This page compiles information about the best trade schools and community colleges that prepare auto mechanics in the state of Tennessee.
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 Tennessee was $49,510 as of May 2024.
Before being ready to apply for your first auto mechanic job, you should be prepared to work on engines, brakes, transmissions, and a variety of other car systems.
You have to learn a few skills, such as:
- Diagnosing, repairing, and servicing suspension and steering systems
- Diagnosing and repairing the fuel injection and emissions system
- Accurately diagnosing, repairing, and servicing brake systems
- Servicing and repairing individual engine component systems
- Demonstrating mathematical skills
- 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.
#1Nashville Auto-Diesel College
About the School
Nashville Auto-Diesel College has over 100 years of career training history.
On-campus career fairs draw some of the best-known companies to the campus to meet, interview, and recruit NADC graduates.
Courses Offered
The training programs available include:
- Automotive Service Technology- students may choose between an Automotive Service Technology program and an Automotive Service Management Technology program.
- Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology
- Diesel and Truck Service Technology
- And more
Nashville Auto-Diesel College students acquire skills such as:
- Rebuild an engine, flush a brake line, and troubleshoot on-board computers
- Diagnose and repair transmissions and drive train components
- Repair A/C and heating systems, power windows, doors, and seats
- Perform basic maintenance
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 550 Alabama Ave. Memphis, TN 38105
- Phone: 901-543-6100
- Website: https://tcatmemphis.edu
#2The Tennessee College of Applied Technology- Nashville
About the School
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology- Nashville offers an Automotive Technology program that provides instruction in current methods of servicing and repairing automobiles.
Students learn how to use the manuals and available resources to assist in the diagnosis and correction of automotive problems.
They are also instructed in the proper use of test equipment, precision measuring tools, special equipment, and hand tools.
The total tuition/fees sum up to approximately $6,000.
Courses Offered
The following program credentials are available:
- MoPAR or Brake Chassis Technician- 432 hours
- Automotive Technician Apprentice- 864 hours
- Automotive Service Technician- 1,728 hours
The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Worker Characteristic
- Brakes
- Suspension and Steering
- Technology Foundations
- Automotive Safety and Orientation
- Engine Repair
- Heating and Air Conditioning
- Electric & Electronic Systems
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 100 White Bridge Pike, Nashville, TN 37209
- Phone: (615) 425-5500
- Website: https://tcatnashville.edu
#3Moore Tech
About the School
Moore Tech offers Certificate, Diploma, and Associate of Applied Technology programs.
Students prepare for careers in a variety of fields, including:
- Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating
- Automotive Service Technology
- Industrial Electricity and Plant Maintenance
- Machining Technology
- Plumbing
- Property Maintenance
- And more
Automotive Service Technology students complete courses that cover all eight A.S.E. certification areas and all aspects of light-duty automotive service.
The last core class of the program is a full-time internship at a new-car dealership.
In the degree program, each student takes one automotive class (12 credit-hours each) and one general education class (three credit-hours each) every term until the last term.
A total of six automotive classes and five general education classes are required for an Associate Degree.
The degree includes 87 credit hours in total.
Contact Information
- Address: 1200 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104
- Phone: 901-726-1977
- Website: https://www.mooretech.edu
#4Northeast State
About the School
Northeast State offers programs for students who want to transfer to another institution, are planning to enter the workforce, or are looking for professional growth and personal enrichment.
Through Tennessee Promise, graduating high school seniors who meet and maintain eligibility criteria can earn an associate degree or certificate free of tuition and mandatory fees.
Courses Offered
The Automotive Technology program at Northeast State features a concentration in Automotive Specialist that combines courses in Automotive Body/Collision Repair, Automotive Service, and Motorsports.
The following degrees and certificates are available:
- Auto Body Service Technology
- Automotive Service
- Fleet Maintenance and Light Repair
Automotive Technology- Concentration: Automotive Specialist
The Auto Body Service Technology program includes 21 credits in total and classes such as:
- Vehicle Electrification
- Non-Structural Repair
- Structural Repair
- Paint and Refinishing
- Special Topics in Automotive Service Technology
- General Welding
Contact Information
- Address: 2425 Highway 75, PO Box 246, Blountville, Tennessee
- Phone: 423-323-3191
- Website: https://www.northeaststate.edu
#5Penn Foster
Auto Mechanic classes may also be completed online.
About the School
Penn Foster offers an Auto Mechanic program that leads to a career diploma and can be completed in four months.
The online classes are available 24/7 on the computer.
The program prepares students for auto repair jobs in a variety of settings, from repair shops to dealerships.
Students learn about engine repair, automatic transmission/transaxle, manual drive train and axles, suspension and steering, brakes, and electrical/electronic systems.
The program prepares students to sit for ASE Certification exams.
The online programs are flexible enough for students to finish them at a pace that works for them.
The courses cover topics such as:
- Automotive Repair Foundations
- Engine Repair
- Automotive Brakes
- Suspension and Steering
Contact Information
- Address: 200 Hickory Street, Scranton, PA 18505 USA
- Phone: 800-275-4410
- Website: https://www.pennfoster.edu
#6Tennessee Tech
About the School
If you want to deepen your understanding of automotive technology, Tennessee Tech offers a Vehicle Engineering program.
The curriculum combines mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering to prepare students for work in cutting-edge automotive technologies and to develop innovative automotive products.
Students learn state-of-the-art automotive technologies about autonomous vehicles, the electric vehicle platform, and the operating principles of these vehicles.
They participate in student research and experiential learning activities:
- Design projects related to various vehicle systems, from Formula, Baja SAE, and electric vehicles to autonomous vehicles
- Convert a human-driving electric vehicle to a level-two autonomous electric vehicle
- Complete a capstone senior project in vehicle engineering
Contact Information
- Address: 1 William L Jones Dr, Cookeville, TN 38505
- Phone: (931) 372-3101
- Website: https://www.tntech.edu
#7Southwest Tennessee Community College
About the School
Southwest Tennessee Community College offers an Automotive Service Technology program that provides the technical know-how required to work in automotive service.
The comprehensive program is a two-year curriculum that leads to careers in the automotive service industry.
The program is designed to provide the technical competency required of entry-level technicians.
Courses Offered
Students who want to earn an A.A.S. in Automotive Service Technology take classes in topics such as:
- Automotive Engines
- Electrical & Electronic Systems
- Brake Systems
- Suspension and Steering Systems
- Automotive Transmissions
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 5983 Macon Cove, Memphis, TN 38134
- Phone: 901-333-5000
- Website: https://southwest.tn.edu
#8Chattanooga State Community College
About the School
Chattanooga State Community College offers an Automotive Technology program that prepares students with the skills needed in order to diagnose a vehicle, as well as the critical thinking skills and mechanical ability to repair and service vehicles.
The program provides theory, technical skills, task development, and Automotive Service Excellence task instruction for students to become gainfully employed in the automotive field.
Students are exposed to basic theory and hands-on experiences in the eight Automotive Service Excellence certification areas.
The college offers only full-time classes.
Enrollment is limited to 30 students in each class.
Tuition and fees for the Automotive Technology Day program available at the college’s main campus sum up to approximately $5,400.
A three-semester Collision Repair Technology program is also included in the college’s catalog and costs approximately $8,100.
Contact Information
- Address: 200 4th Avenue, Dayton, TN 37321
- Phone: 423-365-5010
- Website: https://www.chattanoogastate.edu
#9The Tennessee College of Applied Technology- Murfreesboro
About the School
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology- Murfreesboro offers a 12-month AST program that is available in day and night schedules.
The following credential types are available:
- Certificate
- Diploma
Total tuition and fees sum up to approximately $4,500.
Courses Offered
The following program credentials are offered:
- Undercar Specialist- a 432-hour Certificate program
- Automotive Service Apprentice- a 864-hour Certificate program
- Automotive Service Technician- a 1,296-hour Diploma program
The curriculum includes the following courses:
- Braking Systems
- Steering and Suspension
- Safety and Orientation
- Basic Electrical
- Engine Repair
- Electrical and Electronics
- Engine Performance
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1303 Old Fort Parkway, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
- Phone: 615-898-8010
- Website: https://tcatmurfreesboro.edu
#10The Tennessee College of Applied Technology- Athens
About the School
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology- Athens offers an Automotive Technology program with the following credentials:
- Brake and Chassis Technician- a 432-hour Certificate program
- Automotive Technician Apprentice- a 864-hour Certificate program
- Automotive Service Technician- a 1,296 Certificate program
- Automotive Technician- a 1,512-hour Diploma program
- Automotive and Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Technician- a 1,728 Diploma program
- The 16-month program costs approximately $5,760 and leads to a Certificate and Diploma.
Courses Offered
The curriculum includes the following courses:
- Automotive Safety and Orientation
- Basic Electrical
- Brakes
- Suspension and Steering
- Engine Repair
- Electric and Electronic Systems
- Manual Drive Trains and Axles
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1635 Technology Way, PO BOX 848, Athens, TN 37303
- Phone: 423-744-2814 OR 423-689-1422
- Website: https://tcatathens.edu
Schools Summary Table
Regional Salary in Tennessee
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | 1,350 | $51,290 | $24.66 | $79,100 | $29,510 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | 670 | $49,120 | $23.62 | $69,430 | $30,810 |
| Cleveland, TN | 260 | $50,530 | $24.29 | $77,940 | $32,600 |
| Jackson, TN | 520 | $50,410 | $24.24 | $76,490 | $31,240 |
| Johnson City, TN | 450 | $49,340 | $23.72 | $76,780 | $30,810 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | 630 | $49,920 | $24.00 | $77,560 | $30,440 |
| Knoxville, TN | 2,310 | $51,290 | $24.66 | $77,790 | $30,810 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | 2,990 | $52,540 | $25.26 | $79,790 | $31,390 |
| Morristown, TN | 250 | $47,510 | $22.84 | $75,560 | $30,810 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | 5,250 | $54,180 | $26.05 | $81,610 | $35,670 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
If you want to learn the skills needed for entry-level employment as an auto mechanic, the schools included in our list can get you ready for ASE certification exams and entry-level employment in just a few months, through a combination of hands-on and classroom training.
Now that you have read our selection of the best auto mechanic schools in Tennessee, the next step is to continue the research and apply for the program that best fits your lifestyle.
