Automotive Technician Career Guide in Tennessee
Explore automotive technician salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Tennessee.
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How to Become an Automotive Technician in Tennessee
Tennessee 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 Tennessee
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Tennessee 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 Tennessee is approximately $620 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Automotive Technicians in Tennessee
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 Tennessee
Tennessee automotive technicians commonly complete a technical-college program, manufacturer pathway, dealership apprenticeship, or employer training. Recommended instruction includes:
- Engine repair and computerized engine performance
- Transmission and drivetrain diagnosis
- Brakes, steering, suspension, and alignment
- Electrical systems, vehicle networks, and scan tools
- HVAC, hybrid, and electric-vehicle systems
- ADAS, service information, customer documentation, and shop safety
EPA Section 609 certification is required when servicing regulated motor-vehicle air-conditioning refrigerants. ASE and manufacturer credentials may be employer-required.
Automotive Technician Training Providers in Tennessee
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville State Community College – Automotive Technology | Nashville | View Program |
| TCAT Knoxville – Automotive Technology | Knoxville | View Program |
| TCAT Memphis – Automotive Technology | Memphis | 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 Tennessee
Ford ASSET Automotive Technician Program
Organization: Ford / Tennessee College Partner
Toyota T-TEN Automotive Technician Program
Organization: Toyota / Tennessee College Partner
Automotive Technician Licensing Requirements in Tennessee
Tennessee does not require a general state occupational license for automotive technicians. ASE and manufacturer certifications are voluntary unless required by an employer, dealership or warranty program. EPA Section 609 certification is required for technicians servicing motor-vehicle air-conditioning refrigerant systems.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSAutomotive Technician Job Outlook in Tennessee
Tennessee automotive technician employment is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034, increasing from approximately 20,030 to 21,650 jobs, with about 1,850 openings annually. Population growth, vehicle ownership, logistics fleets and expanding dealership networks 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 Tennessee?
The statewide median wage for automotive technicians in Tennessee is approximately $50,290 per year, or $24.18 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Tennessee require automotive technician licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for automotive technician workers in Tennessee. 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 Tennessee?
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 Tennessee?
Tennessee projects automotive technician employment to grow by approximately 8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,850 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
- Tennessee Wages for Automotive Technician (SOC 49-3023) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Tennessee Automotive Technician Wages
- Tennessee Automotive Technician Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Tennessee Automotive Technician Employment Trends
- No Statewide Automotive Technician Licensing Authority — Licensing authority. No Statewide Automotive Technician Licensing Authority