Trade Schools
If you live in Oregon and you want to prepare for entry-level employment in a car service, this page is for you.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Oregon Automotive Service Technicians reportedly earned $54,320 per year, on average, higher than the national average for workers in this profession.
Before being ready to apply for your first position as an auto mechanic, you have to learn a few skills, such as:
- Shop safety
- Tool and equipment usage
- Routine maintenance procedures
- Diagnosing and repairing motor vehicle systems
- Demonstrating professional customer service skills used in the industry
- And more
Auto mechanic classes are available in person and online at several colleges across the state.
The programs included in our list can lead to a Certificate, Diploma, or Associate Degree.
Program duration ranges from less than a year 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 Oregon and the programs they offer.
1Portland Community College
About the School
Portland Community College offers an Automotive Service Technology program that provides students with flexibility, cutting-edge knowledge, and automotive industry best practices.
Students may also specialize in their chosen field.
The program offers the best training and resources available for students who are starting a career in the automotive field or returning for a skills upgrade.
The three-week modules offer students the perfect opportunity to schedule classes around their jobs or to learn in segments that provide better consistency.
Courses Offered
The following awards are available:
- Associate Degree: Automotive Service Technology
- Associate Degree: Honda PACT
- Certificate: Automotive Service Technology
Automotive Service Technology students take classes such as:
- Intro to Automotive Systems
- Electrical Systems
- Brakes
- Suspension and Steering
- Engine Repair
- Engine Performance
- Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
- And more
The Associate in Applied Science degree requires 92 credits in total and can be completed in two years.
Contact Information
- Address: PO Box 19000, Portland, OR 97280-0990
- Phone: 971-722-6111 or toll-free at 1-866-922-1010
- Website: https://www.pcc.edu
2Rogue Community College
About the School
Rogue Community College offers an Automotive Technology program that emphasizes hands-on work in automotive labs.
Students spend approximately two-thirds of the time in a shop environment where they learn to apply theory to the diagnosis and repair of a wide variety of domestic and imported automobiles.
The instructors are ASE-certified and factory-trained professionals.
They are experienced in using the latest equipment for the diagnosis and repair of today’s high-technology automobiles.
The following degree options are available:
- Associate of Applied Science Degree
- Certificate
The Certificate program includes 58-59 credits and classes such as:
- Automotive Maintenance
- Gasoline Engine Rebuild
- Automotive Electricity
- Engine Dynamics and Diagnosis
- Manual Transmissions and Transaxle
- Automotive Brake Systems
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 3345 Redwood Hwy. Grants Pass, OR 97527
- Phone: 541-956-7500
- Website: https://www.roguecc.edu
3Chemeketa Community College
Chemeketa Community College offers an Automotive Technology program that provides students with the opportunity to earn a two-year degree or certificates in automotive technology.
Courses Offered
Students learn from experienced and certified instructors who cover introductory and advanced automotive diagnosis and repair in the areas of:
- Engine repair
- Automatic transmission/transaxle
- Manual drivetrain and axles
- Brakes
- Electrical/electronic systems
- Engine performance
- And more
The following program options are available:
- Automotive Technology Associate of Applied Science
- Automotive Body Repair Certificate
- Automotive Entry Level Technician Certificate
- Automotive Machining Certificate
Contact Information
- Address: 4000 Lancaster Drive NE Salem, Oregon 97305
- Phone: 503.399.5000
- Website: https://www.chemeketa.edu
4Klamath Community College
About the School
Klamath Community College offers an Automotive Technology program that provides students with preparation in eight areas of Automotive Service Excellence using state-of-the-art equipment with master technician instructors.
The eight areas are:
- Brakes
- Electronic systems
- Engine performance
- Suspension and steering
- Automatic and manual transmissions and trans axles
- Engine repair
- And more
The following degree options are available:
- Automotive Technology Associate of Applied Science
- Automotive Technician Electrical/Electronic Specialist Career Pathway Certificate
The Certificate program can be completed in less than one year.
After completing the program, students learn how to:
- Summarize basic electrical theory and components
- Explain automotive wiring diagrams
- Summarize basic automotive electric systems
- Explain the operation of diagnostic, testing, and servicing systems
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 7390 South 6th Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97603
- Phone: 541-882-3521
- Website: https://www.klamathcc.edu
5Aloha High School
About the School
Aloha High School offers an Auto Tech program that trains tomorrow’s technicians.
Students get to:
- Examine the operations of automotive systems
- Perform preventive maintenance on vehicles
- Determine and troubleshoot repair actions for automotive systems
- Practice safe, legal, and ethical working habits
Learn from local businesses through internships, mentorship, workplace tours, and job shadow opportunities.
Graduate with Automotive Service Excellence certifications for immediate entry into high-wage jobs.
The Automotive Technology Option program includes four credits and is available to students in grades 11 and 12.
A four-credit Advanced Automotive Technology option is also available for students in 12th grade.
Contact Information
- Address: 18550 SW Kinnaman Rd, Beaverton, OR 97078
- Phone: (503) 356-2760
- Website: https://aloha.beaverton.k12.or.us
6Linn-Benton Community College
About the School
Linn-Benton Community College offers an Automotive Technology program that trains students to diagnose, repair, and maintain modern automobiles and light trucks using the latest diagnostic and repair equipment.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available:
- Automotive Technology, Associate of Applied Science
- Automotive Maintenance & Light Repair, One-Year Certificate
- Electric Vehicle/Hybrid Vehicle Technician, Associate of Applied Science
- Electric Vehicle/Hybrid Vehicle Technician, One-Year Technician
Students in the Automotive Maintenance & Light Repair, One-Year Certificate take classes such as:
- Math & Measurement for Transportation Technicians
- Technical Writing for CTE or Composition
- Vehicle Systems Diagnostics: Scanner and Scope
- Maintenance & Light Repair
- Suspension, Steering & Braking
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 6500 Pacific Blvd. SW, Albany, Oregon 97321
- Phone: 541-917-4999
- Website: https://www.linnbenton.edu
7Clackamas Community College
About the School
Clackamas Community College offers more than 100 degrees and certificates, including an Automotive Service Technology Associate Degree.
The two-year program awards 91 credits and equips students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience they need to thrive in the high-demand automotive industry.
The curriculum covers a wide range of automotive repair and maintenance areas, including:
- Engine repair
- Automatic and manual transmissions
- Drive train systems
- Suspension and steering
- Brakes
- Heating and air conditioning
- Engine performance
- And more
The Automotive Service Technology program at Clackamas Community College is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation to the level of Master Automobile Service Technology.
The following Certificate of Completion options are also available:
- Under Car Technician- Automatic Transmission
- Under Car Technician- Manual Transmission
Contact Information
- Address: 19600 Molalla Avenue, Oregon City, Oregon 97045
- Phone: 503-594-6000
- Website: https://www.clackamas.edu
8Sabin-Schellenberg Professional Center
About the School
Sabin-Schellenberg Professional Center offers the foundational knowledge and skills for students who want to prepare for careers as Apprentice Mechanics, Automotive Technicians, or Service Managers through its Automotive Services Technology Program.
The program teaches a variety of skills in the area of automotive mechanics.
Students spend classroom time learning fundamental theory, and shop time applying the principles they have learned in class.
They can further their knowledge through participation in Skills USA and internships.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available:
- Auto Upkeep
- Automotive Services Technology 1, 2, and 3
- Diesel Technology & Maintenance
- ASE Student Certification
Contact Information
- Address: 14211 SE Johnson Rd. Milwaukie OR 97267
- Phone: 503-353-5940
- Website: https://ssc.nclack.k12.or.us
9Ontario High School
About the School
Ontario High School offers an AG Auto Mechanics program that includes three sections:
- AG/Auto Mechanics I- a course that introduces students to automotive and mechanical skills and principles
- AG/Auto Mechanics II- a course that allows students to continue the exploration of tool identification and cleaning and gives them the opportunity to spend time on preventive maintenance, covering a wide range of preventive skills and schedules.
- AG/Auto Mechanics III- a mechanical systems course ranging from automotive, agricultural, to industrial.
Auto/Ag Mechanics safety is also covered.
Students in AG/Auto Mechanics III get a general knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems, which are covered on a yearly rotation.
They are working on student projects.
The class may be offered every other year.
Contact Information
- Address: Ontario, OR 97914 1115 W. Idaho Ave.
- Phone: (541) 889-5309
- Website: https://ohs.ontario.k12.or.us
10Gresham High School
About the School
Gresham High School offers an Automotive Technology program that provides students with a variety of skills and knowledge in the area of automotive mechanics.
Students learn fundamental theory and experience working in an automotive shop.
Here, they apply principles using industry-standard tools and equipment.
The high school has partnerships with multiple automotive specialty programs at Mt. Hood Community College to allow students to earn college credit while in high school.
The program is a good start for students who want to start careers as apprentice mechanics, automotive technicians, or service managers.
Contact Information
- Address: 1200 N. Main Ave, Gresham, Oregon 97030
- Phone: 503-674-5500
- Website: https://ghs.gresham.k12.or.us
Schools Summary Table
Regional Salary in Oregon
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany, OR | 170 | $56,070 | $26.96 | $78,570 | $33,390 |
| Bend, OR | 450 | $57,000 | $27.40 | $78,380 | $38,450 |
| Corvallis, OR | 150 | $49,740 | $23.91 | $71,190 | $36,170 |
| Eugene-Springfield, OR | 630 | $54,730 | $26.31 | $76,450 | $36,420 |
| Grants Pass, OR | 150 | $54,520 | $26.21 | $75,410 | $37,830 |
| Medford, OR | 390 | $54,650 | $26.27 | $76,800 | $36,670 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | 4,060 | $61,630 | $29.63 | $81,140 | $38,610 |
| Salem, OR | 610 | $56,170 | $27.01 | $79,770 | $36,560 |
* 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 included in our list.
Now that you have read our selection of the best auto mechanic schools in Oregon, it’s time to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your lifestyle and career aspirations.
