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If you want to know how people in Minnesota become auto mechanics, this article is for you!
We talk about the training program you need to attend, as well as the salary you could get for your work in this field.
Article Table of Contents
Auto Mechanic Training in Minnesota
The main requirements to become an auto mechanic are to first graduate from high school or to obtain a GED and then to get some training.
Despite these minimum requirements, most auto mechanics these days choose to obtain an associate’s degree in automotive technology.
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This degree is usually offered by community colleges that received approval from NATEF.
NATEF is the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, the institution that developed the set of criteria to which the course must adhere to.
These the colleges in Minnesota offering automotive technology programs:
- Lake Superior College
- Saint Paul College
- Pine Technical & Community College
- Riverland Community College
- St. Cloud Technical and Community College
It’s important to know that the students are expected to attend practice hours as well, not only theory classes.
The graduates from these colleges are perfectly prepared for entry-level positions in the field.
Earning an ASE Certification
The ASE certification is something most auto mechanics choose to get, for better career options and a better salary.
These are a few of the ASE certifications out of the 40 available:
- Repair technician
- Service consultant
- Collision damage estimator
- Parts specialist
If you want to become certified by ASE, you need:
- On average a minimum of 2 years experience
- To pass an exam that can only be taken in person after you register for it
- To re-take the exam every 5 years, to renew your certification
When you register for the exam you’ll have to pay a fee as well.
Make sure you documented well the minimum period of required accumulated experience as an auto mechanic.
Few auto mechanics become master auto mechanics in this state, as elsewhere.
The process of becoming a master auto mechanic is difficult due to the series of 8 tests that ASE already decided on.
Candidates need to pass all 8 exams if they want to become a master auto mechanic.
ASE decided on the following series of tests:
- 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)
Earning a 609-Refrigerant Certification
It is very common for auto mechanics to have to work on the MVAC system of the vehicles being brought in.
The MVAC system uses a regulated and dangerous refrigerant for which a special certification is needed.
The certification ensures the mechanic knows how to handle this substance safely.
For this, the individual is supposed to first attend a class that can be found online and offered by ASE.
The next step is to pass the exam that can also be found online.
Once you get this certificate, you don’t need to renew it.
With this certification in hand, you’re also allowed to buy more refrigerants when needed.
Auto Mechanic Schools in Minnesota
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Hennepin Technical College | 9000 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445 |
| Dunwoody College of Technology | 818 Dunwoody Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55403 |
| Riverland Community College | 1900 8th Ave NW, Austin, MN 55912 |
| Saint Paul Public Schools | 360 Colborne Street, Saint Paul, MN, 55102 |
| Pine Technical & Community College | 900 4th St SE, Pine City, MN 55063 |
| Anoka Technical College | 1355 US-10, Anoka, MN 55303 |
| Dakota County Technical College | 1300 145th St E, Rosemount, MN 55068 |
| Goodwill-Easter Seals Automotive Training Program | 635 Prior Ave N #7a, St Paul, MN 55104 |
| St. Cloud Technical & Community College - Administration & Training Center | 1215 15th St N, St Cloud, MN 56303 |
| Saint Paul College | 235 Marshall Ave, St Paul, MN 55102 |
| South Central College-North Mankato Campus | 1920 Lee Blvd, North Mankato, MN 56003 |
| Minnesota West Community & Technical College | 1593 11th Ave, Granite Falls, MN 56241 |
| Minnesota State College Southeast, Red Wing Campus | 308 Pioneer Rd, Red Wing, MN 55066 |
| Northwest Technical College | 905 Grant Ave SE, Bemidji, MN 56601 |
| Rochester Community and Technical College | 851 30th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904 |
| Lake Superior College | 2101 Trinity Rd, Duluth, MN 55806 |
| Minnesota State Community and Technical College | 1414 College Way, Fergus Falls, MN 56537 |
| Century College | 3300 Century Ave N, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 |
| Northland Community & Technical College | 1101 State Hwy 1, Thief River Falls, MN 56701 |
| Central Lakes College | 501 W College Dr, Brainerd, MN 56401 |
| Wright Technical Center | 1405 3rd Ave NE, Buffalo, MN 55313 |
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Employment and Salary Information for Auto Mechanics in Minnesota
There are different types of companies hiring new auto mechanic graduates:
- Dealerships
- Tire and parts shops
- Repair shops
- Gas stations
- Local governments
The job of an auto mechanic involves the completion of these tasks and not only:
Auto mechanics can work on these positions as well, with proper certificates:
- Diesel specialist
- Bus and truck mechanic
- Automotive body repair worker
- Auto glass installer/repairer
Like in many other trades and fields, those who just start working earn less on average.
Salaries increase the more experience you accumulate and the more diplomas you have.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Minneapolis | $42,741 |
| St. Paul | $42,741 |
| Rochester | $38,853 |
| Duluth | $38,051 |
| St. Cloud | $38,075 |
| Eden Prairie | $42,688 |
| Lakeville | $42,476 |
| Burnsville | $42,620 |
| Minnetonka | $42,741 |
| Moorhead | $37,638 |
Regional Salary in Minnesota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth, MN-WI | 750 | $54,770 | $26.33 | $77,310 | $35,320 |
| Mankato-North Mankato, MN | 310 | $51,480 | $24.75 | $78,000 | $32,260 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | 7,190 | $55,560 | $26.71 | $78,280 | $36,900 |
| Rochester, MN | 560 | $51,880 | $24.94 | $76,740 | $34,410 |
| St. Cloud, MN | 600 | $50,500 | $24.28 | $74,310 | $34,410 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information about Auto Mechanics in Minnesota
Many people would like to work in a dealership instead of working directly on cars.
If you also hope for a position in such an establishment, you need to obtain a manufacturer’s certification.
With such a diploma your knowledge will focus on specific cars made by a manufacturer.
A few other businesses also prefer candidates with such a credential.
No matter where you get hired, you might have instances where teamwork will be appreciated.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Auto Mechanic
Mechanic Schools by City
Mechanic Schools by State