720
- Phone: 330-494-6170 | 1-800-797-8275
- Website: https://www.starkstate.edu
3Matrix Trade Institute
About the School
Matrix Trade Institute helps students get from learning to earning in just five months.
The institute offers hands-on Auto Mechanic and Auto Body Technician courses.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available:
- Automotive Maintenance, Light Repair & Efficiency
- Collision Repair & Refinish
- Automotive Maintenance, Light Repair & Efficiency
- Collision Repair & Refinish
The Auto Maintenance, Light Repair & Efficiency Program covers the following topics:
- Electrical/EV prep
- Engine Performance
- Electronic Steering & Suspension
- Advanced Braking Systems & Repair
- HVAC Diagnosis & Repair
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 23632 Mercantile Road, Beachwood, Ohio 44122
- Phone: 216-930-4225
- Website: https://www.matrixtradeinstitute.com
4University of Northwestern Ohio
About the School
The University of Northwestern Ohio offers diploma, associate, and bachelor’s degree programs in Automotive Technology.
The programs are designed to give students the training they need to diagnose and repair cars.
According to the university’s website, 70% of the coursework is hands-on and has students roll up their sleeves either in the classroom or in a shop.
Students learn from ASE and Master ASE Certified instructors.
The curriculum is constantly updated to stay current with the latest developments.
Courses Offered
The courses include:
- Electrical and Electronics I & II
- Manual and Automatic Drive Trains
- Engine Diagnosis and Repair
- Suspension and Steering
- Hydraulic Brake Systems
- Engine Performance
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1441 N. Cable Rd. Lima, Ohio 45805
- Phone: (419) 998-3120
- Website: https://www.unoh.edu
5Cuyahoga Community College
About the School
Cuyahoga Community College offers an Automotive Technology Program that helps students accelerate their careers in the ever-growing automotive industry.
Students gain hands-on experience and cutting-edge skills to diagnose, repair, and maintain electrical, fuel, emissions, and mechanical systems.
The programs combine classroom learning, lab work, and real-world training to prepare students for success.
The coursework prepares students for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence certification tests.
Courses Offered
The curriculum depends on the credential.
The short-term certificate includes the following topics:
- Intro to Auto
- Alignment, Steering, and Suspension
- Braking Systems
- Electrical Fundamentals
Students need 12 credits for a short-term certificate, 30 credits for a Certificate of Proficiency, and 64 credits for an Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology.
Contact Information
- Address: 700 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115
- Phone: 216-987-6000
- Website: https://www.tri-c.edu
6Ohio Technical College
About the School
Ohio Technical College offers a Complete Automotive Technology program.
The program is 60 weeks long and includes 1,500 hours of training.
The OTC Automotive Program is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation at the highest of its three levels: Master Automotive Service Technician.
Courses Offered
The training program is designed to create a complete technician in automotive, street performance, and alternative fuel technologies.
The diploma program covers fuel systems, chassis, drive trains, automobiles, live components, and a wide variety of visual training aids.
Graduates gain an Associate of Applied Science Degree and are ready to enter the industry with the confidence of obtaining a career degree after receiving personal guidance from Ohio Technical College instructors.
Contact Information
- Address: 1374 E 51st Street, Cleveland, OH 44103
- Phone: 216-478-6523
- Website: https://www.ohiotech.edu
7Columbus State Community College
About the School
Columbus State Community College offers an Automotive Technology program that prepares students for entry-level positions as Service Technicians or Service Advisors.
The courses are designed to help students prepare for Automotive Service Excellence certification examinations.
Classes are designed for beginners or those with some experience.
Students may earn an associate’s degree, complete a number of certificates, or take individual courses to meet their educational and career goals.
Courses Offered
The following programs and certificates are available:
- Automotive Technology- Ford ASSET Program
- Automotive Technology- AAS
- Master Automotive Service Technician Certificate
- Automotive Service Technician Certificate
- Alternative Energy Automotive Technician
- FORD Maintenance and Light Repair Certificate
- Maintenance and Light Repair Certificate
Contact Information
- Address: 550 East Spring St., Columbus, OH 43215
- Phone: (614) 287-5353
- Website: https://www.cscc.edu
8Collins Career Technical Center
About the School
Collins Career Technical Center Adult Education offers an Auto Mechanics program for individuals interested in becoming automotive technicians.
The program trains students in the maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of vehicles, as well as the use of tools, equipment, and technology necessary to complete the work.
The curriculum covers:
- Engine systems
- Electrical systems
- Steering and suspension systems
- Brakes
- Transmissions
- And more
The program is available full-time and typically takes nine months to complete.
Courses Offered
The 900 clock hour program includes courses such as:
- Industrial/Commercial Safety
- Intro to Hand Tools
- Intro to Power Tools
- Braking Systems
- Vehicle Identification Numbers
- Using Reference and Resources
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 11627 State Route 243, Chesapeake OH 45619
- Phone: (740) 867-6641
- Website: https://adult.collins-cc.edu
9Owens Community College
About the School
Owens Community College offers a variety of training programs at its two campuses: Toledo and Findlay.
The in-state instructional fee is $187.50 per semester credit hour, while the in-state general fee is $15.50 per semester credit hour.
Courses Offered
Among many other career paths, the college offers an Auto Body Technician Certificate and an Automotive Service Technician Program.
The Automotive Service Technician program is five semesters long and includes courses such as:
- Automotive Service Fundamentals
- Automotive Brakes
- Vehicle Electric & Electronics
- Automotive Field Experience
- Technology in Society
- Engine Performance & Drivability
- Wheel Alignment & Suspensions
- Vehicle Accessory Systems
- Automotive Field Experience
- And more
The Auto Body Technician certificate program is available at the Toledo area campus and includes the following classes:
- Intro to Auto Body Repair
- Panel & Hardware Replacement
- Sheet Metal Repair
- Vehicle Electric & Electronics
- Wheel Alignment & Suspensions
- Collision Repair Estimating
- Structural Repair I
- Structural Repair II
- Auto Body Welding
Contact Information
- Address: 30335 Oregon Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551
- Phone: (567) 661-6000
- Website: https://www.owens.edu
10Sinclair College
About the School
Sinclair College offers an Automotive Technology program that provides state-of-the-art training.
The program is designed for automotive service technicians in automotive dealerships, independent service facilities, and auto-related industries.
Tuition & fees sum up to $151.03 per credit hour for Montgomery County residents.
Courses Offered
Specific corporate training is provided in the following programs:
- General Motors ASEP
- Nissan Technician Training Academy
- Mopar CAP
- American Honda PACT
Students enrolled in the Automotive Technology program or in the corporate training programs listed above gain valuable hands-on experience through the school’s paid co-op internship program while achieving credit for the practical work experience.
The Automotive Technology program offers the following credentials:
- Automotive Technology Associate of Applied Science
- Automotive Technology (GM ASEP) Associate of Applied Science
- Automotive Technology (Honda PACT) Associate of Applied Science
- Automotive Technology (Mopar CAP) Associate of Applied Science
- Automotive Technology Certificate
- Automotive Technology (Honda PACT) Certificate
- Automotive Electric Vehicle Service Technician Short-term certificate
- Automotive High Performance Short-term certificate
- Automotive Maintenance & Light Repair Short-term certificate
- Automotive Service Consultant and Advising Short-term certificate
Contact Information
- Address: 444 West Third Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402
- Phone: 800-315-3000
- Website: https://www.sinclair.edu
Schools Summary Table
Regional Salary in Ohio
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akron, OH | 1,630 | $51,160 | $24.60 | $75,340 | $30,790 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | 870 | $48,400 | $23.27 | $75,750 | $31,030 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | 4,500 | $51,240 | $24.64 | $77,950 | $30,550 |
| Cleveland, OH | 4,260 | $54,360 | $26.14 | $76,750 | $31,610 |
| Columbus, OH | 4,020 | $56,620 | $27.22 | $86,010 | $33,010 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | 1,550 | $50,130 | $24.10 | $75,340 | $30,810 |
| Lima, OH | 260 | $49,740 | $23.92 | $76,150 | $30,690 |
| Mansfield, OH | 260 | $50,420 | $24.24 | $78,820 | $30,290 |
| Sandusky, OH | 290 | $48,470 | $23.30 | $77,080 | $30,920 |
| Springfield, OH | 180 | $48,820 | $23.47 | $76,130 | $31,220 |
| Toledo, OH | 1,440 | $49,410 | $23.76 | $75,990 | $30,770 |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH | 790 | $49,340 | $23.72 | $75,350 | $30,100 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
If you live in Ohio, your passion for mechanical puzzles can be transformed into a rewarding career by completing one of the training programs above.
Now that you have read our selection of the best auto mechanic schools in your state, the next step is to continue the research and apply for the program that best fits your lifestyle and career aspirations.
