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CIP 15.0803 Engineering Technologies

Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

677

2025 · 38 schools

International share

7.1%

48 international students

Bachelor's degrees

339

10.3% international

Master's degrees

9

77.8% international

Overview

Automotive Engineering Technology, often referred to as Automotive Technician, is a specialized field focused on the design, development, testing, and maintenance of vehicles. This program combines engineering principles with practical applications, preparing students for a variety of roles in the automotive industry.

Students in this program typically study subjects such as automotive systems, engine performance, electronics, and diagnostics. They learn to analyze and troubleshoot mechanical and electrical systems, ensuring vehicles operate safely and efficiently. The curriculum often includes hands-on training, allowing students to work directly with vehicles, tools, and diagnostic equipment.

Graduates of Automotive Engineering Technology are equipped for careers as automotive technicians, service advisors, and quality control inspectors. They may work in dealerships, repair shops, or automotive manufacturing plants. The demand for skilled technicians remains high, driven by advancements in automotive technology, including electric and hybrid vehicles, and the increasing complexity of modern cars.

In addition to technical skills, students also develop problem-solving abilities and learn to work collaboratively in teams. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, professionals in this field must stay updated on the latest technologies and trends, often engaging in continuing education and certification programs.

Overall, a degree in Automotive Engineering Technology provides a solid foundation for a rewarding career in one of the most dynamic sectors of the economy, with opportunities for advancement and specialization in areas such as automotive design, research and development, and sustainability.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2002 to 2025, graduates fell 35% and the international share went from 2.0% to 7.1%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
61.9%
Asian
3.5%
Hispanic
18.5%
Black
3.0%
Other
6.1%
Intl.
7.1%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 38 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#288 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Illinois 79 0
#317 Ferris State University Michigan 25 0
#365 Indiana State University Indiana 8 0
LAC #172 Brigham Young University-Idaho Idaho 49 3
— Art Center College of Design California 53 33
— McPherson College Kansas 37 0
— Lawson State Community College Alabama 32 0
— Brookdale Community College New Jersey 32 2
— Pittsburg State University Kansas 31 2
— Owens Community College Ohio 28 0
— Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City Missouri 25 0
— Columbus State Community College Ohio 25 0
— Pennsylvania College of Technology Pennsylvania 25 0
— Weber State University Utah 19 2
— Camden County College New Jersey 18 0
— Stark State College Ohio 16 0
— Utah Valley University Utah 16 0
— University of Puerto Rico-Carolina Puerto Rico 16 0
— Seminole State College of Florida Florida 15 0
— Minnesota State University-Mankato Minnesota 14 2
— Great Basin College Nevada 12 0
— Indian River State College Florida 11 2
— Broward College Florida 10 0
— Florida State College at Jacksonville Florida 10 1
— Santa Fe College Florida 9 0
— Mercer County Community College New Jersey 9 0
— Cuyahoga Community College District Ohio 9 0
— Oklahoma City Community College Oklahoma 9 0
— H Councill Trenholm State Community College Alabama 6 0
— J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College Alabama 5 0
— Raritan Valley Community College New Jersey 5 1
— George C Wallace Community College-Dothan Alabama 4 0
— Colorado State University Pueblo Colorado 4 0
— Terra State Community College Ohio 4 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics 704,640 $27.13 $56,420
Mechanical Drafters 39,960 $36.09 $75,060
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians 36,190 $36.72 $76,380

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2002–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.