West Virginia is home to many schools that help students turn their passion for cars and mechanical puzzles into a rewarding career.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, most Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in West Virginia earn between $27,000 and more than $60,000 per year, with the average calculated at $40,680.
Before being ready to apply for your first job at an auto shop, the first step is to complete your training.
Entry-level auto mechanic skills can be learned at several trade schools and community colleges across the state.
During their training, auto mechanic students learn about topics such as:
- Auto Electrical & Electronics
- Engine Repair
- Braking Systems
- Manual Transmissions & AC
- Automotive Transmissions
- Engine & Emission Controls
- And more
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 West Virginia and the programs they offer.
The programs included in our list take between one and two years to complete, and many provide flexible scheduling options.
#1Fred W. Eberle Technical Center
About the School
Fred W. Eberle Technical Center offers Automotive Technology and Collision Repair Technology programs.
The Automotive Technology program equips students with the skills to inspect, perform diagnostics, and repair automobiles and light trucks.
Students have the opportunity to gain knowledge and technical skills in all aspects of the industry.
The program has the following entrance requirements:
- Junior or Senior in Barbour, Lewis, or Upshur Counties, or a high school diploma or equivalent
- Submit an Application
- Interview with the instructor
The program consists of 1080 clock hours and may be completed in one year by students who attend classes full-time and in two years by students who complete classes part-time.
Students learn Fundamentals of Automotive Technology, about Brake Systems, as well as Basic Engine Concepts, and Suspension and Steering Diagnosis.
Contact Information
- Address: 208 Morton Ave, Buckhannon, WV 26201
- Phone: (304) 472-1259
- Website: https://www.fetc.edu
#2United Technical Center
About the School
United Technical Center offers career training programs in Clarksburg, West Virginia, for high school and adult students.
The center is a multi-county technical school that assists students in the areas of Doddridge, Harrison, and Taylor counties.
Adults with a high school diploma or GED can also apply for the courses available at the center.
Courses Offered
The Automotive Technology program at United Technical Center can be completed in two years by high school students.
Adults need one or two years to complete.
Students learn engine and engine performance diagnosis and repair, heating and air conditioning diagnosis and repair.
A Collision Repair Technology program that can be completed in two years by high school students is also available at the center.
Contact Information
- Address: 251 Marietta Street, Clarksburg, WV 26301
- Phone: (304) 326-7580
- Website: https://www.unitedtechnicalcenterwv.com
#3Pierpont Community & Technical College
Pierpont Community & Technical College offers a wide range of programs and flexible schedules, and support services for its diverse student body.
Courses Offered
The college offers courses such as:
- Advanced Welding A.A.S.
- Applied Process Technology, Advanced Manufacturing Concentration, A.A.S.
- Applied Process Technology, Energy Systems Operations Concentration, A.A.S.
- Applied Process Technology, Process Technology Instrumentation Concentration, A.A.S.
- And more
These programs are available at the Advanced Technology Center.
Contact Information
- Address: 500 Galliher Dr., Fairmont, WV 26554
- Phone: 304-367-4907
- Website: https://www.pierpont.edu
#4Carter Myers Automotive
About the School
Carter Myers Automotive offers a Technician Apprentice program that helps students start their career as a Service Technician.
The three-stage automotive apprentice program provides the resources and space for its employees to grow professionally within their field.
High school, tech school, and community college students are eligible for this program.
The program allows up to 24 months to complete basic training and graduate to a full-time technician position in the school’s shop.
Carter Myers Automotive offers competitive wages, a 401(k) plan, medical and dental insurance, disability coverage, life insurance, leadership training, tuition reimbursement, and paid time off, among other benefits.
Contact Information
- Address: 48 Kelly Island Rd, Martinsburg, WV 25401
- Phone:(855) 974-4757
- Website: https://www.cartermyersautomotive.com
#5Putnam Career and Technical Center
About the School
Putnam Career and Technical Center offers an Automotive Technology program that includes a complete overview of automotive mechanical operations and the repair of all components of cars and light trucks.
The program prepares students for further automotive education or to work as entry-level technicians.
Students learn about hand and power tool use as well as the theory of operations of various systems of vehicles, including computer systems.
Graduates learn the knowledge and skills necessary to function as an Automotive Technician.
Courses Offered
The classes cover topics such as:
- Identifying problems
- Planning work procedures
- Testing parts and systems
- Following checklists
- Performing basic care and maintenance
- Repairing or replacing worn parts
- And more
Secondary and adult students enrolled part-time complete the program in 22 months.
Full-time students complete the program in 10 months.
Contact Information
- Address: P.O. Box 640, 300 Roosevelt Blvd. Eleanor, WV 25070
- Phone: 304.586.3494
- Website: https://www.pctc.edu
#6Academy of Careers and Technology
About the School
The Academy of Careers and Technology offers an Automotive Technology program that prepares students to inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.
The program includes 1080 hours and can be completed in two years.
Students may earn certifications such as:
- ASE
- OSHA 10 General Industry
- WV Motor Vehicle State Inspector
- NOCTI
Classes start in August each year.
The program is open for adult students.
Contact Information
- Address: 390 Stanaford Rd. Beckley, WV
- Phone: (304) 256-4615
- Website: https://www.wvact.net
#7New River Community and Technical College
About the School
New River Community and Technical College provides an Automotive Service Technology AAS program.
The 60-hour program is designed to provide students with the technical knowledge and skills required of persons employed in the automotive and diesel industries.
The college provides a comprehensive curriculum that blends classroom instruction with hands-on training.
The program emphasizes industry-standard diagnostic techniques, safety practices, and teamwork to ensure graduates are workforce-ready.
Courses Offered
The required courses include:
- Intro/Vehicle Service Technology
- Basic Service Bay Operations
- Fundamentals of Public Speaking
- Oxyfuel/Plasma Cutting
- Manual Drivetrain & Axels
- Auto Trans/Transaxle
- Automotive Brakes
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 280 University Drive, Beaver, WV 25813-8987
- Phone: 866.349.3739
- Website: https://www.newriver.edu
#8Boone Career and Technical Center
About the School
Boone Career and Technical Center offers a variety of high school and adult programs.
The Automotive Technology program available at the center is open to high school students.
Students learn from a highly trained instructor who prepares them for entry-level employment and provides the skills needed to earn nationally recognized certifications.
Courses Offered
The course syllabus includes:
- Basic Safety
- Hand and Power Tools
- Career Preparation Skills
- Tire Repair and Replacement
- Maintenance Services
- Suspension and Steering Diagnosis
- Literacy and Numeracy
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 3505 Daniel Boone Pkwy. Foster, West Virginia 25081
- Phone: 304.369.4585
- Website: https://www.gobctc.com
#9James Rumsey Technical Institute
About the School
James Rumsey Technical Institute is a leader in career education.
The institute offers short and intensive programs for high school and adult students.
The institute offers five ACE programs for adult students and eighteen programs for students enrolled in high school in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties.
Courses Offered
The institute offers a NATEF-certified Automotive Technician program that can be completed in 11 months.
Students attend 30 hours of training per week and prepare for entry-level positions in the automotive industry.
They spend 50 percent of their time in a supervised shop, and the other 50 percent in the classroom studying related theory.
Students can earn 12 hours of credit through the University of Northwestern Ohio.
The curriculum includes classes such as:
- Automotive Fundamentals
- Brakes
- Steering and Suspension
- Engine Performance
- Heating and Air Conditioning
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 3274 Hedgesville Rd, Martinsburg, WV 25403
- Phone: 304-754-7925
- Website: https://jamesrumsey.com
#10Mid Ohio Valley Technical Institute
About the School
Mid-Ohio Valley Technical Institute offers a variety of career training programs.
The Automotive Technology program available at the institute helps students achieve the skills needed for entry-level employment as automotive technicians.
They prepare for work on automotive parts, fleet service, or someday own their own auto repair business.
Students learn skills such as:
- Automotive specifications
- Battery service
- Wheel and tire service
- Cooling and lubrication systems
- Diagnosis of the cylinder head and valve train
- Diagnosis and repair of the engine block
- General electrical diagnosis
- Manual/automatic drive train and axle systems
- Clutch diagnosis and repair
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: Mid-Ohio Valley Technical Institute 2134 N Pleasants Hwy, St. Marys, WV 26170
- Phone: (304) 684-2464
- Website: https://www.movti.org
Schools Summary Table
Regional Salary in West Virginia
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beckley, WV | 380 | $40,640 | $19.54 | $61,120 | $27,820 |
| Charleston, WV | 660 | $44,510 | $21.40 | $63,350 | $28,930 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | 870 | $41,970 | $20.18 | $61,620 | $27,040 |
| Morgantown, WV | 360 | $42,790 | $20.57 | $62,790 | $28,670 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | 310 | $41,620 | $20.01 | $60,710 | $27,230 |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | 170 | $45,150 | $21.71 | $64,260 | $28,520 |
| Wheeling, WV-OH | 370 | $43,470 | $20.90 | $65,330 | $28,500 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
If you live in West Virginia, 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, learning style, and career aspirations.
