Vehicle maintenance
Automotive service technician / mechanic
Diagnose vehicle problems, repair systems and explain maintenance needs to customers.
BLS · May 2025
EDUCATION & ENTRY
Automotive training + supervised experience
Compare automotive degrees, shorter certificates and employer training. Develop diagnostic practice and ask which industry certifications require separate tests or experience. Electric and hybrid vehicles add specialist safety and technical learning.
The state’s typical entry education classification is “Postsecondary training (non-degree).” This describes the occupation broadly; employers, programs and licensing bodies set specific requirements.
CONNECT THE CAREER TO A PLACE TO LEARN
Oregon training options
These are related routes to investigate. Confirm the full preparation, current admissions and eligibility for your intended role with the provider.
Central Oregon Community College
Automotive Technology — Electronics and Diagnostics
Develop diagnostic and repair skills for vehicle systems through technical and practical study.
Ask: Which campus and lab sequence apply to this AAS, and what diagnostic equipment will I use?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Clackamas Community College
Automotive Service Technology
Develop diagnostic and repair skills for vehicle systems through technical and practical study.
Ask: Which tools must I own, and can I earn a useful certificate before finishing all 91 credits?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Klamath Community College
Automotive Technology
Training addresses eight ASE subject areas, including brakes, electrical systems, engine performance, transmissions and heating/cooling. Ask which exams and work experience remain after graduation.
Ask: Which preparation, timetable and complete budget apply to my Automotive Technology plan?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Rogue Community College
Automotive Technology
Based at Redwood Campus in Grants Pass, this route progresses from fundamentals to diagnosis and repair of modern vehicles using ASE subject standards.
Ask: Which preparation, timetable and complete budget apply to my Automotive Technology plan?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Clatsop Community College
Automotive Technician
Prepares entry-level automotive technicians through vehicle service and repair study. The linked catalog currently displays 2024–25, so obtain the next cohort's updated requirements before enrolling.
Ask: Which preparation, timetable and complete budget apply to my Automotive Technician plan?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Take this question to a counselor.
Would I enjoy systematic troubleshooting, physical shop work and explaining repair decisions?
Before choosing a program, ask for prerequisites, the complete timeline, class and placement schedules, and a full cost estimate including supplies, exams, travel and living expenses.
Build a working cost estimate →Understand the numbers.
The median is the midpoint of estimated wages for Oregon workers in this occupation. The hourly median is $28.14. These figures describe workers across experience levels; they are not starting pay or the earnings of graduates from the programs below.
Oregon projects employment moving from 7,990 jobs in 2024 to 8,475 in 2034. The projected 7,152 openings over the decade include growth and replacement needs as workers leave an occupation. Dividing that total by ten gives the rounded annual average shown above. These are projections, not today’s vacancies.
How to read wage information →