Washington Community Colleges
Automotive Technology Programs
Automotive technology programs at community colleges in this state. ASE-aligned coursework for technicians and service writers.
10 colleges · 174 sections · 82 unique courses · Fall 2026 · Updated today
Auto-tech programs at Washington community colleges prepare students for ASE-certified service technician careers at dealerships, independent repair shops, fleet operations, and specialty performance/heavy-equipment facilities. The 174 sections at 10 SBCTC colleges this term combine shop hours on real vehicles with theory in engines, transmissions, brakes, electronics, HVAC, and (increasingly) electric and hybrid drivetrains.
Most Washington 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clover Park Technical College | 41 | 18 | — |
| Spokane Community College | 25 | 21 | — |
| South Seattle College | 24 | 11 | — |
| Grays Harbor College | 20 | 10 | — |
| Clark College | 16 | 8 | — |
| Wenatchee Valley College | 13 | 8 | — |
| Bellingham Technical College | 10 | 6 | — |
| Lake Washington Institute of Technology | 10 | 4 | — |
| South Puget Sound Community College | 8 | 4 | — |
| Big Bend Community College | 7 | 4 | 2 |
Automotive Technology Availability Snapshot
How automotive technology sections are being offered across 10 colleges in Washington this term (174 sections total).
Delivery format
- in person158 (91%)
- hybrid14 (8%)
- online2 (1%)
When sections meet
- Morning (before noon)105
- Afternoon (noon–5 PM)21
- Evening (5 PM and after)8
- Asynchronous / TBA40
Start dates
Sections begin on 12 distinct dates. 18 late-start more than two weeks after the term's earliest start.
Instructor diversity
Taught by 33 distinct instructors across 10 colleges.
Degree requirements by college
Expand a college to see the courses required for graduation. Data sourced from each college's official catalog.
Bates Technical College1 program
Required Courses
18 credits- AUTOM 101Basic Engines(4 cr)not offered+ plan
- AUTOM 102Engine Systems(4 cr)not offered+ plan
- AUTOM 103Introduction to Basic Electrical Theory(4 cr)not offered+ plan
- AUTOM 105Engines/Electrical Applications(3 cr)not offered+ plan
- AUTOM 106Shop Safety and Meter Certification(1 cr)not offered+ plan
- AUTOM 124Introduction to Emission Systems(2 cr)not offered+ plan
Communications
21 creditsCommunications
21 creditsHumanities
21 creditsRequired Courses
16 creditsRequired Courses
14 creditsRequired Courses
16 creditsRequired Courses
15 creditsSource: College catalog
Bellingham Technical College3 programs
Clark College2 programs
Grays Harbor College4 programs
Green River College7 programs
Renton Technical College4 programs
Shoreline Community College18 programs
Skagit Valley College7 programs
South Puget Sound Community College2 programs
Spokane Community College7 programs
Walla Walla Community College2 programs
Wenatchee Valley College1 program
Yakima Valley College2 programs
Common Automotive Technology courses
- AUTO 110Automotive Introduction(8 sections)
- AUTO 113HVAC(7 sections)
- AUTO 100Introduction to Automotive Technology(5 sections)
- AUTO 102Introduction to Automotive Technology Lab(5 sections)
- AUT 147Automotive Brakes(4 sections)
- AUT 149Automotive Suspension, Steering, & Wheel Alignment(4 sections)
- AUT 209Electronic Systems(4 sections)
- AUT 212Electrical Systems(4 sections)
- AUT 100Introduction to Electricity(4 sections)
- AUTO 150Introduction to Toyota(4 sections)
- AUTO 104Intro to Automotive Steering and Suspension(4 sections)
- AUTO 112Applications of Brakes(3 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 Washington’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 Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington’s automotive technology programs stack up.
Other programs in Washington
Some programs may not be offered at every college — pages render only when the program meets a coverage threshold for the state.