If you live in Texas and you want to turn your love for cars and curiosity for solving mechanical puzzles into a rewarding career, the auto mechanic profession is worth exploring.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage reported by Automotive Service Technicians in Texas was $51,250 as of May 2024, but salaries vary depending on experience, education, and a variety of other factors.
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:
- Auto Electrical & Electronics
- Engines
- Braking Systems
- Manual Transmissions & AC
- 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 Texas.
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 Texas auto mechanic schools can teach you.
#1Sam Tech
About the School
Sam Tech offers a School of Automotive Machinists & Technology.
The school helps students get the hands-on training they need to jumpstart their careers.
The curriculum is dedicated to building better race engines.
The intensive hands-on programs cover engine block machining, short-block assembly, and cylinder head porting.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the school:
- Automotive Engine/Block Machining
- Automotive Engine/Cylinder Head Machining
- CNC Machining
- Automotive Engine/Block & Cylinder Head Machining Certificate
- EFI Calibration
- Automotive Engine/Block & Cylinder Head Machining Associate Degree
The Automotive Engine/Block & Cylinder Head Machining Associate Degree aims to qualify students as automotive block and cylinder head machinists.
The curriculum covers the following topics:
- Engine Block Work Practices, Tools, and Safety
- Engine Block Machinist Math and Measurement
- Dyno Operations
- Engine Block Blueprinting
- Engine Bearing Fundamentals
- Operation of Engine Block Machining Equipment
- Engine Block Career Planning
- Design and Function of Cylinder Head Components
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1911 Antoine Dr, Houston, Texas 77055
- Phone: (713) 683-3817
- Website: https://samtech.edu
#2Texas State Technical College
About the School
Texas State Technical College offers an Automotive program that teaches students the skills needed to work on today’s sophisticated vehicles.
Students learn a variety of topics, from engine diagnostics to brake systems and drivetrains.
They train under ASE-certified instructors and get specialized experience through partnerships with leading manufacturers like Tesla and MOPAR.
Courses Offered
The following degree plans are available:
- Automotive Technology- an Associate of Applied Science program that costs approximately $11,100
- Automotive Maintenance & Light Repair- a program that costs approximately $6,960 and leads to a CER2 Certificate of Completion
- Automotive Technology- Chrysler Specialization- a 20-month program that leads to a CER2 Certificate of Completion
Contact Information
- Address: 3801 Campus Dr. Waco, TX 76705
- Phone: 800-792-8784
- Website: https://www.tstc.edu
#3Texas Southmost College
About the School
Texas Southmost College offers an Automotive Technology program that prepares students for positions in the automotive industry by providing hands-on training specializing in auto-mechanics practices, equipment and tools, vehicle subsystems, and professional responsibility.
The program offers a certificate and an associate degree that prepare graduates to enter the automotive industry as a C maintenance and B-level technician.
The following programs are available:
- Associate of Applied Science- Automotive Technology
- Level I Certificate- Auto Mechanics Technology
The Associate of Applied Science pathway includes courses such as:
- Introduction to Automotive Technology
- Automotive Electrical Systems
- Automotive Brake Systems
- Automotive Suspension and Steering Systems
- Automotive Engine Repair
- Automotive Management
- Automotive Electronics
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 80 Ft Brown St, Brownsville, TX 78520, United States
- Phone: 956-295-3600
- Website: https://www.tsc.edu
#4Houston City College
About the School
Houston City College offers an Automotive Technology program that offers high-tech training using state-of-the-art instruction, the latest technology, and equipment that prepares technicians to troubleshoot complex issues and repair cars.
The following award types are available:
- Associate of Applied Science
- Certificate Level 1
Students gain competency in:
- Automotive brake and suspension procedures
- Automotive automatic and manual transmission service and related systems
- Automotive engine repair and replacement service procedures
- Automotive air conditioning service and repair
- Professional work habits and technical skills
The Automotive Technician program is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation in Maintenance and Light Repair.
Contact Information
- Address: 3100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002
- Phone: 713.718.2000
- Website: https://www.hccs.edu
#5South Texas Vo-Tech
About the School
South Texas Vocational Technical Institute offers an Automotive Service program that helps prepare students who want to pursue a career as automotive service technicians.
The program combines classroom-style education with hands-on learning.
By the end of the program, students become ready to sit for the Automotive Service Excellence exams and EPA 609 A/C Technician certification.
The program is available at the San Antonio and Corpus Christi campuses.
The diploma requires 71.5 credit hours and can be completed in 13 months.
Courses Offered
Topics such as the following are covered by the program:
- Engine Repair
- Vehicle Inspection
- Diagnostic Procedures
- Preventive Maintenance Services
- Transmission Repair
- Basic Electrical Theory
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 734 S.E. Military Drive, San Antonio, TX 78214
- Phone: 210-782-8000
- Website: https://www.stvt.edu
#6North Central Texas College
About the School
Those interested in pursuing a career in automotive technology can jumpstart their career with the three-semester-long Automotive program at North Central Texas College.
The program offers several concentration tracks, each versing students in top industry practices and standards.
Students learn from well-respected professors who have in-depth knowledge of the trade.
The Basic Level I Certificate in Automotive Technology includes 15 hours of training and is designed to prepare students for entry into the automotive field.
The topics covered include:
- Overall automotive systems
- Tools and equipment
- Safety
- Electrical
- Brake Systems
Contact Information
- Address: 1525 W. California St., Gainesville, TX 76240
- Phone: (940) 668-7731
- Website: https://www.nctc.edu
#7Lone Star College
About the School
Lone Star College offers more than 200 degree and certification programs.
The following Automotive Technology programs are available at the college:
- Automotive Lubrication Technician
- Automotive Service Technicians A.A.S. Degree
- Automotive Technician Certificate
- Electrical Vehicle Charging Station Installation & Maintenance Technician Program
The Automotive Lubrication Technician program can be completed in seven weeks and includes skills in repairing, troubleshooting, and critical thinking.
The following courses are included:
- Introduction to Automotive Technology
- Automotive Electrical Systems
- Automotive Service
Contact Information
- Address: 5000 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381
- Phone: 832.813.6500
- Website: https://www.lonestar.edu
#8Lincoln Tech
About the School
Lincoln Tech offers an Automotive Technology Training program at its Grand Prairie auto mechanic school.
This has been the cornerstone of the region’s career training landscape since 1966.
Students can earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree specializing in Automotive Service Management Technology or earn a diploma from the school’s Automotive Service Technician program.
Courses Offered
The Automotive Technician training includes:
- 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, including oil change, tune-ups, and tire rotations
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2915 Alouette Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052
- Phone: (972) 660-5701
- Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu
#9Kilgore College
About the School
Kilgore College offers one of the best programs in the nation for students who are interested in automotive repair.
The program is certified by NATEF and ASE.
Students participate in a lecture/lab format that gives students hands-on experience.
All automotive courses are taught by ASE-certified instructors.
The following programs are available:
- Automotive Technology, A.A.S.
- Automotive Technology, Certificate
The Automotive Technology Certificate program includes courses such as:
- Introduction to Automotive Technology
- Automotive Electrical Systems
- Automotive Brake Systems
- Automotive Engine Repair
- Automotive Management
- Automotive Climate Control Systems
- Automotive Service
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1100 Broadway, Kilgore, Texas 75662
- Phone: (903) 983-8209
- Website: https://www.kilgore.edu
#10Southwest Texas College
About the School
Southwest Texas College offers an Automotive Certificate Level 1 Basic and Advanced, and an A.A.S. at the Uvalde Campus.
The purpose of this program is to provide student training in eight areas of Automotive Service Excellence certification.
The areas include:
- Engine repair
- Automatic transmission/transaxle
- Manual drive train and axles
- Suspension and steering
- Brakes
- Electrical systems
- And more
The following programs of study are available:
- Introductory Automotive Technology Diagnostician Occupational Skills Award
- Intermediate Automotive Technology Diagnostician Occupational Skills Award
- Automotive Technology Basic Level One Certificate
- Automotive Technology Advanced Level One Certificate
- Automotive Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree
Contact Information
- Address: 2401 Garner Field Road, Uvalde, TX 78801
- Phone: (830) 278-4401
- Website: https://www.swtxc.edu
Schools Summary Table
Regional Salary in Texas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abilene, TX | 630 | $51,510 | $24.77 | $83,910 | $30,260 |
| Amarillo, TX | 860 | $48,350 | $23.25 | $73,950 | $28,980 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | 4,930 | $56,520 | $27.17 | $83,310 | $35,000 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | 860 | $51,860 | $24.93 | $78,820 | $29,700 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | 770 | $46,500 | $22.35 | $75,380 | $27,550 |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | 640 | $51,630 | $24.82 | $74,750 | $31,150 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | 1,040 | $49,690 | $23.89 | $75,680 | $29,770 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | 17,020 | $57,960 | $27.86 | $83,470 | $34,580 |
| Eagle Pass, TX | 110 | $44,700 | $21.49 | $70,050 | $21,180 |
| El Paso, TX | 2,030 | $45,830 | $22.04 | $70,730 | $27,450 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | 14,520 | $56,400 | $27.12 | $92,610 | $33,700 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | 1,040 | $48,810 | $23.47 | $77,020 | $29,360 |
| Laredo, TX | 640 | $44,140 | $21.22 | $69,020 | $24,960 |
| Longview, TX | 760 | $48,820 | $23.47 | $75,220 | $29,490 |
| Lubbock, TX | 1,000 | $48,670 | $23.40 | $73,980 | $29,150 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | 1,460 | $46,390 | $22.30 | $73,250 | $28,610 |
| Midland, TX | 500 | $54,490 | $26.20 | $79,360 | $31,730 |
| Odessa, TX | 560 | $53,990 | $25.96 | $79,750 | $30,850 |
| San Angelo, TX | 410 | $50,760 | $24.40 | $77,280 | $30,050 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | 5,910 | $53,540 | $25.74 | $81,010 | $30,850 |
| Sherman-Denison, TX | 350 | $52,790 | $25.38 | $75,790 | $29,780 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | 380 | $46,890 | $22.54 | $73,990 | $28,980 |
| Tyler, TX | 720 | $48,690 | $23.41 | $75,750 | $28,530 |
| Victoria, TX | 270 | $47,930 | $23.04 | $76,180 | $30,090 |
| Waco, TX | 650 | $49,710 | $23.90 | $77,660 | $28,600 |
| Wichita Falls, TX | 440 | $49,410 | $23.76 | $77,190 | $29,350 |
* 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 Texas, it’s time to continue the research and apply for the program that best fits your lifestyle and career aspirations.
