How to Become An Auto Mechanic in Delaware
Delaware employs approximately 1,910 auto mechanics according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $58,410 1. Nationally, auto mechanic employment is projected to grow 4.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 70,000 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become an auto mechanic in Delaware, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming An Auto Mechanic in Delaware
How do I become an auto mechanic in Delaware? Delaware requires credentials such as Teacher of Trade & Industry: Auto Mechanics, Teacher of Trade & Industry: Auto Body Repair. The licensing authority is the Department of Education 3. You also need to complete an approved training program or apprenticeship.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Delaware? Yes. Delaware has licensing or registration requirements for auto mechanics. The Department of Education oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do auto mechanics earn in Delaware? The median annual wage for auto mechanics in Delaware is $58,410 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $36,700 and experienced professionals can earn $82,280 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Licensing authority: Department of Education
- Median wage (Delaware): $58,410 per year 1
- Exam requirement: Third-party exam required
Auto Mechanic License Requirements in Delaware
The Department of Education oversees auto mechanic licensing in Delaware 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Teacher of Trade & Industry: Auto Mechanics | Teacher of Trade & Industry: Auto Mechanics |
| Teacher of Trade & Industry: Auto Body Repair | Teacher of Trade & Industry: Auto Body Repair |
Additional Requirements
- Exam: Third-party exam required
- Experience: Work experience required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Auto Mechanic Apprenticeship Information in Delaware
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Delaware’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Delaware Office of Apprenticeship and Training 5.
Contact Information:
- Office: Apprenticeship and Training Section: Division of Industrial Affairs, Delaware Department of Labor
- Address: 4425 N. Market Street, Wilmington, DE 19802
- Phone: (302) 761-8328
- Email: [email protected]
Auto Mechanic Wages by Metro Area in Delaware
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Wages by Metro Area in Delaware
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), automotive service technicians and mechanics wages in Delaware vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | 12,700 | $58,460 | $58,620 | $36,130 | $81,670 |
| Dover | 320 | $48,800 | $53,020 | $35,130 | $76,040 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Auto mechanics in Delaware
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest auto mechanic employment within Delaware according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Dover | 320 | $48,800 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for auto mechanics in Delaware? Delaware currently employs approximately 1,910 auto mechanics 1. Nationally, auto mechanic employment is projected to grow 4.2% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as an auto mechanic in Delaware with an out-of-state license? Contact the Department of Education for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Delaware? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Delaware. You can also contact the Delaware Office of Apprenticeship and Training for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do auto mechanics earn in Delaware compared to the national average? The median annual wage for auto mechanics in Delaware is $58,410, which is $8,740 above the national median of $49,670 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
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/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Department of Education - Licensing Information: https://www.doe.k12.de.us ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
Delaware Office of Apprenticeship and Training: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/ ↩︎
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) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |