KANSAS CAREER DATA PROFILE

Automotive Technician Career Guide in Kansas

Explore automotive technician salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Kansas.

Last reviewed Reviewed by Career In Trades Editorial Team

Automotive Technician in Kansas Snapshot
Median Salary $47,790
Hourly Wage $22.98
Job Growth +2% (2024–2034)
License Not Required

How to Become an Automotive Technician in Kansas

Kansas technicians train through technical colleges, community colleges, dealerships and manufacturer-supported programs.

Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.

Automotive Technician Salary in Kansas

The salary figure shown on this page represents the Kansas median wage for automotive technician workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.

Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.

Kansas Median $47,790
Hourly Wage $22.98
National Median $49,670

Compared with the national median of $49,670, the median wage in Kansas is approximately $1,880 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.

OFFICIAL REGULATORY SOURCE

Licensing Authority for Automotive Technicians in Kansas

No Statewide Automotive Technician Licensing Authority

Official Website: https://www.kansascommerce.gov/workforce/kansasregisteredapprenticeship/

License Types:

  • None — general automotive technician
  • ASE Automobile Certification
  • ASE Master Automobile Technician
  • EPA Section 609 Certification
  • Manufacturer-Specific Certification

Authority Notes:

Kansas does not maintain a general mechanic license. Technician qualifications are primarily controlled by employers, manufacturers and industry certification organizations.

Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.

CAREER PREPARATION

Automotive Technician Training Requirements in Kansas

1Registered Apprenticeship
2Trade or Technical School
3Employer Training

Kansas automotive technicians generally complete an automotive program, dealership apprenticeship, manufacturer pathway, or employer training. Core preparation includes:

  • Engine repair and computerized engine performance
  • Automatic transmission and drivetrain diagnosis
  • Brakes, steering, suspension, tires, and alignment
  • Electrical systems, networks, batteries, and scan tools
  • HVAC, hybrid, electric-vehicle, and high-voltage systems
  • ADAS calibration, service documentation, and shop safety

ASE credentials may be employer-required. EPA Section 609 certification applies to regulated automotive refrigerant service.

EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Automotive Technician Training Providers in Kansas

Provider City Program Website
WSU Tech – Automotive Technology Wichita View Program
Johnson County Community College – Automotive Technology Overland Park View Program
Washburn Institute of Technology – Automotive Service Technician Topeka View Program
Hutchinson Community College – Automotive Technology Hutchinson View Program

Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.

PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Automotive Technician Apprenticeship Programs in Kansas

General Motors ASEP

Organization: General Motors / Kansas College Partner

Program Website

Toyota T-TEN

Organization: Toyota / Johnson County Community College Partner

Program Website

Ford ASSET

Organization: Ford / Kansas College Partner

Program Website

Automotive Technician Apprenticeship

Organization: Kansas Automobile Dealers Association

Program Website

STATE AND LOCAL RULES

Automotive Technician Licensing Requirements in Kansas

Kansas does not require a general statewide occupational license for automotive technicians. ASE, manufacturer and EPA Section 609 certifications may be required by employers.

EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS

Automotive Technician Job Outlook in Kansas

+2% (2024–2034) Projected Employment Growth
2024 - 2034 Projection Period
620 Annual Openings

Kansas automotive technician employment is projected to grow 2% from 2024 to 2034, from approximately 7,450 to 7,610 jobs, with about 620 openings annually. Dealership service, agricultural and commercial fleets and replacement hiring support demand.

Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.

CAREER QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the automotive technician salary in Kansas?

The statewide median wage for automotive technicians in Kansas is approximately $47,790 per year, or $22.98 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.

Does Kansas require automotive technician licensing?

No statewide occupational license is generally required for automotive technician workers in Kansas. Local jurisdictions, employers, or specific work scopes may still impose requirements, so applicants should verify current rules before beginning work.

How long does it take to become an automotive technician in Kansas?

The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 6 Months–2 Years, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.

Are automotive technicians in demand in Kansas?

Kansas projects automotive technician employment to grow by approximately 2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 620 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.

DATA TRANSPARENCY

Career Data Sources

State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.

  1. May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
  2. Kansas Wages for Automotive Technician (SOC 49-3023) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Kansas Automotive Technician Wages
  3. Kansas Automotive Technician Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Kansas Automotive Technician Employment Trends
  4. No Statewide Automotive Technician Licensing Authority — Licensing authority. No Statewide Automotive Technician Licensing Authority
CAREER DISCOVERY

Related Trade Careers in Kansas

STATE CAREER GUIDES

Explore Automotive Technician Careers by State