NORTH DAKOTA CAREER DATA PROFILE

Automotive Technician Career Guide in North Dakota

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

Last reviewed Reviewed by Career In Trades Editorial Team

Automotive Technician in North Dakota Snapshot
Median Salary $52,420
Hourly Wage $25.20
Job Growth +4.9% (2022–2032)
License Not Required

How to Become an Automotive Technician in North Dakota

Technicians generally complete a college certificate or degree and build competency through paid shop experience. Employers commonly support ASE and manufacturer 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 North Dakota

The salary figure shown on this page represents the North Dakota 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.

North Dakota Median $52,420
Hourly Wage $25.20
National Median $49,670

Compared with the national median of $49,670, the median wage in North Dakota is approximately $2,750 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.

OFFICIAL REGULATORY SOURCE

Licensing Authority for Automotive Technicians in North Dakota

North Dakota Secretary of State – Business Services

Official Website: https://www.sos.nd.gov/business

License Types:

  • No statewide automotive technician license
  • Business registration
  • EPA Section 609 certification
  • ASE certification – voluntary

Authority Notes:

The state does not license general automotive mechanics. A repair business may need business registration and must comply with environmental, consumer-protection, and local requirements.

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 North Dakota

1Registered Apprenticeship
2Trade or Technical School
3Employer Training

North Dakota automotive technicians commonly complete formal automotive education followed by supervised employment in a dealership, fleet facility, or independent shop.

  • Complete automotive technology coursework covering modern mechanical and electronic systems.
  • Gain supervised experience using diagnostic scanners, service information systems, lifts, and precision tools.
  • Obtain EPA Section 609 certification for motor-vehicle air-conditioning service.
  • Pursue ASE certification after satisfying the applicable experience requirements.
  • Complete manufacturer-specific training for dealership warranty and advanced diagnostic work.
EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Automotive Technician Training Providers in North Dakota

Provider City Program Website
North Dakota State College of Science – Automotive Technology Wahpeton View Program
Bismarck State College – Automotive Technology Bismarck View Program
Lake Region State College – Automotive Technology Devils Lake View Program
Williston State College – Automotive Technology Williston 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 North Dakota

Automotive Service Technician Registered Apprenticeship

Organization: North Dakota Department of Commerce

Program Website

Technician Training Program

Organization: Rydell Cars

Program Website

Ford Automotive Career Exploration

Organization: Ford Motor Company

Program Website

General Motors Automotive Service Educational Program

Organization: General Motors

Program Website

STATE AND LOCAL RULES

Automotive Technician Licensing Requirements in North Dakota

North Dakota does not require a statewide occupational license for general automotive technicians. Specialized refrigerant, commercial vehicle, dealership, or employer certifications may apply.

EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS

Automotive Technician Job Outlook in North Dakota

+4.9% (2022–2032) Projected Employment Growth
2022 - 2032 Projection Period

Energy-sector fleets, agricultural transportation, winter driving conditions, and replacement of retiring workers should sustain demand for skilled automotive technicians.

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 North Dakota?

The statewide median wage for automotive technicians in North Dakota is approximately $52,420 per year, or $25.20 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.

Does North Dakota require automotive technician licensing?

No statewide occupational license is generally required for automotive technician workers in North Dakota. 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 North Dakota?

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 North Dakota?

North Dakota projects automotive technician employment to grow by approximately 4.9% from 2022 to 2032. 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. North Dakota Wages for Automotive Technician (SOC 49-3023) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. North Dakota Automotive Technician Wages
  3. North Dakota Automotive Technician Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. North Dakota Automotive Technician Employment Trends
  4. North Dakota Secretary of State – Business Services — Licensing authority. North Dakota Secretary of State – Business Services
CAREER DISCOVERY

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STATE CAREER GUIDES

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