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There are many work opportunities for auto mechanics in Michigan.
If you feel this is the right career for you, read on in order to find out more.
Article Table of Contents
Auto Mechanic Training in Michigan
To start a career in Michigan, you will have to train first,
A training program in a community college will help you develop the skills you need to have.
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You can either choose a program that ends in a diploma or pursue higher education.
This entails getting an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
A university degree will bring you better career opportunities in the future.
In Michigan, you can choose from several different programs.
Some of these are in:
- Washtenaw Community College
- Henry Ford College
- Mott Community College
- Grand Rapids Community College
- Northern Michigan University
- Muskegon Community College
Many schools have a set of requirements for admission in their programs.
For the automotive technology program, the general requirements are:
- A high school graduate or have a GED
- Good grades in specific subjects
- Computer proficient
The credit hours vary from program to program will also differ, but the subjects will be the same.
The training program has to be accredited by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF).
In Michigan, you can join a training program while you are still a high-school student.
Getting an ASE Certification in Michigan
While you don’t need an ASE certification in Michigan, without one it will be hard to find a job.
Most hiring companies only employ auto mechanics who have a certification.
In addition, you will also get a better-paid position if you have an ASE certification.
To get it, you first need to take and pass an exam.
Candidates are advised to keep good records of their accumulated work experience in case they need to show proof of it.
This certification can be used for 5 years, after which another exam is required.
In Michigan, you can take a test 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)
There are several testing centers in Michigan where you can make an appointment for the exam.
Getting an EPA 609-Refrigerant Certification in Michigan
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 have to score 84% score on the exam in order to pass it.
Getting a Manufacturer Certification in Michigan
If you get this certification, you will be able to work on vehicles produced by one specific company.
For this, you have to attend a program offered by a large manufacturer, like Ford, Honda, Chrysler, or BMW.
The classes will be focused on the knowledge you need to have to be able to practice.
Auto Mechanic Schools in Michigan
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| The Auto Diesel Institute of Michigan | 1400 S Michigan 52, Owosso, MI 48867 |
| Copper Country Automotive Tech | 110 E Quincy St, Hancock, MI 49930 |
| Oakland Schools Technical Campuses (OSTC), Southwest | 1000 Beck Rd, Wixom, MI 48393 |
| Southwestern Michigan College | 58900 Cherry Grove Rd, Dowagiac, MI 49047 |
| Alpena Community College | Madeline Briggs University Center, 665 Johnson St, Alpena, MI 49707 |
| Glen Oaks Community College | 62249 Shimmel Rd, Centreville, MI 49032 |
| Delta College - Main Campus | 1961 Delta Rd, University Center, MI 48710 |
| Henry Ford College | 5101 Evergreen Rd, Dearborn, MI 48128 |
| Monroe County Community College | 1555 S Raisinville Rd, Monroe, MI 48161 |
| Kent Career Technical Center | 1655 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 |
| Wayne County Community College District | 801 W Fort St, Detroit, MI 48226 |
| Grand Rapids Community College | 143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 |
| Muskegon Community College | 221 Quarterline Rd, Muskegon, MI 49442 |
| Bay College | 2001 N Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829 |
| Mott Community College | 1401 E Court St, Flint, MI 48503 |
| Mid Michigan College | 1375 S Clare Ave, Harrison, MI 48625 |
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Salary Information for Auto Mechanics in Michigan
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), auto mechanics in this state have an average pay of $40,149 annually.
You can earn up to $51,882 yearly if you are one of the best auto mechanics in your area.
Your salary will also depend on your schooling, work experience, and place to live.
Usually, large cities offer increased work opportunities when compared to smaller regions.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Detroit | $40,803 |
| Grand Rapids | $38,905 |
| Warren | $40,803 |
| Sterling Heights | $40,675 |
| Ann Arbor | $41,397 |
| Lansing | $38,833 |
| Clinton | $41,204 |
| Flint | $37,395 |
| Dearborn | $40,803 |
| Livonia | $40,675 |
Regional Salary in Michigan
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI | 470 | $54,460 | $26.19 | $80,190 | $34,280 |
| Battle Creek, MI | 270 | $49,230 | $23.67 | $71,760 | $29,860 |
| Bay City, MI | 210 | $49,690 | $23.89 | $74,000 | $29,160 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | 8,180 | $52,800 | $25.38 | $78,530 | $31,550 |
| Flint, MI | 880 | $49,450 | $23.77 | $75,130 | $29,560 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | 2,680 | $51,930 | $24.97 | $75,680 | $33,610 |
| Jackson, MI | 230 | $49,560 | $23.83 | $75,480 | $30,110 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | 590 | $50,000 | $24.04 | $74,720 | $31,050 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | 910 | $49,890 | $23.99 | $75,410 | $30,630 |
| Midland, MI | 150 | $47,180 | $22.69 | $74,400 | $29,520 |
| Monroe, MI | 200 | $49,820 | $23.95 | $74,920 | $30,270 |
| Muskegon, MI | 310 | $47,390 | $22.79 | $73,130 | $29,120 |
| Niles-Benton Harbor, MI | 260 | $45,810 | $22.02 | $71,290 | $29,270 |
| Saginaw, MI | 490 | $51,520 | $24.77 | $76,230 | $30,260 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Finding Work as an Auto Mechanic in Michigan
In Michigan, the auto mechanic industry keeps increasing.
The best locations to find a job include Ann Arbor, Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, and Kalamazoo-Portage.
The best places to get hired in Michigan are:
- Dealerships
- Tire and parts shops
- Repair shops
- Gas stations
- Local governments
The available positions are usually named:
- Diesel specialist
- Bus and truck mechanic
- Automotive body repair worker
- Auto glass installer/repairer
Read the full guide: How to Become an Auto Mechanic
Mechanic Schools by City
Mechanic Schools by State