How to Become an Auto Mechanic in Tennessee (2026)
Tennessee employs about 16,210 auto mechanics earning a median $50,290 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as an Auto Mechanic here means completing a postsecondary automotive, diesel, motorcycle, marine, or collision program plus ASE or OEM credentials. This is not a default RAPIDS apprenticeship.
Compare Auto Mechanic Schools in Tennessee
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Hartsville | 71.8 | Contact school for pricing | $51,479 | 82% | — | 78 mi |
| 2 | Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville | 68.0 | Contact school for pricing | $54,975 | 81% | — | 52 mi |
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| 3 | Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Murfreesboro | 66.6 | Contact school for pricing | $50,879 | 76% | — | 50 mi |
| 4 | Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville | 56.6 | Contact school for pricing | $41,766 | 70% | — | 41 mi |
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| 5 | Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Dickson | 55.3 | Contact school for pricing | $43,136 | 74% | — | 18 mi |
| 6 | Northwest Shoals Community College | 51.7 | $5,131 in-state / $9,001 out-of-state | $45,546 | 39% | Yes* | 73 mi |
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| 7 | John C Calhoun State Community College | 50.8 | $5,120 in-state / $8,990 out-of-state | $53,980 | 41% | Yes* | 78 mi |
| 8 | Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Crump | 50.7 | Contact school for pricing | $39,150 | 63% | — | 68 mi |
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| 9 | Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Hohenwald | 50.1 | Contact school for pricing | $43,241 | 65% | — | 21 mi |
| 10 | Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Henry/Carroll | 49.4 | Contact school for pricing | $39,070 | 75% | — | 68 mi |
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Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
Tennessee employs approximately 16,210 auto mechanics according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $50,290 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 Tennessee, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade-school or community-college program in the specialty (find programs)
- Typical timeline: a postsecondary automotive, diesel, motorcycle, marine, or collision program plus ASE or OEM credentials. This is not a default RAPIDS apprenticeship
- Exam: ASE or OEM certification
- Median wage (Tennessee): $50,290 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become an Auto Mechanic in Tennessee
How to become an Auto Mechanic in Tennessee? Complete a postsecondary automotive, diesel, motorcycle, marine, or collision program plus ASE or OEM credentials. This is not a default RAPIDS apprenticeship. Confirm credential rules with the program and employer.
How long does it take? Most people finish a postsecondary automotive, diesel, motorcycle, marine, or collision program plus ASE or OEM credentials. This is not a default RAPIDS apprenticeship. Confirm current hour totals with the program and employer.
Do I need a license in Tennessee? Most states do not require a statewide occupational license. Employers typically expect ASE or OEM certification. See the licensing section below.
What do auto mechanics earn in Tennessee? The median annual wage for auto mechanics in Tennessee is $50,290 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $34,820 and experienced professionals can earn $79,930 or more 1.
How to Become an Auto Mechanic in Tennessee
- Meet program entry rules. Programs typically require a high school diploma or GED.
- Complete a specialty program. Finish an automotive, diesel, motorcycle, marine, or collision program. Some union shops use apprenticeships; the default national path is a certificate plus ASE, not DAS as the only option.
- Earn ASE or OEM credentials. Pass ASE tests or OEM training the employer requires. Some states add a separate smog or emissions credential; it is not the whole mechanic license.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the program and employer before you enroll.
Auto Mechanic License Requirements in Tennessee
Most states do not license auto, diesel, motorcycle, marine, or collision techs as a statewide journeyman card. Employers expect ASE or OEM credentials. Some states add a smog or emissions credential.
Typical path
Complete a specialty program.
Earn ASE or OEM credentials.
Add a state smog or emissions credential only if that state and the job require one.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with the employer before you enroll.
Auto Mechanic Apprenticeship Information in Tennessee
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Tennessee’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Tennessee Department of Labor And Workforce Development - Apprenticeship 3.
Contact Information:
- Office: Apprenticeship TN
- Address: 220 French Landing Dr., Nashville, TN 37243
- Phone: (615) 532-0148
- Email: [email protected]
Auto Mechanic Wages by Metro Area in Tennessee
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Wages by Metro Area in Tennessee
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), automotive service technicians and mechanics wages in Tennessee vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | 5,150 | $58,700 | $57,880 | $36,540 | $81,680 |
| Memphis | 2,980 | $50,490 | $54,920 | $34,930 | $82,370 |
| Knoxville | 2,280 | $48,540 | $52,650 | $31,580 | $79,680 |
| Chattanooga | 1,320 | $51,020 | $54,340 | $31,640 | $79,300 |
| Clarksville | 730 | $49,570 | $51,680 | $32,730 | $77,490 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | 670 | $48,670 | $52,080 | $31,640 | $78,180 |
| Jackson | 520 | $49,910 | $53,570 | $31,640 | $77,800 |
| Johnson City | 450 | $49,830 | $51,780 | $31,070 | $78,430 |
| Cleveland | 260 | $48,900 | $52,610 | $30,560 | $79,210 |
| Morristown | 260 | $47,600 | $51,120 | $30,510 | $77,020 |
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 .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for auto mechanics in Tennessee? Tennessee currently employs approximately 16,210 auto mechanics 1. Nationally, auto mechanic employment is projected to grow 4.2% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Tennessee? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Tennessee. You can also contact the Tennessee Department of Labor And Workforce Development - Apprenticeship for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do auto mechanics earn in Tennessee compared to the national average? The median annual wage for auto mechanics in Tennessee is $50,290, which is $620 above the national median of $49,670 according to BLS data 1.
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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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Tennessee Department of Labor And Workforce Development - 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) |