Local Automotive Training Comparisons

Best Auto Mechanic Schools In St. Louis Ranked For 2026

Compare 5 automotive school options within 50 miles of St. Louis. Compare credentials, costs, and program details alongside each institution’s location.

Edited By Taylor RupeUpdated September 8, 2026 · Our Methodology

Missouri geographic illustration for the best auto mechanic schools in St. Louis guide — Missouri · Geographic Illustration

Schools Compared: 5
Annual Tuition From: $4,440
Missouri Median Pay: $49,160
Missouri Employment: 17,210

Campus location and award type are the first useful distinctions. If you are comparing the best auto mechanic schools in St. Louis, this search covers 5 nearby school options. The May 2025 BLS OEWS median wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $49,160 statewide in Missouri.

The schools span Missouri and Illinois, so residency can change the tuition category. Louis reaches into Illinois as well as Missouri, while the closest private campus and largest public total differ. A map comparison puts Ranken Technical College at 1.2 straight-line miles, while Saint Louis Community College reports the most awards, 71. The nearby mix covers certificate and associate degree options.

Distances are straight-line estimates from a representative point in St. Louis to each institution’s federally reported location. They measure geographic proximity, not driving time or the location of every teaching site. Salary figures below describe Missouri, not this city.

Compare The Best Auto Mechanic Schools In St. Louis

Ranked schools receive a comparison score from automotive credential awards (50%), annual institution-wide tuition (30%), and schoolwide graduation rate (20%). These measures help compare reported scale, cost, and institutional completion. Read The Full Ranking Method.

School	Location	Annual In-State Tuition	Automotive Awards
Saint Louis Community College	Bridgeton, MO	$4,440	71
Ranken Technical College	Saint Louis, MO	$16,680	58
Lewis and Clark Community College	Godfrey, IL	$7,000	23
East Central College	Union, MO	$4,608	5
Jefferson College	Hillsboro, MO	$7,050	8

Tuition is the institution’s annual undergraduate figure for 2024–25, excluding fees, tools, housing, and other expenses. Awards are credentials reported in 2023–24, not a count of unique graduates. Blank cells indicate an omitted measure.

Bridgeton, MO · 12.9 Miles From St. Louis

Saint Louis Community College

54.1Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Stackable ASE Pathway

This pathway fits a student who wants stackable credentials, broad eight-area ASE coverage, and shop training open to first-time learners and working technicians.

St. Louis Community College offers Automotive Technology certificates of proficiency, certificates of specialization, and an AAS so students can match credential length to their goals. Classroom instruction and shop practice cover all eight ASE areas, vehicle inspection, safe work, diagnosis, repair tools, and technology used in current service shops.

Saint Louis Community College is 12.9 straight-line miles from St. Louis and offers certificate and associate degree options across 71 awards. Annual institution tuition is $4,440 in state and $6,300 out of state. The 21% graduation rate is schoolwide.

Annual In-State Tuition: $4,440
Automotive Awards: 71
Schoolwide Graduation: 21%

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026

Credential Choices: St. Louis Community College offers a Certificate of Proficiency, Certificate of Specialization, and Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology.
St. Louis Community College Automotive Technology
Eight ASE Areas: Students build skills across all eight Automotive Service Excellence areas through classroom learning and hands-on shop practice.
St. Louis Community College Automotive Technology
Diagnostic Process: The program teaches students to inspect vehicles, find the source of problems, and select repair procedures using shop tools and technology.
St. Louis Community College Automotive Technology
Credits And Teaching Site: STLCC lists its automotive programs at Forest Park, with 61 hours for the AAS, 43 for the Certificate of Proficiency, and 15 for the Certificate of Specialization.
St. Louis Community College Automotive Technology

Explore Saint Louis Community College Federal School Record ↗

Saint Louis, MO · 1.2 Miles From St. Louis

Ranken Technical College

51.6Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePrivate nonprofit

Four-Semester Hands-On Program

This program fits a student who wants a structured four-semester route, hands-on activity, evening scheduling, and manufacturer-linked technician pathways.

Ranken Technical College’s Automotive Maintenance Technology program is a four-semester course of study offered in St. Louis and Wentzville. Students attend hands-on classes four days each week, with evening scheduling available, and can pursue manufacturer-linked technician tracks through an ASE Education Foundation-accredited program.

Ranken Technical College is 1.2 straight-line miles from St. Louis and offers certificate and associate degree options across 58 awards. Annual institution tuition is $16,680 for both in-state and out-of-state students. The 53% graduation rate is schoolwide.

Annual In-State Tuition: $16,680
Automotive Awards: 58
Schoolwide Graduation: 53%

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026

Program Length: Ranken describes Automotive Maintenance Technology as a four-semester program with hands-on classes four days each week.
Ranken Technical College Automotive Maintenance Technology
Campus Options: The program is offered at Ranken’s St. Louis campus and at Ranken West in Wentzville, Missouri.
Ranken Technical College Automotive Maintenance Technology
ASE Accreditation: Ranken identifies both locations as accredited by the Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation.
Ranken Technical College Automotive Maintenance Technology
Evening Schedule: Ranken says students can take classes in the evening, allowing daytime employment alongside the four-semester program.
Ranken Technical College Automotive Maintenance Technology
Manufacturer Tracks: Brand-specific options include Toyota T-TEN, Honda PACT, Ford ASSET, GM ASEP, and Nissan Technician Training Academy.
Ranken Technical College Automotive Maintenance Technology

Explore Ranken Technical College Federal School Record ↗

Godfrey, IL · 22.0 Miles From St. Louis

Lewis and Clark Community College

38.9Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Small Classes And Diagnostic Equipment

Lewis and Clark combines one-on-one instruction with the scanners and alignment equipment used in its automotive facilities.

Lewis and Clark Community College pairs small automotive classes with scanners, computerized alignment, and diagnostic equipment. The AAS and certificate options cover service specialties, and the program maintains automotive-industry partnerships and a transfer route to Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Annual In-State Tuition: $7,000
Automotive Awards: 23
Schoolwide Graduation: 44%

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026

Diagnostic Equipment: Students use handheld scanners, computerized alignment, and diagnostic equipment in the automotive facilities.
Automotive Technology
Class Size: The college describes small classes that allow one-on-one instruction.
Automotive Technology
Award Options: Alongside the AAS, certificates include Driveline, Suspension and Brakes; Performance, Accessories and HEV; and Undercar.
Automotive Technology
Industry Partners: The automotive program identifies partnerships with Robert’s Motors and Lou Fusz Auto Group.
Automotive Technology
Transfer Route: Automotive students have a transfer route to Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Automotive Technology

Explore Lewis and Clark Community College Federal School Record ↗

Union, MO · 42.1 Miles From St. Louis

East Central College

28.6Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Full-Time Shop Training In Washington

East Central fits students who can commit to a fall-start daytime block and want a gradual move from bench practice to customer repairs. The certificate credits carry into the AAS, with general education available through the main campus or online.

East Central College's Automotive Technology AAS is a two-year, 62-credit partnership with Four Rivers Career Center in Washington. New students start in fall and attend full time in a morning or afternoon block. Shop practice progresses from bench units to running engines, program vehicles, and customer automobiles; a 35-credit certificate can carry into the degree.

Annual In-State Tuition: $4,608
Automotive Awards: 5
Schoolwide Graduation: 48%

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026

Degree And Certificate: The AAS requires 62 credits over two years. A 35-credit Certificate of Achievement consists of automotive courses, and its credits carry forward to the associate degree.
East Central College Automotive Technology
Fall Entry And Daily Schedule: New students enter in fall and attend full time, choosing a morning or afternoon block at Four Rivers Career Center in Washington.
East Central College Automotive Technology
Progressive Shop Practice: Students begin on bench units, then work on live engines on stands, vehicles owned by the program, and finally customer automobiles.
East Central College Automotive Technology
General Education Format: The degree includes 16 hours of math, English, and communication courses. These are offered at East Central College’s main campus or through online study.
East Central College Automotive Technology
Course Sequence: East Central’s current course list includes ASE Brakes, ASE Suspension/Steering, ASE Manual Drive, Auto Transmission/Transaxle, ASE Engine Repair, ASE Electrical Systems, ASE Engine Performance, and Heating and Air Conditioning.
East Central College Automotive Technology Courses

Explore East Central College Federal School Record ↗

Hillsboro, MO · 31.0 Miles From St. Louis

Jefferson College

20.5Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Repair Labs With Industry Management

Jefferson is a useful fit for students who want a short certificate option or a longer degree with substantial separate lab courses. The AAS also introduces automotive industry management, while internships offer an optional way to add workplace experience.

Jefferson College offers a 25-credit automotive certificate and a 74-credit AAS in Hillsboro. The degree’s later work pairs advanced electrical, engine performance, drivetrain, and air-conditioning classes with separate labs. An Automotive Industry Management course adds service-business preparation, and technical internships are available as optional coursework.

Annual In-State Tuition: $7,050
Automotive Awards: 8
Schoolwide Graduation: 38%

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026

Certificate And Degree Requirements: The April 2026 requirements sheet lists a 25-credit certificate and 74-credit AAS. The degree map distributes the AAS across four semesters of 17, 20, 19, and 18 credits.
April 2026 Automotive Degree And Certificate Requirements March 2026 Automotive AAS Degree Map
Advanced Courses With Separate Labs: The AAS pairs Advanced Engine Performance and Advanced Electrical Systems with three-credit labs. Driveline Mechanics and Automotive Air Conditioning also have separate three-credit labs.
April 2026 Automotive Degree And Certificate Requirements
Automotive Industry Management: The degree requires two-credit AUTO 258 Automotive Industry Management in its final semester, alongside advanced electrical work and automotive air conditioning.
March 2026 Automotive AAS Degree Map April 2026 Automotive Degree And Certificate Requirements
Optional Technical Internships: The requirements sheet lists Technical Internship I, II, and III as optional courses carrying one to three credits each.
April 2026 Automotive Degree And Certificate Requirements
Required Shop Clothing: Students must have safety glasses, sturdy work boots, and two Jefferson College automotive work shirts for the program.
Jefferson College Automotive Technology

Explore Jefferson College Federal School Record ↗

Best Auto Mechanic Schools In St. Louis

The city point anchors the comparison; each school adds its own credential and cost figures. Ranken Technical College sits 1.2 straight-line miles from Saint Louis Community College reports the most awards, with 71. The schools include certificate and associate degree routes; straight-line distance is a map measure, not a driving estimate.

This search is easier when you decide between a fast certificate and a broader degree first. Saint Louis Community College lists $4,440 in state and $6,300 out of state. Ranken Technical College lists $16,680 for both in-state and out-of-state tuition. Lewis and Clark Community College lists $7,000 for both in-state and out-of-state tuition. Schools with both residency categories show separate in-state and out-of-state tuition.

This market includes close and longer-distance options with different tuition categories. Saint Louis Community College offers certificate and associate degree options at 12.9 straight-line miles; Ranken Technical College offers certificate and associate degree options at 1.2 straight-line miles; Lewis and Clark Community College offers certificate and associate degree options at 22 straight-line miles. 5 nearby schools offer an associate degree. Credential and campus remain the local measures, with the statewide wage as background.

Auto Mechanic Pay In Missouri

The May 2025 BLS survey reports a $49,160 median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics in Missouri, across 17,210 jobs. The median is the midpoint for the occupation, not an offer to new graduates.

10th Percentile: $34,950
Median: $49,160
90th Percentile: $76,870

Experience, employer, and the work you do affect where you fall in that spread. Explore Auto Mechanic Salaries.

School Credentials And ASE Certification

A college certificate is an academic credential; professional ASE certification requires passing the relevant ASE test and satisfying its work experience rule. For the A1–A9 automobile tests, that rule is two years of qualifying repair experience. You can take most tests before completing the experience requirement, but passing alone does not make you certified.

Completing an ASE-accredited automotive program can count for one year of that experience. An eligible ASE-accredited manufacturer co-op program can count for the full two years when it includes the required hands-on work. These substitutions cannot be combined. Source: ASE Work Experience Rules.

Our certificate and associate degree comparison explains the academic routes, while the ASE certification guide covers professional credentials. The school cost guide separates tuition, fees, and tools.

St. Louis Auto Mechanic School Questions

What Is The May 2025 Wage Reference For St. Louis?

The May 2025 BLS OEWS median for automotive service technicians and mechanics in Missouri is $49,160. The middle figure is a statewide occupation measure, with the 10th percentile at $34,950 and the 90th percentile at $76,870.

Which Campus Is Closest To St. Louis?

Ranken Technical College is 1.2 straight-line miles from St. Louis and shows 58 awards across certificate and associate degree credentials. Its schoolwide graduation rate is 53%.

Which School Has The Most Listed Awards Near St. Louis?

Saint Louis Community College lists $4,440 in annual in-state institution tuition and $6,300 out of state. It also shows 71 awards in the St. Louis comparison.

Sources For These School Comparisons

School records and program sources checked September 8, 2026. Federal figures retain their original reporting years; program details cite the school’s published requirements and costs. Send A Correction.

Best Auto Mechanic Schools In St. Louis Ranked For 2026

Compare The Best Auto Mechanic Schools In St. Louis

Saint Louis Community College

Program Details

Ranken Technical College

Program Details

Lewis and Clark Community College

Program Details

East Central College

Program Details

Jefferson College

Program Details

Best Auto Mechanic Schools In St. Louis

Auto Mechanic Pay In Missouri

School Credentials And ASE Certification

St. Louis Auto Mechanic School Questions

Sources For These School Comparisons

Continue Comparing Auto Mechanic Schools