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Automotive service technicians apply their expertise to solve electrical and mechanical problems in our vehicles. Technicians also assure that our autos and trucks perform their best and are safe.
The Oregon Employment Department forecasts that automotive service technician employment in the Portland area will grow 6.4% through 2027.
Why choose Automotive Service Technology at PCC?
Salary
The Oregon Employment Department reports Portland area auto collision repair technicians earn from $18.54 to $38.83 per hour. The average annual salary is $56,642.
Real-world repair
PCC Automotive Service students have the opportunity to work on public vehicles needing repair. Learn more about repair work.
The Portland Community College Automotive Service Technology program offers you flexibility, cutting-edge knowledge, and automotive industry best practices. You also can specialize in your chosen field.
Whether you’re just starting your career in automotive technology or returning for a skills upgrade, our program offers the best training and resources available. Our three-week course modules offer the perfect opportunity to schedule classes around your job or to learn in segments that provide better consistency. We offer upgrade training to technicians already working in the field, and you may earn credit for passing ASE tests (See the automotive department chair for details).
The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), an arm of the industry certifying body, Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), accredits both our degree and certificate.
Degrees and certificates
| Award | Length (attending full-time) | Financial aid eligible | Currently accepting students? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree: Automotive Service Technology | 2 years | Limited entry, see how to get into this program | |
| Certificate: Automotive Service Technology | 2 years |
Locations
SylvaniaWhat will you learn?
Class information
Each class helps prepare you to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exams. Satisfactory completion of the course outcomes will earn you the ability to move forward in the program.
In addition to automotive technical skills, we also focus on the development of related skills in these areas:
- Basic arithmetic for effective use of diagnostic equipment
- Communication with customers and colleagues
- Diagnostic processes for using logical, and step-by-step methods to locate defects
- Organization for planning work schedules and repair sequences
- Reading and research needed for use of specification and repair manuals
- Operation of equipment, such as:
- Hand tools
- Hoists
- Oscilloscopes
- Gas analyzers
Learn more about Automotive Service Technology on our program overview page, or about program costs and required tools.
What will you do?
As an automotive service technician, you will inspect, test, diagnose, repair, and supervise the repair of mechanical and electrical systems on automobiles and light trucks.
Other responsibilities may include:
- Accounting
- Customer relations
- Record keeping
- Sales
- Supervision and management
Specific duties depend on the job you choose:
- Automotive technician
- Brake specialist
- Exhaust specialist
- Shop supervisor
- Suspension specialist
- Technical writer
- Training instructor
- Transmission and driveline specialist
- Tune-up and electrical specialist
Who will hire me?
Jobs are available virtually anywhere you wish to live. Automotive service technicians work for:
- Automobile dealerships
- Fleet owners
- Independent garages
- Mass merchandisers
- Parts houses
- Service stations
- Specialty shops
Next steps
See how to get into this program.Get started now
Not quite ready to apply?
We can help you get the info you need.
Related programs
PCC offers more than 90 programs.