Missouri Community Colleges
Automotive Technology Programs
Automotive technology programs at community colleges in this state. ASE-aligned coursework for technicians and service writers.
6 colleges · 61 sections · 40 unique courses · Fall 2026 · Updated today
Auto-tech programs at Missouri community colleges prepare students for ASE-certified service technician careers at dealerships, independent repair shops, fleet operations, and specialty performance/heavy-equipment facilities. The 61 sections at 6 MCCA colleges this term combine shop hours on real vehicles with theory in engines, transmissions, brakes, electronics, HVAC, and (increasingly) electric and hybrid drivetrains.
Most Missouri programs are NATEF-accredited and aligned to ASE testing — graduates can sit for individual ASE exams (A1 engine repair, A4 suspension/steering, etc.) and stack credentials over their career. The diploma or AAS gets students into the shop; the ASE certifications and dealer-specific training (Ford ASSET, GM ASEP, Honda PACT) are what determine long-term pay.
Colleges offering Automotive Technology
Pick a college to see its full plan — every required course, which ones transfer to the school you want, and what’s open now.
Automotive Technology is a transfer program — community colleges offer the coursework; you earn the degree, and its earnings, at a four-year university. See where it transfers →
| College | Sections | Courses | Online |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City | 27 | 14 | — |
| Jefferson College | 13 | 10 | — |
| East Central College | 8 | 4 | — |
| Crowder College | 6 | 6 | 1 |
| Mineral Area College | 6 | 6 | — |
| State Fair Community College | 1 | 1 | — |
Automotive Technology Availability Snapshot
How automotive technology sections are being offered across 6 colleges in Missouri this term (61 sections total).
Delivery format
- in person60 (98%)
- online1 (2%)
When sections meet
- Morning (before noon)41
- Afternoon (noon–5 PM)9
- Evening (5 PM and after)3
- Asynchronous / TBA8
Start dates
Sections begin on 9 distinct dates. 17 late-start more than two weeks after the term's earliest start.
Instructor diversity
Taught by 16 distinct instructors across 6 colleges.
Degree requirements by college
Expand a college to see the courses required for graduation. Data sourced from each college's official catalog.
Saint Louis Community College4 programs
Common Automotive Technology courses
- AUTO 166Automotive Electrical Systems(4 sections)
- AUTO 172Automotive Suspension and Steering(4 sections)
- AUT 141ASE Suspension/Steering(3 sections)
- AUTO 170Automotive Braking Systems(3 sections)
- AUTO 174Manual Drivetrain and Axles(3 sections)
- AUT 101*Intro Auto Tech(2 sections)
- AUT 102ASE Brakes(2 sections)
- AUT 221*ASE Electrical Systems(2 sections)
- AUT 100Automotive Shop Safety(2 sections)
- AUT 131Automotive Brake Systems(2 sections)
- AUT 132Automotive Brake Systems Lab(2 sections)
- AUTO 264Automotive Air Conditioning(2 sections)
Career outlook for Automotive Technology graduates
Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for the primary career outcome of this program (2024 OEWS release). Compare Missouri’s typical pay to the national picture before choosing where to study.
Missouri's typical pay is about 5% below the typical state — common for lower cost-of-living states, but worth weighing against tuition savings.
Wage data reflects all workers in the occupation, not just recent CC graduates — entry-level pay is typically lower. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS.
Frequently asked questions
- Will I need to buy my own tools?
- Eventually yes. Most Missouri programs supply the shop tools you'll use during training, but ASE-certified service technicians at dealerships and independents are expected to bring their own. Tool collections build over a career; budget $3-8k in the first year of full-time employment, much more over time. Some shops offer tool-purchase assistance for new hires.
- What's the pay range for an auto tech?
- Starting techs (apprentices, lube-rack roles) earn $15-20/hr at most Missouri shops. Master-certified techs with multiple ASE credentials at busy dealerships earn $25-45/hr, often on a flat-rate (book-time) system that rewards faster, more efficient work. Diesel and specialty techs (BMW, Mercedes, performance shops) earn the upper end. Independent-shop ownership is the long-tail career path.
- Are EV-specific training and certifications part of the program?
- Increasingly yes. Most Missouri community college auto-tech programs have added high-voltage safety training and intro EV-drivetrain content in the last few years; some offer dedicated EV-tech credentials. The dealer-specific programs (Ford ASSET-EV, GM ASEP-EV) cover brand-specific procedures and are the strongest credential for EV-focused careers.
- Do I need an associate degree or just the diploma?
- For getting hired as a tech, the one-year diploma plus ASE certs is enough at most Missouri shops. The AAS adds business courses, management, and writing — useful if you eventually want to run your own shop or move into service-advisor / shop-foreman roles. Many techs come back for the AAS after a few years in the field.
Compare Automotive Technology programs in other states
Same comparison view, different state systems. Useful if you’re considering an out-of-state community college or just want to see how Missouri’s automotive technology programs stack up.
Other programs in Missouri
Some programs may not be offered at every college — pages render only when the program meets a coverage threshold for the state.