Colorado is a state that is held in high regard for the lifestyle, natural beauty and economic promise that it offers. It’s easy to see why. With four National Parks, four major sports teams, dozens of world-class outdoor activities, and a perhaps overestimated 300 days of sunshine, Colorado is a great place to live, work and play. For those looking to enter the automotive industry, this holds true.
There are dozens of automotive schools in Colorado, ranging from tech and trade schools to community colleges to state universities. If you are looking for the education to start your career as a mechanic, technician, or specialize in diesel, large automobiles, motorcycles, glass or repair, Colorado has schools and programs that can get you there.
To become a mechanic in Colorado, there are not any specific requirements or credentials that are mandated. However, finding a job will be much easier with a cerfiticate or an associates degree in an automotive discipline. Many of the best jobs go to ASE certified mechanics, so going through the training to complete your ASE certification is highly recommended before starting your career. Nearly any of the accredited mechanic schools in Colorado can get you to this point and give you a much better chance of landing a job that you want after graduation.
As far as finding employment as a mechanic or technician in Colorado, there are plenty of good signs. In 2018, Colorado has been one of the fastest growing states in the US. Not only does this mean a stronger economy, but it also means more cars on the road, creating growth in the market for auto mechanics. There are currently around 11,480 jobs for mechanics and automotive technicians in Colorado, including both open positions and those currently occupied. This number is expected to grow by 6.7% over the next 10 years, which is slightly higher than the national average. There are projections of a shortage in skilled mechanics in the next decade and Colorado will be no exception, which looks good for those entering the automotive field.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics in Colorado is $44,200, with the top 10% earning $68,380 per year. Keep in mind that this can vary by the specialty that you end up working in and the city where you are employed. For instance, a mechanic in Grand Junction will average a salary of $53,500 per year, while a mechanic in Pueblo will make over $20,000 less per year at $31,610. As far as salaries by job type, the BLS breaks it down in the four categories in the chart below, but there are also a number of careers that vary within each category, or fall outside of these categories altogether.