Careers: automotive service technician, diesel mechanic, auto body technician, heavy equipment mechanic, and small engine mechanic. Majors: Automotive Technology, Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology, and Aviation Maintenance Technology.
College majors for automotive and mechanics
Automotive Technology
Prepares you to diagnose and repair cars and light trucks.
Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology
Teaches you to maintain diesel trucks, buses and heavy equipment.
Aviation Maintenance Technology
Prepares you to inspect, maintain and repair aircraft.
Careers in automotive and mechanics
Automotive Service Technician
Inspect, diagnose and repair cars and light trucks, including hybrids and EVs.
- Typical training: 6–24 months
Diesel Mechanic
Diagnose and repair trucks, buses and diesel-powered equipment.
- Typical training: 6–24 months
Auto Body Technician
Repair and restore vehicles after collisions, from dents and frames to paint.
- Typical training: 6 months–2 years
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Keep bulldozers, excavators, loaders and cranes working on job sites and in shops.
- Typical training: 1–2 years
Small Engine Mechanic
Repair lawn mowers, chainsaws, generators and other small gas and electric equipment.
- Typical training: 3–12 months
Motorcycle Mechanic
Service and repair motorcycles, ATVs, scooters and other powersports vehicles.
- Typical training: 9–15 months
Building Maintenance Technician
Keep apartments, offices, schools and facilities running with everyday repairs.
- Typical training: 3–12 months on the job
Production Assembler
Put together products and components on factory lines, following precise instructions.
- Typical training: 1 day to 1 month on the job
Quality Control Inspector
Measure, test and inspect products to make sure they meet specifications.
- Typical training: 3–12 months on the job
Skills these careers use
- Electrical troubleshooting
- Computerized diagnostics
- Brake and suspension repair
- Engine performance
- Diesel engine diagnostics
- Air brake systems
Start building skills now
A self-paced online course on what automotive service technicians do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: computerized diagnostics, brake and suspension repair, and electrical troubleshooting
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Automotive and Mechanics
A self-paced online course on what diesel mechanics do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: diesel engine diagnostics, air brake systems, and electrical and electronic troubleshooting
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Automotive and Mechanics
A self-paced online course on what auto body technicians do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: damage analysis, panel replacement and dent repair, and frame measuring and straightening
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Automotive and Mechanics
A self-paced online course on what heavy equipment mechanics do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: hydraulic troubleshooting, diesel engine systems, and electrical diagnostics
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Automotive and Mechanics
Automotive and Mechanics: frequently asked questions
What careers are there in automotive and mechanics?
Careers connected to automotive and mechanics include automotive service technician, diesel mechanic, auto body technician, heavy equipment mechanic, small engine mechanic, motorcycle mechanic, building maintenance technician, and production assembler.
What should I major in if I am interested in automotive and mechanics?
Majors connected to automotive and mechanics include Automotive Technology, Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology, and Aviation Maintenance Technology. Compare what each includes, the skills it builds and where it leads.
What automotive and mechanics careers do not require a four-year degree?
Examples include automotive service technician, diesel mechanic, auto body technician, heavy equipment mechanic, small engine mechanic, and motorcycle mechanic. They typically start with a high school diploma, a certificate, an associate degree, an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.
Which automotive and mechanics careers usually require a bachelor’s degree or more?
Examples include industrial engineer and industrial production manager. Some also need a license or certification.
What skills do you need for a career in automotive and mechanics?
Skills that come up often in these careers include electrical troubleshooting, computerized diagnostics, brake and suspension repair, engine performance, diesel engine diagnostics, and air brake systems, along with communication and problem solving.
How do I start a career in automotive and mechanics?
Learn about the careers in the field, choose one or two that fit you, check the education or training each requires, and build practical knowledge early through classes, part-time work, volunteering or short career training.
Can I explore automotive and mechanics careers before choosing a college major?
Yes. Career profiles, job shadowing and short online career training let you learn what jobs in automotive and mechanics involve before you commit to a major or program.
Does Career Education Institute offer training related to automotive and mechanics?
Yes. Related online trainings include Automotive Service Technician Training, Diesel Mechanic Training, Auto Body Technician Training, and Heavy Equipment Mechanic Training. They are general, non-credit courses that teach what a job involves; they do not grant a degree or license.
Which colleges offer programs related to automotive and mechanics?
Use the college search to find U.S. colleges that report awarding degrees in related majors, filtered by state, city, ZIP code, online programs and type of school.