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Auto mechanics in Connecticut have many employment options and several fields in which they can operate.
These are some examples:
- Automotive service technician, or auto mechanic
- Diesel mechanic
- Auto body and collision repair worker
- Glass installers and repairers
This job is good for someone good with math, working on a computer, and pays attention to details.
Read on if you want to learn more about what it takes to become an auto mechanic in Connecticut!
Earn your accredited, affordable Auto Repair career diploma online with Penn Foster in as little as 4 months!
Article Table of Contents
Auto Mechanic Training in Connecticut
You need to get trained to become an auto mechanic, however, there are no specific or mandatory requirements you need to meet.
Many employers will prefer those who graduated with an associate’s degree in the field, so getting some formal education in the field is where you need to start.
The colleges that offer such programs will have different enrollment requirements, though the curriculum is nearly identical.
To enroll you might be asked for:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Passing grades in certain subjects
- Computer proficiency
The size of a class in these programs is small compared with other degrees.
All the programs include an internship.
Some of the programs are offered in collaboration with some car manufacturers which can be helpful after graduation.
Graduating with an associate’s degree will give you more career options and a higher salary.
Some of the colleges you can consider are:
- Naugatuck Valley Community College
- Bristol Technical Education Center
- Porter and Chester Institute
Most of the programs are shorter than 2 years but they’re enough for you to start working right after graduation.
All the programs need to be approved by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).
Earning an ASE Certification
Individuals who want to earn the trust of the customers can work towards getting an ASE certificate.
You’ll also have more hiring chances if you get certified.
By earning this certificate means your work and expertise meet the standards set up by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
The requirements for this diploma are:
- A minimum of 2 years of work experience
- Passing an exam
The Institute doesn’t allow candidates to take this test online, only in person.
There are many ASE certifications available, such as for:
- Automobile and light truck
- Collision repair and refinish
- Truck equipment
- Medium-heavy truck
You can earn as many diplomas as you want.
If you do get certified by ASE, you’ll need to re-pass the test every 5 years.
Earning the EPA 609-Refrigerant Certification
Most auto mechanics will be expected to perform work on the MVAC system of a vehicle.
This means handling a dangerous substance, and due to the risk involve the EPA 609-refrigerant certification is mandatory.
For this certification, you’ll need to complete a training program and then pass the exam.
You can take the test online and the passing score is 85%.
There’s no need to renew this credential.
Manufacturer Certification
It’s possible for some of the training programs you’ll see, to be sponsored by a car manufacturer.
In this case, you’ll be eligible to earn a manufacturer certificate.
This means you’ll be able to work only with or on the vehicles made by that company.
You’ll also have a higher chance of getting employed by that car company.
Auto Mechanic Schools in Connecticut
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Lincoln Technical Institute | 97 Newberry Rd, East Windsor, CT 06088 |
| Bristol Technical Education Center | 431 E Minor St, Bristol, CT 06010 |
| Porter and Chester Institute | 1245 Dixwell Ave, Hamden, CT 06514 |
| A.I. Prince Technical School | 401 Flatbush Ave, Hartford, CT 06106 |
| Windham Technical High School | 210 Birch St, Willimantic, CT 06226 |
| Ella T. Grasso Southeastern Technical High School | 189 Fort Hill Rd, Groton, CT 06340 |
| Harvard H. Ellis Technical School | 613 Upper Maple St, Danielson, CT 06239 |
| Platt Technical High School | 600 Orange Ave, Milford, CT 06461 |
| W.F. Kaynor Technical High School | 43 Tompkins St, Waterbury, CT 06708 |
| Eli Whitney Technical High School | 100 Fairview Ave, Hamden, CT 06514 |
| E C Goodwin Technical High School | 735 Slater Rd, New Britain, CT 06053 |
| Bullard-Havens Technical High School | 500 Palisade Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610 |
| Norwich Technical High School | 7 Mahan Dr, Norwich, CT 06360 |
| Oliver Wolcott Technical High School | 75 Oliver St, Torrington, CT 06790 |
| Vinal Technical High School | 60 Daniels St, Middletown, CT 06457 |
| Howell Cheney Technical High School | 791 Middle Turnpike W, Manchester, CT 06040 |
Earn your accredited, affordable Auto Repair career diploma online with Penn Foster in as little as 4 months!
Employment and Salary Information for Auto Mechanics in Connecticut
Many types of establishments need auto mechanics.
Some of the companies hiring auto mechanics include:
- Car dealerships
- Body repair shops
- Tire shops
- Independent establishments
- Gas stations
Your duties will include:
As far as your salary goes, how much you’ll earn will depend on many factors.
They include:
- Experience
- Number of certifications
- Location
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Bridgeport | $45,573 |
| New Haven | $43,475 |
| Hartford | $43,118 |
| Stamford | $46,165 |
| Waterbury | $43,246 |
| Norwalk | $46,165 |
| Danbury | $44,536 |
| New Britain | $43,327 |
| West Hartford | $43,118 |
| Greenwich | $46,165 |
Regional Salary in Connecticut
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT | 1,510 | $56,910 | $27.36 | $78,110 | $37,250 |
| Danbury, CT | 470 | $54,230 | $26.07 | $76,810 | $35,800 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | 2,240 | $52,110 | $25.05 | $75,100 | $34,480 |
| New Haven, CT | 1,080 | $53,500 | $25.72 | $76,260 | $35,200 |
| Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI | 500 | $55,170 | $26.53 | $80,290 | $33,640 |
| Waterbury, CT | 470 | $53,430 | $25.69 | $75,330 | $34,380 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information about Auto Mechanics in Connecticut
Auto mechanics also have the possibility of becoming masters.
For this, those interested need to pass all the exams in a series.
The exam series are already decided by ASE.
You can also pass several test series, to become a master in more areas.
Below are some test series examples:
- Collision Repair & Refinish Certification Tests (B Series)
- Damage Analysis & Estimating Certification Test (B6)
- Automobile Service Consultant Certification Test (C1)
- Truck Equipment Certification Tests (E Series)
- Alternate Fuels Certification Test (F1)
- Transit Bus Certification Tests (H Series)
- School Bus Certification Tests (S Series)
- Medium-Heavy Truck Certification Tests (T Series)
- Undercar Specialist Exhaust Systems Test (X1)
Read the full guide: How to Become an Auto Mechanic
Mechanic Schools by City
Mechanic Schools by State