Auto mechanics in Virginia earn a median of $59,330 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). This guide ranks accredited auto mechanic schools near Norton by proximity, with local pay and the credentials each program offers. Most students train through a 6-18 month certificate or a 2-year associate degree before sitting for ASE certification.
Key Facts
Virginia median wage: $59,330/yr
Virginia pay range (10th-90th pctl): $36,540 to $92,570
Virginia employment: 17,880 workers
National job outlook: +4.2% (33,600 jobs (2024-2034))
Typical program length: 6-18 months (certificate) to 2 years (associate)
Credential to validate skills: ASE certification (SOC 49-3023)
Sources: BLS OEWS, May 2025; BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034; IPEDS, 2023; BLS / ASE, May 2025.
Automotive & Mechanic Schools near Norton
How We Rank Schools
We first gather the schools closest to the city or state page you are viewing, then rank that
local group by BOC Score, with the highest at the top. The BOC Score is computed from federal
IPEDS and College Scorecard data; schools without enough data to score appear last.
LOCAL RANK
Location / proximity to this page
Defines the local group
Graduation rate
30%
Median earnings, 10 years after entry
25%
Average net price (lower is better)
20%
Retention rate
15%
Fully online availability
10%
Schools without enough federal outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score.
Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.
Annual Wage by Percentile - Automotive Service Technicians and MechanicsSource: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics annual wage percentiles
Percentile
Annual wage
10th
$34,660
25th
$38,900
50th (median)
$50,620
75th
$70,430
90th
$81,790
Projected employment growth, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, 2024-2034Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics employment projection 2024 to 2034
Year
Employment
2024
805,600
2034 projected
839,200
Percent change
+4.2%
Auto Mechanic Pay and Job Outlook
Annual Wage by Percentile - Automotive Service Technicians and MechanicsSource: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics annual wage percentiles
Percentile
Annual wage
10th
$34,660
25th
$38,900
50th (median)
$50,620
75th
$70,430
90th
$81,790
Projected employment growth, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, 2024-2034Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics employment projection 2024 to 2034
Year
Employment
2024
805,600
2034 projected
839,200
Percent change
+4.2%
How to become an auto mechanic in Virginia
Finish an accredited automotive program. Complete an automotive service technology or diesel certificate (about 6-12 months) or an associate degree (about 2 years) at an accredited Virginia school. Most certificate and diploma programs take 6-18 months of full-time study (IPEDS, 2023).
Build supervised shop experience. Gain hands-on hours through an internship, manufacturer co-op, or entry-level shop position so you can practice diagnostics and repair under a working technician.
Earn ASE certification. Validate your skills with National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications; most ASE tests require about two years of hands-on experience (or one year plus a two-year degree). Confirm current eligibility with ASE before you register.
Meet any state or employer requirements. Virginia does not issue a general statewide license to repair vehicles, but specialty work (such as motor-vehicle emissions or A/C refrigerant handling under the federal EPA Section 609 rule) requires its own credential. Confirm local requirements with your employer and the Virginia licensing or motor-vehicle agency.
Apprenticeships and Training Pathways
Auto mechanics typically train through a mix of classroom instruction and
supervised shop hours rather than a single registered apprenticeship. Common
pathways include manufacturer-sponsored programs (such as those run by dealer
networks), community-college co-ops, and entry-level shop roles that lead to ASE
certification. Hour and experience totals vary by program and employer — confirm
current requirements with the school and with ASE before you enroll.
What You Study
Automotive technology programs near Norton usually cover engine repair,
electrical and electronic systems, brakes, steering and suspension, heating and
air conditioning, and computerized engine diagnostics. Many programs map their
coursework to ASE test areas and add manufacturer-specific or diesel electives.
Tips for Choosing a School
Confirm the program is accredited and tour the lab or shop to see diagnostic
tools, lifts, and training vehicles.
Ask whether coursework prepares you for ASE exams or manufacturer-specific
credentials.
Compare scheduling — many schools offer evening or accelerated cohorts for
working students.
Ask about career services and employer connections, and review any outcome
data the school can share (figures reflect all majors at the institution).
How long does auto mechanic training take near Norton?
Auto mechanic certificate programs typically take 6 to 18 months of full-time study, while associate degree programs generally run about 2 years (IPEDS, 2023). Completion time depends on schedule and any prerequisite coursework.
How much do auto mechanics earn in Virginia?
According to BLS OEWS (May 2025), auto mechanics in Virginia earned a median annual wage of $59,330; the 10th-to-90th percentile range was $36,540 to $92,570 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Pay varies with experience, ASE certification, and employer.
Do you need a license to be a mechanic in Virginia?
Virginia does not require a general statewide license to repair vehicles, but specialty work such as emissions inspection or EPA Section 609 refrigerant handling needs its own credential. Most employers prefer ASE-certified technicians. Confirm current rules with the Virginia licensing or motor-vehicle agency.
Is ASE certification worth it?
ASE certification is the recognized industry credential for automotive service technicians (SOC 49-3023) and is frequently preferred or required by employers. Most ASE tests require about two years of hands-on experience, or one year plus a two-year degree; confirm eligibility with ASE.
What is the job outlook for auto mechanics?
Employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow +4.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 70,000 openings per year (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034).
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
Data
Provider
Vintage
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
