Industries to Explore After Finishing Your Automotive Technology Degree
Working in the automotive field requires you to have specialized skills and know-how. You need to understand how to maintain, inspect, and repair vehicles. While hands-on training is important, having a degree can set you apart from the rest of the field.
At NYADI The College of Transportation Technology in Jamaica, New York, we offer several academic programs that provide you with the knowledge, training, and degree you need to prepare you for success. Here, our team discusses automotive technician jobs you should consider after you receive a degree.
Career Trajectory of Automotive Technician Jobs
The automotive industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the country, and companies are always looking for qualified candidates to fill open positions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for automotive technicians and mechanics was $47,770 in 2023. The median pay is expected to grow as demand increases. However, there are automotive technician jobs that pay more. With an Automotive Technician degree, you can succeed in a number of careers.
Certified Mechanic
Becoming a certified mechanic is one of the most popular options. You can pursue work as a general mechanic at a professional garage, or a specialized mechanic at a car dealership. Additionally, you could become a mechanic for a fleet company, servicing and maintaining company vehicles.
Garage Owner
Garage owners typically start as mechanics at already-established garages. After a few years of working under someone and establishing a loyal customer base, some mechanics venture out on their own.
Service Writers
A vital part of the automotive field, service writers maintain communication around the service department. They greet and interact with customers, document car issues, maintain service documentation, schedule service, bill customers, and track service progress for customer updates.
Parts Associate
Parts associates need technical skills because they help customers find the right parts for their vehicles. Some other day-to-day duties that parts associates may perform include verifying inventory, taking orders, recommending parts to customers, and managing incoming orders and current stock.
Service Manager
Service managers combine technical knowledge with management and interpersonal skills. Not only do they help ensure the service department runs smoothly, but they also interact with customers. Their duties include:
- Maintaining company standards
- Hiring and training
- Setting goals and objectives
- Managing supply inventory
- Building relationships with customers
What Is an Automotive Technology Degree?
An Automotive Technology degree trains students in areas required by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) to become certified mechanics. Our program fully trains students in the following areas:
- Brakes
- Electrical and electronic systems
- Automatic transmissions
- Engine repair
- Engine performance
- Manual drive train
- Heating and air conditioning
- Steering and suspension
At NYADI, we offer both a certificate program and an associate degree program for automotive technology. Our certificate in Automotive Service Technology is 45 credits and takes students around 11 months to complete. Comprising 1,080 hours, it focuses on technical coursework.
The Associate of Occupational Studies in Automotive Technology (AOS) is 60 credits and takes students less than 15 months to complete. With 1,440 hours of training, this program combines technical skills with communications and writing courses, preparing our students for leadership positions.
Benefits of Earning a Degree at NYADI
Whether you choose our certificate or AOS program, you will benefit from our partnerships with leading industry names, such as Fiat Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, and Isuzu Trucks.
Our students also receive additional advantages, including:
- Financial aid: We work with you to help you fill out and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Once we determine what financial aid options are available to you, we find tuition options that will work to help you reach your goals*.
- Career help: Our career services department will work with you to help you find automotive technician jobs. By providing resume help, practice interviews, and development workshops, our team helps improve your chances of success.
- Help center: The student help center offers additional resources and assistance.
*Please note: Financial aid is only available to qualifying students.
Earn Your Automotive Technology Degree at NYADI
When you’re ready to take the next step in your career and earn an automotive technology degree, choose NYADI The College of Transportation Technology in Jamaica, NY. Our degree and certificate programs help set you on the path to having a successful automotive technician job. To learn more about our admissions process or programs, contact us today.