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If you have the talent to work with your hands, you can easily become an auto mechanic.
The industry keeps evolving, and in Oregon, you have plenty of chances to get hired.
But, before that, have a look at what you need to do to get licensed.
Article Table of Contents
Auto Mechanic Training in Oregon
To get your first job, you first need to attend a training course.
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The auto mechanic programs in Oregon are available through trade schools and community colleges.
There are many such programs to choose from, based on how much time you can spend on it.
For example, you can enroll in a shorter program that you can complete in less than a year.
However, you can also join a university for a higher degree, such as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Here is a shortlist of auto mechanic programs available in Oregon:
- Mt. Hood Community College
- Central Oregon Community College
- Subaru University
- Lane Community College
- Linn-Benton Community College
To attend any of the programs, you have to meet certain 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 enroll in has to be approved by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF).
If you live in Oregon, it is easy to enroll in a training program while still in high school.
Earning an ASE Certification in Oregon
In Oregon, you can practice even without a license.
But, you may not be able to find a job if you don’t have an ASE certification.
Employers in rural regions might accept auto mechanics without an ASE certification.
Make sure you keep track of your work experience as you need at least 2 years as an auto mechanic for most certifications.
After you receive your certification by mail, you can start looking for a job.
However, before that, you need to also pass an exam.
The ASE certification stays valid for 5 years.
After it expires, you will have to retake the certification exam.
In Oregon, passing the exams in the next categories will give you the status of a master auto mechanic:
- 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)
- Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Certification Test (G1)
- 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)
The ASE certification exam is available through the testing centers throughout Oregon.
Earning an EPA 609-Refrigerant Certification in Oregon
To work on Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning, you have to get an EPA 609-Refrigerant Certification.
The main requirement is to join a 609-refrigerant certification training program.
You will also need to take an exam, in which you have to score at least 84% or higher.
Earning a Manufacturer Certification in Oregon
If you plan on working on vehicles manufactured by one specific company, you will need a manufacturer certification
The training programs are available through companies like Ford, Honda, Chrysler, or BMW.
Auto Mechanic Schools in Oregon
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Chemeketa Automotive Program | Building 8, 4000 Lancaster Dr NE, Salem, OR 97301 |
| Rogue Community College - Redwood Campus | 3345 Redwood Hwy, Grants Pass, OR 97527 |
| Lane Community College | 4000 E 30th Ave, Eugene, OR 97405 |
| Mt. Hood Community College | 26000 SE Stark St, Gresham, OR 97030 |
| Clackamas Community College | 19600 Molalla Ave, Oregon City, OR 97045 |
| Central Oregon Community College | 2600 NW College Way, Bend, OR 97703, |
| Clatsop Community College | 1651 Lexington Ave, Astoria, OR 97103 |
| CTEC - Career Technical Education Center | 3501 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301 |
| Linn-Benton Community College | 6500 Pacific Blvd SW, Albany, OR 97321 |
| Portland Community College Cascade | 705 N Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97217 |
| Umpqua Community College | 1140 Umpqua College Rd, Roseburg, OR 97470 |
| Klamath Community College | 7390 S 6th St, Klamath Falls, OR 97603 |
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Employment and Salary Information for Auto Mechanics in Oregon
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that auto mechanics in Ohio have a median salary of $39,956 per year.
But, you can earn a salary of $51,633 per year or higher if you are a top 10% auto mechanic.
Auto mechanics residing in larger areas earn a higher salary as well.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Portland | $41,649 |
| Salem | $39,502 |
| Eugene | $39,122 |
| Gresham | $41,595 |
| Hillsboro | $41,515 |
| Beaverton | $41,649 |
| Bend | $38,677 |
| Medford | $38,280 |
| Springfield | $39,034 |
| Corvallis | $38,934 |
Regional Salary in Oregon
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany, OR | 180 | $51,270 | $24.65 | $73,640 | $34,710 |
| Bend-Redmond, OR | 380 | $53,250 | $25.6 | $75,360 | $35,630 |
| Corvallis, OR | 170 | $48,860 | $23.49 | $73,290 | $34,690 |
| Eugene, OR | 630 | $51,600 | $24.81 | $75,060 | $35,030 |
| Grants Pass, OR | 160 | $50,960 | $24.5 | $74,550 | $36,590 |
| Medford, OR | 430 | $52,200 | $25.1 | $75,990 | $35,470 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | 3,860 | $57,130 | $27.47 | $77,470 | $36,880 |
| Salem, OR | 690 | $51,320 | $24.67 | $75,140 | $33,280 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
As the auto mechanic industry is growing in Ohio, you will get a higher salary even for an entry-level job.
In Oregon, you can easily land a job in regions like Salem, Bend, Eugene, and Portland.
There are many dealerships, service stations, or tire shops hiring new auto mechanics in these areas.
After you earn your ASE certification, you can start the career you have always dreamed of.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Auto Mechanic
Mechanic Schools by City
Mechanic Schools by State