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The auto mechanic industry is booming in Missouri.
This means you will be able to enjoy a long and fruitful career if you work in this field.
If you want to know what you need to do, read on for more info!
Article Table of Contents
Auto Mechanic Training in Missouri
To start a career as an auto mechanic in Missouri, you will have to train.
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A training program in a vocation school will help you learn the trade and get a certification.
You can either pursue a program that finishes with a diploma or pursue a higher degree.
You can get an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
This higher degree will bring you increased career opportunities and a better salary.
In Missouri, there are several different programs to choose from.
Some of these include:
- State Technical College of Missouri
- Franklin Technology Center
- Ranken Technical College
- Vatterott College
Usually, only those who meet these requirements can join the program:
- A high school graduate or have a GED
- Passing grades in math
- Computer proficiency
- Good with physics
The credit hours vary from program to program will also differ, but the subjects will be the same.
The program you opt for has to be accredited by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF).
In Missouri, you can enroll in a training program while you are in high school.
Getting an ASE Certification in Missouri
While you don’t have to get an ASE certification in this state, getting one will ensure you get a job fast.
Most companies are looking for auto mechanics who have an ASE certification.
Plus, you will also receive a higher salary if you have a certification.
The ASE certification requires you to pass an exam.
You also need to show that you have a minimum of two years of related work experience.
This certification expires after 5 years, after which you will have to repeat the exam.
In Missouri, you can take a test from the following categories if you want to become a master auto mechanic:
- 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 many testing centers in Missouri where you can schedule your certification exam.
Getting an EPA 609-Refrigerant Certification in Missouri
To work on Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning, you need to get an EPA 609-Refrigerant Certification.
You first need to enroll in a 609-refrigerant certification training program.
Classes for this certification are also available online if you cannot attend in person.
You need an 84% score on the exam in order to get certified.
Earning a Manufacturer Certification in Missouri
If you obtain this certification, you can work on vehicles produced by one car company.
For this, you have to enroll in a program offered by a big producer, like Ford, Honda, Chrysler, or BMW.
The classes will teach you more about that particular manufacturer.
Auto Mechanic Schools in Missouri
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Metropolitan Community College | 200 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64111 |
| State Technical College of Missouri | 1 Technology Dr, Linn, MO 65051 |
| Grand River Technical School | 1200 Fair St, Chillicothe, MO 64601 |
| PPG Training Center | 2604 NE Industrial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64117 |
| Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center | 3203 Oak Grove Rd, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 |
| Waynesville Career Center | 400 Gw Ln, Waynesville, MO 65583 |
| Rolla Technical Institute | 1304 E 10th St, Rolla, MO 65401 |
| Franklin Technology Center | 810 S Wall Ave, Joplin, MO 64801 |
| Crowder College | 601 Laclede Ave, Neosho, MO 64850 |
| Cape Girardeau Career & Tech | 1080 S Silver Springs Rd, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703 |
| Lex La-Ray Technical Center | 2323 High School Dr, Lexington, MO 64067 |
| Jefferson College | 1000 Viking Dr, Hillsboro, MO 63050 |
| East Central College | 1964 Prairie Dell Rd, Union, MO 63084 |
| Ozarks Technical Community College | 1001 E Chestnut Expy, Springfield, MO 65802 |
| State Fair Community College | 3201 W 16th St, Sedalia, MO 65301 |
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Salary Information for Auto Mechanics in Missouri
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), auto mechanics in Missouri have an average pay of $38,231 yearly.
You can make up to $49,404 per year if you have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Based on how much experience you have and where you live, you can get a higher or lower salary than average.
If you want to have more career opportunities, you should probably choose a bigger city or region.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | $39,343 |
| St. Louis | $39,499 |
| Springfield | $37,902 |
| Columbia | $39,061 |
| Independence | $39,300 |
| Lee's Summit | $39,193 |
| O'Fallon | $39,178 |
| St. Joseph | $38,995 |
| St. Charles | $39,285 |
| St. Peters | $39,200 |
Regional Salary in Missouri
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | 300 | $43,980 | $21.14 | $62,900 | $28,900 |
| Columbia, MO | 550 | $47,140 | $22.67 | $72,710 | $30,050 |
| Jefferson City, MO | 380 | $44,920 | $21.59 | $64,990 | $29,390 |
| Joplin, MO | 620 | $42,770 | $20.56 | $63,860 | $28,410 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | 5,190 | $51,480 | $24.75 | $76,690 | $32,470 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | 340 | $47,220 | $22.7 | $73,240 | $29,500 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | 7,310 | $50,180 | $24.13 | $76,800 | $31,040 |
| Springfield, MO | 1,670 | $44,290 | $21.29 | $62,960 | $28,880 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Finding Work as An auto Mechanic in Missouri
In Missouri, the auto mechanic sector is continuously growing.
The best locations to find a job include St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia, and St. Joseph.
The easiest places to get hired in Missouri are dealerships, auto services, or garages in your area.
Some smaller regions in the Ozarks don’t require you to get a certification.
This means that you will be able to get employed right away after finishing high-school or a course.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Auto Mechanic
Mechanic Schools by City
Mechanic Schools by State