How to Become An Auto Mechanic in North Carolina
North Carolina employs approximately 26,510 auto mechanics according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $48,200 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 North Carolina, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming An Auto Mechanic in North Carolina
How do I become an auto mechanic in North Carolina? North Carolina requires credentials such as Safety Equipment Inspection Mechanics/Emission, Safety Equipment Inspection Station/Emissions & Safety. The licensing authority is the NC Department of Transportation - License & Theft 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 North Carolina? Yes. North Carolina has licensing or registration requirements for auto mechanics. The NC Department of Transportation - License & Theft oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do auto mechanics earn in North Carolina? The median annual wage for auto mechanics in North Carolina is $48,200 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $31,500 and experienced professionals can earn $79,610 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: NC Department of Transportation - License & Theft
- Median wage (North Carolina): $48,200 per year 1
- Exam requirement: State exam required
Auto Mechanic License Requirements in North Carolina
The NC Department of Transportation - License & Theft oversees auto mechanic licensing in North Carolina 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Safety Equipment Inspection Mechanics/Emission | Inspect and monitor transportation equipment, vehicles, or systems to ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards. |
| Safety Equipment Inspection Station/Emissions & Safety | A licensed mechanic examines a vehicle’s headlights, signals, brakes, steering, windows and tires. |
Additional Requirements
- Background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited
- Exam: State exam required
- Experience: No experience required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Auto Mechanic Apprenticeship Information in North Carolina
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. North Carolina’s apprenticeship program is administered by the North Carolina Division of Workforce Solutions - Apprenticeships 5.
Contact Information:
- Office: Forsyth Tech Apprenticeship Program
- Address: 2100 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
- Phone: (336) 723-0371
- Email: [email protected]
Auto Mechanic Wages by Metro Area in North Carolina
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Wages by Metro Area in North Carolina
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), automotive service technicians and mechanics wages in North Carolina vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | 7,990 | $53,660 | $57,990 | $34,470 | $88,130 |
| Raleigh-Cary | 3,650 | $50,600 | $56,110 | $34,650 | $83,210 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk | 3,560 | $58,290 | $59,820 | $36,460 | $80,110 |
| Greensboro-High Point | 2,110 | $48,770 | $51,680 | $29,720 | $77,910 |
| Winston-Salem | 1,630 | $46,080 | $50,500 | $31,500 | $76,130 |
| Fayetteville | 1,220 | $46,870 | $51,230 | $31,540 | $75,020 |
| Wilmington | 1,130 | $48,100 | $53,720 | $33,190 | $77,850 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | 1,090 | $51,580 | $55,780 | $35,360 | $78,870 |
| Asheville | 950 | $47,900 | $52,480 | $34,120 | $78,090 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton | 950 | $46,860 | $51,040 | $31,200 | $77,400 |
| Jacksonville | 430 | $46,180 | $49,940 | $29,890 | $76,280 |
| Greenville | 390 | $47,220 | $48,340 | $29,310 | $76,070 |
| Burlington | 370 | $45,750 | $49,500 | $30,840 | $76,830 |
| Rocky Mount | 300 | $38,880 | $45,330 | $30,460 | $74,620 |
| Goldsboro | 260 | $43,970 | $47,130 | $29,730 | $74,230 |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines | 250 | $48,640 | $52,130 | $30,950 | $79,040 |
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 North Carolina
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest auto mechanic employment within North Carolina according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | 7,990 | $53,660 |
| Raleigh-Cary | 3,650 | $50,600 |
| Greensboro-High Point | 2,110 | $48,770 |
| Winston-Salem | 1,630 | $46,080 |
| Fayetteville | 1,220 | $46,870 |
Explore More Trades in North Carolina
- Electrician in North Carolina
- Plumber in North Carolina
- HVAC Technician in North Carolina
- Welder in North Carolina
- Carpenter in North Carolina
- Solar Installation Technician in North Carolina
- CNC Machinist in North Carolina
- Certified Nursing Assistant in North Carolina
- Medical Assistant in North Carolina
- Massage Therapist in North Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for auto mechanics in North Carolina? North Carolina currently employs approximately 26,510 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 North Carolina with an out-of-state license? Contact the NC Department of Transportation - License & Theft for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in North Carolina? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in North Carolina. You can also contact the North Carolina Division of Workforce Solutions - Apprenticeships for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do auto mechanics earn in North Carolina compared to the national average? The median annual wage for auto mechanics in North Carolina is $48,200, which is $1,470 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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
NC Department of Transportation - License & Theft - Licensing Information: https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/programs/fraud-theft/Pages/forms.aspx ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
North Carolina Division of Workforce Solutions - Apprenticeships: 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) |