There are many automotive enthusiasts throughout the state of Alaska and that has allowed a lot of individuals to tinker with auto repair. Those who decide to pursue this type of work as professional career could be in line for some very favorable pay rates. In terms of average salary, auto mechanics in Alaska are second only to those working in Washington, D.C. For this reason, there is constant growth in the auto mechanic population. The top auto mechanics in the state enjoy salaries that are among the best in the country in this line of work. Becoming an auto mechanic in Alaska is a wise career move as it opens up a bright future with job stability and very good pay rates.

Alaska Auto Mechanic Education

There are multiple options students can choose when pursuing an auto mechanic education in Alaska. There are two-year plans which end with the awarding of an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Automotive Technology. There is also a shorter option that allows students to earn Certificates of Completion in Automotive Technology. Both of these options are similar in the sense that they prepare auto mechanics to enter the work field. Classroom instruction is offered alongside hands-on training in which students engage in the repair and service of cars and trucks.

Each individual post-secondary school sets its own curriculum as well as tuition, admissions and graduation requirements. Some schools are very involved with job placement assistance and provide other career services that help students get fast-tracked into the auto repair industry. There are a variety of educational options in Alaska for those looking to carve out a future as an auto mechanic. Here is a look at some of those schools which can lead to a bright and successful future in the auto repair business.

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  • University of Alaska Anchorage
    There is a general automotive undergraduate certificate option and a GM specialization offered at the Anchorage campus.
    3211 Providence Drive
    Anchorage, AK 99508
    Phone: (907) 786-1800
  • University of Alaska Southeast
    At the Southeast campus, located in Juneau, students can select from an Occupational Endorsement program or one that concludes with an Automotive Technology Certificate.
    11066 Auke Lake Way
    Juneau, AK 99801
    Phone: 907.796.6120
    Email: [email protected]

Auto Mechanic Work Experience

Work experience is an essential component of being an auto mechanic. Gaining valuable field experience in auto repair helps mechanics apply all the techniques and concepts they learned during their education. The experience will also work towards achieving an ASE certification. Auto mechanics are mandated to work a certain amount of years before they can apply to take an ASE certification exam. When seeking out work experience as an auto mechanic in Alaska, there are a wide variety of options. There are no shortages of reputable places to work and here is a look at a few possible settings for Alaska auto mechanics.

Alabama EPA 609-Refrigerant Certification

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has established guidelines for auto mechanics who wish to conduct motor vehicle air conditioner (MVAC) service and repair. These guidelines are expected to be known and practiced by auto mechanics. That has led to the development of the 609-refrigerant certification examination. Taking this exam does not require appearing at any test center as it is offered completely online. Passing this exam will result in the awarding of a valid certification. A certification will need to be presented by auto mechanics who intend to purchase regulated refrigerants. Distance learning programs have been set up for auto mechanics as a way of preparing for this certification exam. Here are a few of the 609-refrigerant certification training programs Alaska residents can utilize.

  • ESCO Institute
    P.O. Box 521
    Mount Prospect, IL 60056
    Phone: (847) 253-2220

ASE Certifications in Alabama

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has established a certification process for auto mechanics looking to enhance their credentials. Currently, there are over 40 different certifications that auto mechanics can earn. These certifications cover a broad range of areas and have been designed to test whether or not an auto mechanic has attained an above-average knowledge level. ASE certifications are commonly advertised by auto repair businesses as a way of showing customers that their staff is capable of quality auto repair. In order for auto mechanics to attain an ASE certification, they must meet all the mandated work experience requirements and pass an ASE certification exam. These exams are designed buy group of experts at the ASE. Novice mechanics tend to have great difficulty passing these exams, which is why work experience is so valuable in this process. The accumulation of ASE certifications in a single test series can result in the distinction of master mechanic. To become ASE certified in the state of Alaska, auto mechanics must follow a precise process and can also choose from any one of the following test series that have been established by the ASE.

  • 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)

Auto mechanics who are scheduled to take ASE certification exams can only complete that task by visiting an official ASE test center. These test centers follow a protocol that has been set by the ASE. That means auto mechanics are expected to follow a set procedure when scheduling a test, arriving at a test center, and completing an examination. Auto mechanics are free to choose a test center in Alaska that is convenient for them. Proximity is often the main form of criteria when deciding upon a test center. Below is a listing of the test centers in the state of Alaska.

Test Center #2703
Anchorage - 82nd Avenue
615 E. 82nd Ave
Suite B3-4
Anchorage, Alaska 99518
(907) 349-0029

Test Center #7165
Prometric Satellite Test Center
Kodiak College
117 Benny Benson Drive
Kodiak, Alaska 99615
(907) 486-1232

Test Center #7439
Prometric Satellite Center
UAF Community and Technical College
604 Barnette Street, PO Box 758040
Fairbanks, Alaska 99701
(907) 455-2851

Alaska Manufacturer Certification Training

Manufacturer certification training is available in Alaska for auto mechanics who are looking to become skilled in the repair vehicles produced by one manufacturer. Car companies like Ford, Honda and BMW are just a few that feature their own training programs. These programs are offered at various colleges and learning centers that have included manufacturer certification training as part of their Automotive Technology program. Alaska is limited in its offerings when it comes to manufacturer specific training, although there are more options on the mainland. Here is a look at the Alaska manufacturer specific training program.

Alaska Auto Mechanic Salary

The state of Alaska features auto repair shops that are very generous when paying their auto mechanics. The average salary is among the highest in the country for auto mechanics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that the median salary of an auto mechanic in Alaska is $55,150 per year. That is just the middle range salary as the top 10% of Alaska auto mechanics earn an annual salary of $78,960. There are not as many Alaskan cities offering these high pay rates, as population dictates salary ranges for auto mechanics throughout the state. There are several ways auto mechanics in Alaska can increase their earnings and here is a look at the average pay rates in various parts of the state.

  • Fairbanks
    Top 10% Salary: $78,370 ($37.86 per hr)
    Median Salary: $59,070 ($28.40 per hr)
  • Anchorage
    Top 10% Salary: $79,860 ($38.39 per hr)
    Median Salary: $52,260 ($25.13 per hr)
  • Southeast Alaska
    Top 10% Salary: $74,190 ($35.67 per hr)
    Median Salary: $55,820 ($26.84 per hr)