College of Marin’s Automotive Technology program is designed to provide skills required for efficient diagnosis, maintenance and repair of current automobiles and automobile systems.
With the benefit of COM’s state-of-the art $9-million investment into automotive facilities, students are trained in the most up-to-date automotive practices, and well prepared for automotive positions.
Experienced mechanics with leadership ability sometimes advance to shop supervisor or service manager. Those who work well with customers may become service estimators or open their own repair shops.
Automotive Technology Program Options – What does COM Offer?
CLICK on the program award to view costs and required classes for each certificate and degree
Master Auto Repair Technician Certificate of Achievement (57.5 units)
| Time to Completion (minimum): | 6 semesters |
| Estimated Tuition & Fees*: | $2973.00 |
| Estimated Books & Supplies*: | $0.00 |
| Class Code | Name | Completed | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUTO 100 | Career Math/Resumes/Customer Service | ◻ | 4.0 |
| AUTO 112 | Automotive Engine Fundamentals | ◻ | 4.0 |
| AUTO 113 | Specialized Electronics Training | ◻ | 5.0 |
| AUTO 114 | Automotive Engine Performance | ◻ | 4.0 |
| AUTO 116 | Automotive Electrical Systems | ◻ | 6.0 |
| AUTO 118 | Brakes/Alignment/Suspension | ◻ | 6.0 |
| AUTO 215 | Vehicle Service | ◻ | 4.0 |
| AUTO 228 | Automotive Engine Performance | ◻ | 4.0 |
| AUTO 229 | Automotive Body Electrical Systems | ◻ | 3.0 |
| AUTO 230 | Light Diesel and Alternative Fuel Vehicles | ◻ | 2.0 |
| AUTO 233 | Manual Drive Trains and Axles | ◻ | 4.0 |
| AUTO 239 | B.A.R. Update | ◻ | 1.0 |
| AUTO 244 | Smog Check Inspector | ◻ | 5.5 |
| MACH 120 | Machine Technology | ◻ | 3.0 |
| MACH 130 | Welding I | ◻ | 2.0 |
Auto Chassis and Drivetrain Specialist Certificate of Achievement (32.0 units)
| Time to Completion (minimum): | 3 semesters |
| Estimated Tuition & Fees*: | $1646.00 |
| Estimated Books & Supplies*: | $0.00 |
| Class Code | Name | Completed | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUTO 100 | Career Math/Resumes/Customer Service | ◻ | 4.0 |
| AUTO 112 | Automotive Engine Fundamentals | ◻ | 4.0 |
| AUTO 113 | Specialized Electronics Training | ◻ | 5.0 |
| AUTO 114 | Automotive Engine Performance | ◻ | 4.0 |
| AUTO 118 | Brakes/Alignment/Suspension | ◻ | 6.0 |
| AUTO 233 | Manual Drive Trains and Axles | ◻ | 4.0 |
| MACH 120 | Machine Technology | ◻ | 3.0 |
| MACH 130 | Welding I | ◻ | 2.0 |
Auto Electronics Specialist Certificate of Achievement (31.5 units)
| Time to Completion (minimum): | 3 semesters |
| Estimated Tuition & Fees*: | $1621.00 |
| Estimated Books & Supplies*: | $0.00 |
| Class Code | Name | Completed | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUTO 100 | Career Math/Resumes/Customer Service | ◻ | 4.0 |
| AUTO 113 | Specialized Electronics Training | ◻ | 5.0 |
| AUTO 116 | Automotive Electrical Systems | ◻ | 6.0 |
| AUTO 215 | Vehicle Service | ◻ | 4.0 |
| AUTO 228 | Automotive Engine Performance | ◻ | 4.0 |
| AUTO 229 | Automotive Body Electrical Systems | ◻ | 3.0 |
| AUTO 244 | Smog Check Inspector | ◻ | 5.5 |
Auto Emissions/Performance Specialist Certificate of Achievement (31.5 units)
| Time to Completion (minimum): | 3 semesters |
| Estimated Tuition & Fees*: | $1621.00 |
| Estimated Books & Supplies*: | $0.00 |
| Class Code | Name | Completed | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUTO 100 | Career Math/Resumes/Customer Service | ◻ | 4.0 |
| AUTO 110 | Introduction to Auto Technology | ◻ | 3.0 |
| AUTO 111 | Automotive Maintenance Fundamentals | ◻ | 3.0 |
| AUTO 112 | Automotive Engine Fundamentals | ◻ | 4.0 |
| AUTO 113 | Specialized Electronics Training | ◻ | 5.0 |
| AUTO 114 | Automotive Engine Performance | ◻ | 4.0 |
| AUTO 229 | Automotive Body Electrical Systems | ◻ | 3.0 |
| AUTO 244 | Smog Check Inspector | ◻ | 5.5 |
* These expenses may not reflect your actual cost to attend College of Marin.
-Tuition cost is for in-state tuition, which is currently $46/unit plus additional fees. For out-of-state tuition, see marin.edu/paying-college.
-For information about opportunities for financial aid, please visit marin.edu/financial-aid
-For financial aid and enrollment questions, contact Enrollment Services at (415) 457-8811 Ext. 8822 or admissions@marin.edu.
Some classes may have prerequisites. Please meet with a College of Marin Counselor to plan your education path and determine which classes are necessary for you.
*You will not need to purchase tools while you are completing your education. However, you typically need to have your own tools will when you enter the workforce. See FAQs at the bottom of this webpage (marincareers.org/automotive-technology).
Career Outlook
What work can I get and how much can I earn?
Auto technology positions are found everywhere. Experienced mechanics with leadership ability sometimes advance to shop supervisor or service manager. Those who work well with customers may become service estimators or open their own repair shops.
JOB TITLE: Automotive Service Technician / Mechanic
- Annual Earnings: $24,080 to $72,460
- What They Do: Repair automobiles, trucks, buses, and other vehicles. Master mechanics repair virtually any part on the vehicle or specialize in the transmission system.
JOB TITLE: Bus and Truck Mechanic and Diesel Engine Specialist
- Annual Earnings: $38,220 to $94,110
- What They Do: Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.
To explore these professions in more detail or find out about other growing professions, visit onetonline.org.
Salary ranges reflect 10% to 90% of annual earnings per data sourced from Economic Modeling Specialists International (www.economicmodeling.com); data includes the North Bay Region (Marin, Napa, Solano and Sonoma) and San Francisco County.
Key Contacts
Who do I contact if I have questions?
PLAN: Call the Counseling Office at (415) 485-9432
OTHER QUESTIONS: Call COM's Career Programs Dept at (415) 457-8811 x8200
PROGRAM QUESTIONS: Call the Automotive Dept.
- Auto Technology – Nick Fara (415) 457-8811 x8531
- Auto Collision Repair – Ron Palmer (415) 457-8811 x8532
READY TO GET STARTED?
Why Choose College of Marin for Automotive Technology?
- State-of-the-Art Automotive Facility: College of Marin has over $9 million invested in providing the most up-to-date training environment.
- High-Quality Instruction for High Wage Industries: CTE programs at College of Marin prepare students for high-wage and high-demand careers at a fraction of the expense of private programs. Our instructors are highly experienced industry professionals recognized as experts in their respective fields who understand their industry’s needs and trends. Our graduates enter the workforce with comprehensive work skills and the ability to be innovative critical thinkers.
- Affordable and Accessible: College of Marin classes are open to all and cost only $46 per unit for California residents. Financial aid and student support services are available to those who qualify. Class meeting times and locations are convenient to the working student’s schedule.
- Small Class Size: Most classes have 10-22 students. This low student-to-teacher ratio allows instructors to work individually with students as needed while covering material in-depth.
- Agency ASE certification for technicians as part of the program, an important industry certification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What else should I know?
Are there any pre-requisites?
No, there are no requirements or prerequisites. However, good working English is essential.
Can I take classes in the evening?
Yes, classes are available in the evenings, great for working students,
How do I get a high paying job in auto repair and technology?
- Going through the program and flourishing is what gets you a high paid job.
- The range varies greatly, typically $15-$30/hr for entry-level, can go up and is often commission-based. A top Technician in a dealership will make over $100K/year plus benefits. Mid-level jobs typically earn $23-24/hr.
Can I work on my friends or (if I’m already working) a customer’s car?
No. Only allowed to work on school cars or your own car. COM has a very strict policy about this, due to liability concerns.
How do I get started?
To get started, you need to enroll at College of Marin and should meet with a career counselor (who can help you with planning your education, direct you to financial alternatives, and more!)
- See College of Marin Enrollment Services or Apply Online
- Contact a Counselor today at
- (415) 485-9432
- (415) 485-9430
What tools do I need to have?
You need to have your own tools to enter the workforce, but not to start at College of Marin. College of Marin has all you need to complete your education.
You will need a toolbox when you finish and find a job. Fortunately, College of Marin has an agreement with Snap-On, half off for College of Marin students. Other agreements exist too, to help you get started. Most students get their tools in the last semester to take advantage of these deals.
The average student needs to spend $5-10K for a toolbox. A Master Technician will have over $40K in tools.
PLEASE NOTE: This program is subject to change! For the most up-to-date information and to plan an individualized education plan, please see a College of Marin Counselor.
This program is eligible for financial assistance under the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA). For information about opportunities for financial aid, please contact Enrollment Services at (415) 457-8811 Ext. 8822 or admissions@marin.edu.
Gainful Employment - For more information about College of Marin graduation and completion rates, the median debt of students who have completed our programs, and other important gainful employment information, please visit www1.marin.edu/gainful-employment.
