Automotive Technician Career Guide in Missouri
Explore automotive technician salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Missouri.
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How to Become an Automotive Technician in Missouri
Missouri technicians train through technical colleges, manufacturer-sponsored programs, dealerships and ASE-aligned apprenticeships.
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 Missouri
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Missouri 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.
Compared with the national median of $49,670, the median wage in Missouri is approximately $510 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Automotive Technicians in Missouri
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 PREPARATIONAutomotive Technician Training Requirements in Missouri
Missouri automotive technicians generally complete an automotive program, manufacturer pathway, dealership apprenticeship, or employer training. Core preparation includes:
- Engine repair and engine performance
- Transmission and drivetrain diagnosis
- Brakes, steering, suspension, and alignment
- Electrical, electronic, and network diagnostics
- HVAC, hybrid, and electric-vehicle systems
- ADAS, scan tools, service information, and shop safety
Technicians conducting official Missouri vehicle inspections must obtain the applicable inspector/mechanic permit. EPA Section 609 applies to regulated refrigerant service.
Automotive Technician Training Providers in Missouri
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Ranken Technical College – Automotive Maintenance Technology | St. Louis | View Program |
| State Technical College of Missouri – Automotive Technology | Linn | View Program |
| Ozarks Technical Community College – Automotive Technology | Springfield | View Program |
| Metropolitan Community College – Automotive Technology | Kansas City | 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 OPPORTUNITIESAutomotive Technician Apprenticeship Programs in Missouri
Automotive Technician Apprenticeship
Organization: Missouri Automobile Dealers Association
Automotive Technician Licensing Requirements in Missouri
Missouri does not require a general occupational license for automotive technicians. Technicians conducting official Missouri vehicle safety inspections must obtain the applicable inspector/mechanic permit through an authorized inspection station.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSAutomotive Technician Job Outlook in Missouri
Missouri automotive technician employment is projected to grow 4% from 2024 to 2034, from approximately 18,720 to 19,450 jobs, with about 1,620 openings annually. Vehicle ownership, dealership service, 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 QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the automotive technician salary in Missouri?
The statewide median wage for automotive technicians in Missouri is approximately $49,160 per year, or $23.63 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Missouri require automotive technician licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for automotive technician workers in Missouri. 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 Missouri?
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 Missouri?
Missouri projects automotive technician employment to grow by approximately 4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,620 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
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.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Missouri Wages for Automotive Technician (SOC 49-3023) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Missouri Automotive Technician Wages
- Missouri Automotive Technician Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Missouri Automotive Technician Employment Trends
- No General License / Missouri State Highway Patrol Motor Vehicle Inspection Division — Licensing authority. No General License / Missouri State Highway Patrol Motor Vehicle Inspection Division