Automotive Technician Career Guide in New Jersey
Explore automotive technician salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in New Jersey.
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How to Become an Automotive Technician in New Jersey
Technicians typically complete vocational or college automotive training and receive additional dealership or employer instruction. State inspection and emissions duties require specialized approved training.
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 New Jersey
The salary figure shown on this page represents the New Jersey 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 New Jersey is approximately $6,940 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Automotive Technicians in New Jersey
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 New Jersey
New Jersey automotive technicians usually complete formal automotive instruction and paid shop training, with additional credentials needed for state inspection or emissions work.
- Complete a certificate, diploma, associate degree, apprenticeship, or manufacturer training program.
- Build competency in mechanical repair, electronics, computerized diagnostics, emissions systems, and hybrid or electric vehicles.
- Complete New Jersey-approved training before performing regulated inspection or emissions functions.
- Obtain EPA Section 609 certification before servicing vehicle air-conditioning systems.
- Pursue ASE certification and manufacturer credentials for advanced or warranty repair work.
Automotive Technician Training Providers in New Jersey
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Technical Institute – Automotive Technology | Union | View Program |
| Lincoln Technical Institute – Automotive Technology | Mahwah | View Program |
| Brookdale Community College – Automotive Technology | Lincroft | View Program |
| Camden County College – Automotive Technology | Blackwood | 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 New Jersey
Automotive Technician Registered Apprenticeship
Organization: New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Toyota Technician Training & Education Network
Organization: Toyota Motor North America
Automotive Technician Licensing Requirements in New Jersey
New Jersey does not require a general occupational license for all automotive technicians. Technicians performing state inspections or emissions-related repairs may need MVC-approved inspector or emission-repair credentials.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSAutomotive Technician Job Outlook in New Jersey
New Jersey’s dense vehicle population and continuing demand for maintenance, emissions testing, diagnostics, and electric-vehicle service should support recurring technician openings.
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 New Jersey?
The statewide median wage for automotive technicians in New Jersey is approximately $56,610 per year, or $27.22 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does New Jersey require automotive technician licensing?
Licensing requirements for automotive technician workers in New Jersey vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission – Business Licensing Services before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become an automotive technician in New Jersey?
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 New Jersey?
New Jersey projects automotive technician employment to grow by approximately 2.8% from 2022 to 2032. 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
- New Jersey Wages for Automotive Technician (SOC 49-3023) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. New Jersey Automotive Technician Wages
- New Jersey Automotive Technician Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. New Jersey Automotive Technician Employment Trends
- New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission – Business Licensing Services — Licensing authority. New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission – Business Licensing Services