Automotive Technician Career Guide in Texas
Explore automotive technician salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Texas.
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How to Become an Automotive Technician in Texas
Automotive technicians in Texas commonly prepare through a community college, technical school, manufacturer-sponsored program, apprenticeship, or supervised employer training. Programs typically cover engine performance, brakes, steering and suspension, electrical and electronic systems, transmissions, computerized diagnostics, hybrid and electric vehicle safety, and shop safety.
ASE certification is an industry credential and is generally voluntary unless required by an employer or a specialized state program. Technicians who service motor-vehicle air-conditioning systems or handle regulated refrigerants must obtain the applicable EPA Section 609 certification. State inspection or emissions credentials apply only when performing those regulated services.
Most automotive technicians in Texas complete vocational training programs or community college automotive technology courses. Training includes engine repair, diagnostics, electrical systems, brakes, suspension, and computerized vehicle systems. Hands-on shop experience is essential.
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 Texas
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Texas 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 Texas is approximately $1,010 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Automotive Technicians in Texas
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 Texas
General automotive technicians in Texas may prepare through a community college, technical school, manufacturer-sponsored program, apprenticeship, or supervised employer training. No single state training pathway is required for ordinary automotive repair employment.
Applicants seeking Texas emissions or commercial vehicle inspector certification must meet DPS eligibility requirements, submit the required application, pass the written examination, and demonstrate proficiency through the applicable practical examination. EPA Section 609 certification is separately required for regulated refrigerant work.
Automotive Systems Knowledge
Technicians must understand engines, transmissions, braking systems, and suspension components.
Electrical & Diagnostics
Modern vehicles require strong diagnostic skills using computerized scan tools and software.
ASE Certification
ASE certifications in areas such as brakes, engine repair, and electrical systems are highly valued.
EPA 609 Certification
Required for technicians working with vehicle air conditioning refrigerant systems.
Hands-on Experience
Practical shop training is essential for developing real-world repair skills.
Automotive Technician Training Providers in Texas
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Technical Institute (UTI) | Houston | View Program |
| Lincoln Tech | Grand Prairie | View Program |
| Texas State Technical College | Waco | View Program |
| Houston Community College | Houston | View Program |
| Amarillo College | Amarillo | 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 Texas
Automotive Technician Licensing Requirements in Texas
Texas does not require a statewide automotive technician license. However, most employers prefer ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification, especially in brakes, engine repair, and electrical systems. EPA Section 609 certification is required for handling refrigerants in A/C systems.
Texas does not require a general individual license for ordinary automotive service and repair employment. Employers may require automotive education, ASE certification, relevant experience, or manufacturer-specific credentials.
Texas ended most noncommercial vehicle safety inspections on January 1, 2025, but emissions inspections remain in designated counties and safety inspections continue for commercial vehicles. Individuals performing these regulated inspections must hold the applicable Texas DPS inspector certification.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSAutomotive Technician Job Outlook in Texas
Texas has strong demand for automotive technicians driven by a large vehicle population, expanding suburban areas, and a high number of dealerships and independent repair shops. Electric and hybrid vehicle growth is also increasing demand for advanced diagnostic skills.
Texas projects employment for automotive service technicians and mechanics to grow by approximately 14% from 2022 to 2032, with about 7,490 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
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 Texas?
The statewide median wage for automotive technicians in Texas is approximately $48,660 per year, or $23.39 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Texas require automotive technician licensing?
Licensing requirements for automotive technician workers in Texas vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with Texas Department of Public Safety — Vehicle Inspection Program before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become an automotive technician in Texas?
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 Texas?
Texas projects automotive technician employment to grow by approximately 14% from 2022 to 2032, with about 7,490 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
- Texas Wages for Automotive Technician (SOC 49-3023) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Texas Automotive Technician Wages
- Texas Automotive Technician Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Texas Automotive Technician Employment Trends
- Texas Department of Public Safety — Vehicle Inspection Program — Licensing authority. Texas Department of Public Safety — Vehicle Inspection Program