Texas Community Colleges
Automotive Technology Programs
Automotive technology programs at community colleges in this state. ASE-aligned coursework for technicians and service writers.
6 colleges · 145 sections · 35 unique courses · Fall 2026
Auto-tech programs at Texas community colleges prepare students for ASE-certified service technician careers at dealerships, independent repair shops, fleet operations, and specialty performance/heavy-equipment facilities. The 145 sections at 6 Texas Community Colleges colleges this term combine shop hours on real vehicles with theory in engines, transmissions, brakes, electronics, HVAC, and (increasingly) electric and hybrid drivetrains.
Most Texas 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
| College | Sections | Courses | Online | Awards/yr | 5-yr earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Philip's College | 62 | 16 | — | — | — |
| Amarillo College | 37 | 15 | — | — | — |
| South Plains College | 28 | 13 | — | — | — |
| Kilgore College | 8 | 5 | — | — | — |
| Coastal Bend College | 6 | 6 | — | — | — |
| Lamar Institute of Technology | 4 | 4 | — | — | — |
Automotive Technology Availability Snapshot
How automotive technology sections are being offered across 6 colleges in Texas this term (145 sections total).
Delivery format
- in person145 (100%)
When sections meet
- Morning (before noon)77
- Afternoon (noon–5 PM)33
- Evening (5 PM and after)16
- Asynchronous / TBA19
Start dates
Sections begin on 6 distinct dates. 19 late-start more than two weeks after the term's earliest start.
Instructor diversity
Taught by 17 distinct instructors across 6 colleges.
Common Automotive Technology courses
- AUMT 1410BRAKE SYSTEMS(14 sections)
- AUMT 1201Intro/Thry Auto Tech(13 sections)
- AUMT 1407AUTO ELECT SYST(11 sections)
- AUMT 1307Automotive Electrical Systems(9 sections)
- AUMT 1305Intro to Automotive Technology(7 sections)
- AUMT 1345Auto Climate Control Systems(7 sections)
- AUMT 1416Automotive Suspension and Steering Systems(7 sections)
- AUMT 1419Auto Engine Repair(7 sections)
- AUMT 2421Auto Elec Diagnosis & Repair(7 sections)
- AUMT 2413Automotive Drive Train and Axles(5 sections)
- AUMT 2417Auto Engine Perf Analysis I(5 sections)
- AUMT 1310Automotive Brake Systems(4 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 Texas’s typical pay to the national picture before choosing where to study.
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 Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas’s automotive technology programs stack up.
Other programs in Texas
Some programs may not be offered at every college — pages render only when the program meets a coverage threshold for the state.