How to Become a Mechanic in Texas

Key Points

- Texas had the highest employment level of automotive mechanics as well as bus and truck mechanics in 2023, with the second highest employment level among automotive body and related repairers.

- Mechanic school is beneficial for those lacking a technical background, and leading mechanic schools in Texas include Universal Technical Institute (UTI).

- The job outlook for mechanics in Texas is promising, with a high number of employment opportunities in various mechanic careers.

- Median annual salaries for mechanics in the United States vary depending on the career type, with automotive service technicians and mechanics earning $47,770, bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists earning $58,970, and automotive body and related repairers earning $48,740.

- Common mechanic careers in Texas include automotive mechanics, diesel mechanics and auto body mechanics.

Are you someone who lives in Texas, has excellent attention to detail, enjoys problem-solving and appreciates opportunities to work with your hands? If so, consider a career as a mechanic.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Texas had the highest employment level of automotive mechanics in 2023. The state also had the highest employment level among bus and truck mechanics, and second highest among automotive body service and related repairers in the nation in 2023.

From collision repair to motorcycle mechanics—there are various routes to pursue. Regardless of the route taken, you can play a crucial role, ensuring safe and reliable transportation for the community you serve.

Keep reading to learn more about how to become a mechanic in Texas. This guide is filled with training opportunities, job outlook and answers to frequently asked questions.

Mechanic School in Texas

While there’s no written requirement for technical school, many candidates choose to attend one as it teaches them the entry-level skills many employers are looking for in candidates.

Mechanic school is especially beneficial to anyone who lacks a technical background as most employers require previous experience.

As previously mentioned, a large portion of mechanics work in Texas, so it is no surprise there are leading mechanic schools in Texas, like Universal Technical Institute (UTI).¹

Through a blend of online instruction and hands-on training, UTI provides students with practical skill sets related to their industry of choice.¹⁸

The technical school also has more than 35 manufacturer relationships that have assisted UTI in creating a curriculum relevant to current technicians, ensuring students learn to handle the tools, machinery and equipment commonly utilized in the field.

In addition to providing technical knowledge, a good trade school fine-tunes the soft skills displayed by many successful mechanics, such as professionalism and excellent customer service.

UTI Dallas graduate Jerome Jackson shared, “UTI was highly focused on professionalism — everything from how you presented yourself in person to how you presented yourself on your résumé.”

Mechanic Job Outlook in Texas

Texas is an excellent state for a mechanic to pursue a career. According to BLS, in 2023 there were:

• 67,680 automotive service technicians and mechanics employed in Texas⁹³
• 28.410 bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists employed in Texas⁹⁵
• 14,810 automotive body and related repairers employed in Texas^6.2

Many aspiring mechanics wonder how much mechanics make in Texas. This can vary by career type. Let’s break down common mechanic career paths and their median annual salary. According to the BLS, in May 2023 median annual salaries for the following careers in the United States were:

• $47,770 for automotive service technicians and mechanics²⁵
• $58,970 for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists²⁹
• $48,740 for automotive body and related repairers²⁸

Median means half of the mechanics earned more, and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

Types of Mechanics in Texas

There are various paths an aspiring mechanic can pursue. Common mechanic careers include:

• Automotive mechanics: These mechanics evaluate and repair cars and light trucks. They may also perform maintenance and specialize in air-conditioning, brakes, drivability, transmissions and more. They often work for dealers or maintenance and repair shops.
• Diesel mechanics: These mechanics inspect and repair any vehicle with a diesel engine, including buses, trucks, bulldozers, cranes and dump trucks. They typically work in truck transportation, wholesale trade, the marine industry or local government.
• Auto body mechanics: These types of mechanics repair vehicles damaged, usually by collision. They restore the vehicle to a safe driving state and often work in repair centers, dealerships, fleet workshops or manufacturing facilities.

5 Steps to Become a Mechanic in Texas

1. Determine your goals and desired jobs

As you’ve probably learned by now, there’s a variety of mechanic careers to choose from, and each one calls for specialized training.

Therefore, determining which type of role you’d like to pursue is the first step to take. Doing so will assist you in finding which school to enroll in.

Start by listing your background, interests, why you want to become a mechanic and what you hope to gain from your career. From there, research different mechanic roles to find the best fit for you.

Your desired work environment is another critical aspect to consider. Some mechanic jobs leave room to work in various environments while others may confine you to a single setting.

2. Research various mechanic schools in Texas

Once you decide on the kind of mechanic job you’d like to have, begin researching mechanic schools in Texas.

Find one that offers a specific program for the career you're interested in. For instance, if you’d like to become a collision repair mechanic, search for "collision repair programs in Texas."

Once you find a technical school that fits your needs, ensure it is accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. UTI is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), ensuring a quality education.

Accredited programs prepare students to pursue a career in their industry of choice by teaching them up-to-date standards and granting them opportunities to use the tools, machinery and equipment found in the field.

3. Attend a mechanic school or program

Most employers require previous experience, even for entry-level roles. Those without a mechanical background can satisfy this requirement by attending a trade school like UTI, where the instructors build students’ knowledge from the ground up.

Those with a mechanical background but are struggling to break into the workforce may also benefit from attending a mechanic school in Texas. Many trade programs provide graduates with a degree, diploma or certificate as proof they have a foundation of knowledge relevant to potential employers.

Attending a trade program can also help aspiring mechanics network with professionals in the industry, potentially granting them insight into what employers desire from entry-level candidates.

4. Get ASE certified

The National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) created the ASE certification to hold mechanics to a high standard. The certification ensures they have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide trustworthy and expert service within their line of work.

While the law does not require certification, working towards it can assist you in your job search. According to the BLS, industry certification is usually required once employed.

To become ASE certified, mechanics must pass a test that evaluates their ability to provide accurate and quality service through diagnosis and repair. The institute offers multiple certification tests.

The exam you take will depend on the type of mechanic field that interests you. Common ASE certification exams include:

• Automobile & Light Truck Certification
• Automobile Service Consultant Certification
• Collision Repair & Refinish Certification Tests
• Truck Equipment Certification
• Medium-Heavy Truck Certification
• School Bus Certification
• Alternate Fuels Certification Test

How To Get ASE Certified in Texas

There are two steps to becoming ASE certified in Texas:

• Accumulate two years of hands-on work experience
• Pass an online test

We suggest attending a school that has ASE program accreditation, like UTI.¹⁶ Doing so can help prepare students to take the online portion of the test.

Additionally, UTI graduates can substitute their education for one of the two years of required experience. Once they’ve obtained that second year, they can check out the ASE website and navigate to their specialty and sign up for an exam.

We highly recommend utilizing the ASE study guides and practice tests before signing up, as the exams can be rigorous.

5. Gain experience through jobs or apprenticeships

Upon completing steps 1 through 4, graduates are prepared to begin pursuing their career. UTI graduates who need assistance searching for jobs or apprenticeships can take advantage of Career Services.

These services include résumé development, interview training, access to a nationwide database and career coaching.

Mechanic Schools in Texas through UTI

UTI has three campuses in Texas — Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Houston — each offering a variety of programs. Keep reading to find the best fit for you.

Automotive Mechanic School

UTI has an automotive mechanic school at all three Texas campuses. The Automotive Technology program combines online learning with hands-on training to teach students how to maintain and repair imported and domestic vehicles. The course topics included in this program are:

• Automotive Engines Service & Repair
• Professional Automotive Service Writing
• Automotive Powertrains & Transmissions
• Vehicle Steering & Suspension Service & Repair
• Vehicle Brake Systems
• Vehicle Electronic Systems & Technology
• Automotive Climate Control Systems & Repair
• Automotive Power/Performance Tuning & Emissions Repair
• Hybrid Vehicle System Maintenance

Students can complete their automotive training in just 51 weeks.⁷ Upon completing the core program, they can go on to receive Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training with brands like BMW, GM and more.

READ MORE: 8 QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN CHOOSING AN AUTOMOTIVE MECHANIC SCHOOL

Diesel Mechanic School

The diesel mechanic program is offered at all three Texas campuses as well. The core program can be completed in just 45 weeks and prepares students for careers at truck and bus companies, railroads, in agriculture, oil refineries and more.⁷

Students will be taught to diagnose, repair and replace components on large diesel trucks and engines. The core program course topics include:

• Gasoline & Diesel Engine Service & Repair
• Diesel Truck Manual Transmission
• Diesel Truck Brake Systems & Chassis
• Diesel Truck Steering & Suspension Systems
• Automotive Climate Control Systems & Repair
• Diesel Hydraulic Systems
• Vehicle Electronic Systems & Technology
• Diesel Truck Transport Refrigeration
• Diesel Truck Preventative Maintenance

Upon completing the core program, graduates can further their studies in a specialized program, gaining familiarity with brands like Cummins,⁴⁶ Peterbilt,¹⁵ Freightliner and more.

Collision Repair School

UTI’s Auto Body Collision School is available at the Houston location and takes 51 to 54 weeks to complete. UTI’s Collision Repair & Refinish Technology curriculum was developed with the help of I-CAR — the provider of collision repair standards as defined by the industry, including car manufacturers, insurance companies and repair shops.

Throughout the program, students earn I-CAR certifications, further preparing them to pursue a career as a collision repair mechanic. The program course topics include:

• Exterior Panel Alignment
• Exterior Panel Repair I and II
• Exterior Panel Replacement
• Welding and Cutting
• Structural Damage Analysis
• Structural Alignment and Replacement
• Introduction to Refinishing
• Vehicle Preparation for Painting
• Finish Applications
• Skills Application
• Power Systems and Controls
• Drive Train and Related Systems
• Vehicle Undercar and SRS
• Damage Analysis I and II
• Custom Paint Fundamentals
• Custom Body Fundamentals

UTI’s Collision Repair program also provides students with experience using products from industry-leading companies like 3M, Audatex and Axalta.

How To Become a Mechanic in Texas FAQs

How long does it take to become a qualified mechanic?

The amount of time it takes to become a qualified mechanic can depend on the type of career you pursue, as well as the path you take. Many aspiring mechanics choose to attend trade schools, like UTI, before entering their careers. UTI’s mechanic programs can be completed in less than a year.⁷

Do you need a mechanic license in Texas?

While there’s no requirement for mechanic certification in Texas, many candidates choose to obtain ASE certification. Doing so can better prepare them to pursue a career and prove to employers that they have the knowledge and technical skills crucial to the role.

Are there any financial aid options available for aspiring mechanics in Texas?

For those interested in pursuing a mechanical career path, there are various options that can help with funding an education. UTI has an entire Financial Aid team that helps students complete their FAFSA to determine whether they qualify for financial aid to help pay trade school tuition.¹⁰ Financial aid advisors also can provide students with basic information on applying for loans.

Learn How To Become a Mechanic in Texas at UTI

If you’re passionate about helping others, prefer working with your hands and enjoy problem-solving, allow UTI to help you build on these skills and prepare you to become a mechanic. Ready to get started? Contact an Admissions Representative or request info to learn more today.