The time to become an auto mechanic has never been better in the state of Colorado. The growth rate for auto mechanic jobs is among the best of any state. Estimates for the 10-year span ending in 2024 show that there will be 19% more auto mechanics in Colorado. To meet that demand, auto mechanic salaries have been on the rise in Colorado. Estimates on a statewide level have risen consistently while some areas are featuring top-end pay rates upwards of $80,000 annually. Now is the time to cash in on this lucrative career path as Colorado is in need of new auto mechanics every year.

Colorado Auto Mechanic Education

An auto mechanic education in Colorado can be completed at one of the state's post-secondary schools with an Automotive Technology program. These schools consist of junior colleges, technical colleges, career learning institutes and vocational centers. Students enrolled in one of these programs can choose from a variety of automotive technology education options. Those options extend to a Certificate of completion, a non-credit Diploma, or an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Automotive Technology.

Auto mechanic training features classroom instruction to go along with hands-on learning in an actual work bay. This combination prepares students for an immediate position as an auto mechanic once they graduate. For Colorado residents looking to pursue and auto mechanic education, the following schools offer programs that teach the essentials of auto repair.

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  • Front Range Community College
    The Associate Degree program at Front Range has been approved by the NATEF and there is also a wide array of certificate programs available.
    3645 W 112th Ave
    Westminster, CO 80031
    Phone: (303) 404-5000                                                
  • Pueblo Community College
    There is an Associate Degree option, Certificate option, as well as a Mini-Certificate option as part of the Automotive Service Technology program at PCC.
    900 W Orman Ave
    Pueblo, CO 81004
    Contact: James Cordova
    Phone: 719-549-3354
    Email:[email protected]
  • Pike’s Peak Community College
    The NATEF accredited program at PCCC offers an Associate Degree pathway as well as 10 different certificate options.
    5675 S Academy Blvd
    Colorado Springs, CO 80906
    Phone: (719) 502-2000
  • Emily Griffith Technical College
    There are full-time and part-time options for students looking to complete the 53-credit Automotive Technology program at Emily Griffith.
    1860 Lincoln St
    Denver, CO 80203
    Phone: (720) 423-4900
  • Red Rocks Community College
    Red Rocks’ automotive program list encompasses a number of areas and results in the awarding of several certificate options.
    Lakewood Campus
    13300 W. 6th Ave. Lakewood, CO 80228
    Phone: 303-914-6600

Auto Mechanic Work Experience in Colorado

Work experience is a necessary facet of auto repair. It allows new mechanics to put their auto mechanic education to use. It also allows them to build work experience that can be used to earn an ASE certification. Work experience can actually be considered as a continual kind of on-the-job training. There are so many new advances that go into the construction of automobile engines that auto mechanics need to stay on top of the latest trends and technological innovations. Work experience helps immensely in diagnosing engine problems as well. Colorado auto mechanics can find work in numerous auto repair settings and here is a look at some of those potential places of employment.

  • Pro Auto Care
    2753 Church Ave
    Littleton, CO 80120
    Phone: (303) 761-3002

EPA 609-Refrigerant Certification in Colorado

Working on Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning units is a task that can only be undertaken by auto mechanics who hold a valid certification. There is a process that has been instituted by the EPA in regard to this certification, which has come to be known as a 609-refrigerant certification. This process involves earning an 84% or better on a certification exam. Studying for this exam can be done by enrolling in a 609-refrigerant certification training program. There is a host of programs offered throughout the country, although auto mechanics do not have to attend any classes or on-site sessions. Preparing for this exam can be done through distance learning programs. Here is a look at some of those training programs that prep auto mechanics to take the 609-refrigerant certification exam:

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

ASE Certifications in Colorado

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) provides auto mechanics with certifications in more than 40 different areas. However, there is a detailed and lengthy process that needs to be completed in route to earning a certification. Work experience requirements are first on the agenda for auto mechanics looking to earn an ASE certification. After that quota is met, auto mechanics must then pass a certification exam. These exams are intended to contain a high level of difficulty. This is why it takes experience and a vast amount of technical knowledge to achieve a passing score. Auto mechanics who hold a certification, or multiple certifications, are often held in high esteem by both auto repair shop owners and car owners. This allows them to climb through the ranks and earn higher-paying positions at very reputable auto repair shops. To learn more about earning an ASE certification in Colorado, auto mechanics can look into the following areas:

  • 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)

An official ASE test center is the site for ASE certification examinations. These are located throughout the state of Colorado. When visiting a test center, auto mechanics must bring the proper identification and documentation. Dates for certification exams must be scheduled in advance and must also be approved by the ASE. Here is a look at some of the ASE test centers located in the state of Colorado.

Test Center #0054
Denver - Greenwood Village
5660 Greenwood Plaza Blvd..
Triad North-Suite 475
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
(720) 493-5254

Test Center #7493
Prometric Satellite Center
900 West Orman Avenue
Pueblo Comm. Coll. - Academic Bldg Rm 42
Pueblo, Colorado 81004
(719) 549-3091

Test Center #5116
Colorado Springs - N. Academy Boulevard
2790 N. Academy Blvd.
Suite 317
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917
(719) 559-4587

Test Center #7481
Prometric Satellite Center
100 College Ave, Hays Student Center, RM 132
Northeastern Junior College
Sterling, Colorado 80751
(970) 521-6663

Test Center #7493
Prometric Satellite Center
900 West Orman Avenue
Pueblo Comm. Coll. - Academic Bldg Rm 42
Pueblo, Colorado 81004
(719) 549-3091

Manufacturer Certification Training in Colorado

Manufacturer certification training is offered at select post-secondary institutions in Colorado. This particular kind of training shies away from general automotive repair and focuses more on the service and repair of vehicles made by a single manufacturer. Companies such as Honda, Toyota, GM, and Ford all have designed their own manufacturer certification training programs. Different colleges feature these programs as part of their automotive technology department. Obtaining this certification enables auto mechanics to work at a service center or dealership that deals strictly with one brand of vehicles. Many car owners are very particular about who they allowed to work on their vehicles. In many instances, manufacturer certified mechanics are the ones who provide this service to discerning car owners. That can make for a profitable and stable career as an auto mechanic. Here is a look at a few Colorado manufacturer certification training programs.

  • Subaru University
    Pueblo Community College Fremont Campus
    1313 College Ave
    Canon City, CO 81212
    Phone: (719) 549-3200
  • Audi Career Training
    Lincoln Technical College
    11194 E. 45th Avenue
    Denver, CO 80239
    Phone: (303) 722-5724

Colorado Auto Mechanic Salary

The chance to earn a very respectable income exists for auto mechanics in Colorado. Some areas have an extremely high ceiling when it comes to the potential earnings for auto mechanics. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of an auto mechanic in Colorado is $41,910 per year. The top 10% of auto mechanics in Colorado earn an average salary of $68,380 annually. Some cities in Colorado feature top-end salaries for auto mechanics that stretch upwards of $80,000. Location can influence the overall pay rate of an auto mechanic in Colorado and here is a breakdown of salaries by city.

  • Colorado Springs
    Top 10% Salary: $74,290 ($35.71 per hr)
    Median Salary: $48,620 ($23.38 per hr)
  • Denver
    Top 10% Salary: $67,030 ($32.23 per hr)
    Median Salary: $40,040 ($19.25 per hr)
  • Fort Collins
    Top 10% Salary: $74,480 ($35.81 per hr)
    Median Salary: $39,680 ($19.08 per hr)
  • Grand Junction
    Top 10% Salary: $79,550 ($38.25 per hr)
    Median Salary: $50,460 ($24.26 per hr)