Many jobseekers learn how to become an auto mechanic in Maryland because of the abundance of dynamic job prospects and high salary offers here. In fact, the federal government expects auto mechanics in the state to benefit from higher-than-average employment growth until at least 2024. Even more impressive, U.S. News & World Report recently named Maryland among the top three best paying states for auto mechanics. But before enjoying the many perks of an auto mechanic career, it’s important get the high-quality education and training the state has to offer.
Maryland Auto Mechanic Education
There are plenty of opportunities to find great auto mechanic education in Maryland. The average length of most automotive technology and automotive technician educational programs run between one and two years in length. Because of the physical nature of auto mechanics, instruction is widely based on hands-on supervised practice. BA Auto Care in Columbia and Dynamic Automotive in Frederick are fine examples of local employers that provide this instruction.
Featured Program:
Penn Foster Career School:
• Online Auto Repair Technician Career Diploma Program
Of course, several schools throughout the state likewise offer auto mechanic education. Most programs result in certificate or associate degree awards and help students achieve ASE certification post-graduation. Coursework is primarily divided between classroom-based learning and applied exercises using onsite vehicles. Top schools in Maryland for auto mechanic education include:
- Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia
This school boasts ASE-certified instructors bringing hands-on learning experiences using computerized diagnostic equipment and specialty tools for students looking to earn a certificates in automotive technology or an associate degree in automotive service management.
9325 Snowden River Pwy
Columbia, Maryland 21046
Phone: (410) 290-7100 ext: 41500
Website
- North American Trade Schools
This trade school option offers a diesel technician certificate program where students learn to repair, diagnose, rebuild and troubleshoot in a simulated lab environment using the actual tools and equipment used in real-world work settings.
6901 Security Blvd
Suite 16
Baltimore, Maryland 21244
Phone: (410) 298-4844
Website
- The Community College of Baltimore County
Students enrolled at this community college can either earn an automotive master technician certificate or choose between four different academic pathways leading to an associate of applied science in automotive technology degree. These programs are designed around the high standards of both the NATEF and the ASE.
800 S Rolling Rd
Catonsville, Maryland 21228
Phone: (443) 840-2222
Website
- Montgomery College
This college provides an associate of applied science in automotive technology degree program along with automotive technology certificate programs in several concentration areas including: automotive electrical systems specialist, engine performance specialist, powertrain specialist, and undercar specialist.
51 Mannakee Street
Rockville, Maryland 20850
Phone: (240) 567-5000
Website
- Allegany College of Maryland
Both the certificate and associate degree in automotive technology program options at this college will help prepare students to take the ASE examination upon completion. All coursework has been approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
12401 Willowbrook Rd SE
Cumberland, Maryland 21502-2596
Phone: (301) 784-5000
Website
- Prince George’s Community College
This school’s certificate in automotive technology program will qualify students to sit for ASE certification. Its evening classes will instruct in general understanding of mechanics and the proper way to read gauges, install batteries, operate equipment, and use tools.
301 Largo Rd
Largo, Maryland 20774-2199
Phone: (301) 546-7422
Website
Auto Mechanic Work Experience in Maryland
After completing an education, most aspiring auto mechanics hit the pavement in search of work experience opportunities. Although landing a job is certainly ideal, it’s not the only way. Local businesses may also offer apprenticeships or volunteer positions which are equally awesome ways to show growing professionalism in the field. Developing a résumé with solid work experiences can also attract the eye of future employers.
Work experience isn’t just smart career move. All auto mechanics in Maryland need to acquire at least one to three years of work experience in order to qualify to ASE examination and certification. Candidates must prove that the work experience is directly related to the type of certification they intend to achieve. Although not legally mandatory, many employers make it a requirement. Here’s some top automotive repair shops that hire mechanics in Maryland:
- Cox’s Automotive Repairs, Inc.
12398 Waldorf Business Square
Waldorf, Maryland 20601
Phone: (301) 645-2527
- Precise Auto Service P
3921 Plyers Mill Rd
Kensington, Maryland 20895
Phone: (301) 949-5928
- Clark Auto Repair
5902 Harford Rd
Baltimore, Maryland 21214
Phone: (410) 254-7777
- Maryland Auto & Truck Repair
512 Crain Highway N B
Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061
Phone: (410) 760-8123
- Superior Auto Service
12298 Wilkins Ave
Rockville, Maryland 20852
Phone: (301) 770-6662
Maryland ASE Certifications
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is the premier testing organization for professionals in the automotive industry. Right now, the ASE offers more than 40 examination options. Each option reflects a distinctive designation within the automotive profession. By becoming ASE certified, auto mechanics can prove they possess the technical expertise that employers and clients value. In fact, some businesses only hire auto mechanics that hold ASE certifications. Here is a small cross-section of popular test series titles at ASE:
- Automobile & Light Truck Certification Tests (A Series)
- Collision Repair & Refinish Certification Tests (B Series)
- Damage Analysis & Estimating Certification Test (B6)
- Automobile Service Consultation Certification Test (C1)
- Truck Equipment Certification Tests (E Series)
- Alternate Fuels Certification Test (F1)
- Auto Maintenance & 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)
After qualifying for certification, candidates simply register to sit for the computer-based examination at one of Maryland’s official testing centers. Testing times are available throughout the year. It costs $36 to register and $41 for all tests except for L1, L2, and L3 which costs $82 each. For more information, contact:
Test Center #3502
1501 South Clinton Street
2nd Floor, Canton Crossing
Baltimore, Maryland 21224
(410) 537-5865
Test Center #0092
8601 LaSalle Road
Suite 106
Towson, Maryland 21286
(410) 339-7777
Test Center #0084
6304 Woodside Court
Columbia, Maryland 21046
(410) 2890-7787
Test Center #3514
4301 Garden City Dr.
Suite 203-Metro 400
Hyattsville, Maryland 20785
(301) 459-2310
Manufacturer Certification Training in Maryland
Some car owners, particularly luxury car owners, don’t always trust general auto mechanics to work on their cars because they often require specialized skills and knowledge for repair. This is exactly why there are auto shops and dealerships that specialize on a specific vehicle brand, such as Volkswagen, Audi or Porsche. To learn how to become specialized brand experts, many mechanics turn to manufacturer-specific training programs that lead to certification. Check out these programs in Maryland:
Maryland Auto Mechanic Salary
Auto mechanics in Maryland that heavily invest in education, work experience, and certification ambitions tend to enjoy higher salary offers than their less-qualified colleagues. In May 2016, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that among the estimated 12,600 auto mechanics employed in Maryland, the annual median salary was $46,190. However, those within the top 10% salary percentile were paid closer to $71,370.
Here are salary statistics for auto mechanics working in local communities throughout the state during this same time period:
- Baltimore-Columbia-Towson
Top 10% Salary: $70,880/yr. or $34.08/hr.
Median Salary: $46,450/yr. or $22.33/hr.
- California-Lexington Park
Top 10% Salary: $63,530/yr. or $30.54/hr.
Median Salary: $40,090/yr. or $19.28/hr.
- Cumberland
Top 10% Salary: $56,310/yr. or $27.07/hr.
Median Salary: $36,140/yr. or $17.37/hr.
- Hagerstown-Martinsburg
Top 10% Salary: $56,400/yr. or $27.12/hr.
Median Salary: $34,990/yr. or $16.18/hr.
- Salisbury
Top 10% Salary: $61,890/yr. or $29.75/hr.
Median Salary: $37,740/yr. or $18.14/hr.
- Silver Spring-Frederick-Rockville Metro
Top 10% Salary: $76,350/yr. or $36.71/hr.
Median Salary: $51,740/yr. or $24.88/hr.