Maybe you want to become an auto mechanic in Maryland.
If so, you should know what you need to do to get licensed.
Read ahead for some tips and info regarding schools and licensing.
Article Table of Contents
Auto Mechanic Training in Maryland
The first step you need to take is to join a training program.
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You can choose a program that ends in a diploma, which will be shorter than a higher degree.
But, you can also choose an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
A higher degree will provide better career opportunities in the future.
In Maryland, there are many programs you can choose from.
Some of these are in:
- Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia
- North American Trade Schools
- The Community College of Baltimore County
- Montgomery College
- Allegany College of Maryland
- Prince George’s Community College
You can attend the program if you meet the following requirements:
- A high school graduate or have a GED
- Good at math
- Computer proficient
- Good with physics
The credit hours vary from program to program will also differ, but the subjects will be the same.
The program you attend needs to be approved by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF).
In Maryland, you can join a training program even if you are still in high-school.
Getting an ASE Certification in Maryland
While you don’t need an ASE certification in Maryland, you will score a job faster if you have one.
Most hiring companies only accept auto mechanics who are certified.
Furthermore, you will also get a higher salary if you have an ASE certification.
To get it, you first need to take and pass a test.
You might need to show proof you accumulated two years of related work experience.
This certification stays current for 5 years, after which you have to take the exam again.
In Maryland, you can decide to take an exam from the following categories:
- Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Certification Test (G1)
- Automobile & Light Truck Certification Tests (A Series)
- 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)
- Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Certification Test (L1)
- Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis Specialist Certification Test (L2)
- Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist Test (L3)
- Engine Machinist Certification Tests (M Series)
- Parts Specialist Certification Tests (P Series)
- School Bus Certification Tests (S Series)
- Medium-Heavy Truck Certification Tests (T Series)
- Undercar Specialist Exhaust Systems Test (X1)
You can the exam after you make an appointment with a testing center near your location.
Getting an EPA 609-Refrigerant Certification in Maryland
To work on Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning, you are required to have an EPA 609-Refrigerant Certification.
So, you first need to attend a 609-refrigerant certification training program.
You don’t have to be physically present for the classes as they are available online.
You will need to get an 84% score on this exam to pass it.
Getting a Manufacturer Certification in Maryland
This certification lets you work on vehicles produced by one specific company.
To get it, you have to join a program offered by a large manufacturer, like Ford, Honda, Chrysler, or BMW.
The classes will teach what you need to get certified in a short amount of time.
Auto Mechanic Schools in Maryland
School Name | Address |
---|---|
Lincoln College of Technology | 9325 Snowden River Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21046 |
Automotive Training Institute | 705 Digital Dr suite v, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090 |
NCIA Herbert J Hoelter Vocational Training Center | 301 S Central Ave, Baltimore, MD 21202 |
Full Circle Auto Repair & Training Center | 3419 Greenmount Ave, Baltimore, MD 21218 |
Prince George's Community College: Motorcycle License | 301 Largo Rd, Largo, MD 20777, |
Frederick Community College | 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21701 |
James Rumsey Technical Institute | 3274 Hedgesville Rd, Martinsburg, WV 25403 |
Thomas Edison High School of Technology | 12501 Dalewood Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20906 |
Allegany College of Maryland | 12401 Willowbrook Rd, Cumberland, MD 21502 |
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Salary Information for Auto Mechanics in Maryland
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), auto mechanics in this state have an average pay of $46,190 per year.
You can earn as much as $71,370 per year if you are a top auto mechanic.
The wages you will earn vary according to where you live and work, and how much work experience you have in the industry.
As a rule, big cities and areas will have more work opportunities than smaller regions.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Baltimore | $41,240 |
Columbia | $41,173 |
Germantown | $43,345 |
Silver Spring | $44,658 |
Waldorf | $44,538 |
Ellicott City | $41,213 |
Frederick | $43,090 |
Glen Burnie | $41,240 |
Gaithersburg | $44,538 |
Rockville | $44,604 |
Regional Salary in Maryland
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | 6,660 | $54,930 | $26.41 | $78,740 | $35,240 |
California-Lexington Park, MD | 210 | $53,090 | $25.52 | $78,250 | $34,250 |
Cumberland, MD-WV | 290 | $43,500 | $20.91 | $61,470 | $27,720 |
Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | 630 | $49,720 | $23.9 | $73,810 | $29,640 |
Salisbury, MD-DE | 850 | $50,500 | $24.28 | $73,510 | $31,030 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Finding Work as an Auto Mechanic in Maryland
In Maryland, the auto mechanic industry keeps growing yearly.
The best locations to find a job include Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, California-Lexington Park, and Cumberland.
Once you get a certification and finish your studies, you will find a job easily.
You can get work in a dealership, auto service, or garage nearby where you live.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Auto Mechanic