How to Become An Auto Mechanic in Missouri
Missouri employs approximately 17,210 auto mechanics according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $49,160 1. The state’s concentration of auto mechanic jobs is 1.29x the national average, indicating strong demand. 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 Missouri, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming An Auto Mechanic in Missouri
How do I become an auto mechanic in Missouri? Missouri requires credentials such as Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, Automotive Body and Related Repairers. The licensing authority is the Department Of Elementary and Secondary Education - Division of Career 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 Missouri? Yes. Missouri has licensing or registration requirements for auto mechanics. The Department Of Elementary and Secondary Education - Division of Career Education oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do auto mechanics earn in Missouri? The median annual wage for auto mechanics in Missouri is $49,160 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $34,950 and experienced professionals can earn $76,870 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 Elementary and Secondary Education - Division of Career Education
- Median wage (Missouri): $49,160 per year 1
- Exam requirement: No exam required
Auto Mechanic License Requirements in Missouri
The Department Of Elementary and Secondary Education - Division of Career Education oversees auto mechanic licensing in Missouri 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | Applicants shall obtain a two -year Associate of Applied Science degree or a one-year technical certificate in the area of Refinishing & Non-Structural Repair or Structural & Mechanical Repair from a… |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairers | Applicants shall obtain a two -year Associate of Applied Science degree or a one-year technical certificate in the area of Refinishing & Non-Structural Repair or Structural & Mechanical Repair from a… |
Additional Requirements
- Background check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Exam: No exam required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Auto Mechanic Apprenticeship Information in Missouri
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Missouri’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education - On-the-Job Training & Apprenticeship 5.
Contact Information:
- Office: Missouri Division of Workforce Development
- Address: 3315 W. Truman Blvd., Jefferson City, MO 65102-0599
- Email: [email protected]
Auto Mechanic Wages by Metro Area in Missouri
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Wages by Metro Area in Missouri
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), automotive service technicians and mechanics wages in Missouri vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis | 7,590 | $58,190 | $57,060 | $36,280 | $78,140 |
| Kansas City | 5,380 | $53,790 | $57,170 | $36,030 | $80,850 |
| Springfield | 1,840 | $49,570 | $53,550 | $31,330 | $77,460 |
| Columbia | 630 | $48,370 | $51,550 | $34,540 | $74,320 |
| Joplin | 590 | $46,320 | $48,280 | $30,350 | $72,860 |
| Jefferson City | 420 | $47,010 | $49,730 | $30,930 | $71,370 |
| St. Joseph | 330 | $47,180 | $51,310 | $31,640 | $75,920 |
| Cape Girardeau | 310 | $48,690 | $51,460 | $32,600 | $75,860 |
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 Missouri
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest auto mechanic employment within Missouri according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis | 7,590 | $58,190 |
| Kansas City | 5,380 | $53,790 |
| Springfield | 1,840 | $49,570 |
| Columbia | 630 | $48,370 |
| Joplin | 590 | $46,320 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for auto mechanics in Missouri? Missouri currently employs approximately 17,210 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 Missouri with an out-of-state license? Contact the Department Of Elementary and Secondary Education - Division of Career Education for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Missouri? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Missouri. You can also contact the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education - On-the-Job Training & Apprenticeship for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do auto mechanics earn in Missouri compared to the national average? The median annual wage for auto mechanics in Missouri is $49,160, which is $510 below 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 Elementary and Secondary Education - Division of Career Education - Licensing Information: https://dese.mo.gov/college-career-readiness/career-education ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education - On-the-Job Training & Apprenticeship: 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) |