Auto Technician in Indiana: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Indiana employs 16,480 auto technicians, with a statewide median of $49,360 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Indiana licensing picture, and where to train.
What Auto technicians Earn in Indiana (May 2025)
- Indiana median pay
- $49,360 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $35,800
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $62,710
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $78,580
- Employed in Indiana
- 16,480
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $49,670 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for auto technicians in major Indiana markets:
- Indianapolis
- $50,530 (5,600 employed)
- Fort Wayne
- $49,810 (1,240 employed)
- South Bend
- $49,080 (670 employed)
- Evansville
- $47,920 (740 employed)
- Terre Haute
- $46,840 (410 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Indiana
Prices in Indiana run about 7% below the national average (cost-of-living index 93.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $49,360 median stretches to roughly $52,905 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Indiana (2024–2034)
Indiana is projected to grow auto technicians employment +4.5%, about in line with the +4.2% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,520 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Indiana License and Certification Requirements
None required — ASE certifications are the industry standard — regulated by the No Indiana state license required for auto technicians.
- Indiana does not require a state license for auto technicians. Complete a 2-year automotive technology program at Ivy Tech Community College, Vincennes University, or employer OJT.
- Earn ASE certifications (A1–A9 series, Master Technician). Indiana dealerships and major service chains require ASE credentials for senior technician roles.
- Apply to new car dealerships across Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend; independent shops; and fleet operators. Indiana's large automotive manufacturing presence creates strong technician demand.
Official requirements: No Indiana state license required for auto technicians →
Training in Indiana
Indiana is home to major Stellantis (formerly Chrysler) assembly plants (Kokomo, Tipton) and Honda's North America operations center in Marysville, OH (affecting the Indiana supply chain). Ivy Tech's automotive programs are widely available statewide. Indiana's large RV manufacturing industry (Elkhart County — the RV capital of the world) also creates significant diesel and auto tech demand.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Indiana include:
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Indianapolis — Certificate / Associate
- Ivy Tech Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis — Certificate / Associate
- Vincennes University — Certificate / Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: Mechanical thinkers who like troubleshooting tangible systems.
Think twice if: You want clean, quiet work or dislike changing technology and tight labor times.
Why it's resilient: Vehicles still need physical diagnosis, repair, inspection, and customer trust, even as tools get smarter.
First Steps
Look into ASE-aligned programs, apprenticeships, and entry-level shop roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do auto technicians make in Indiana?
The median wage for auto technicians in Indiana is $49,360 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $35,800, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $78,580. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Auto Technician in Indiana?
None required — ASE certifications are the industry standard, overseen by the No Indiana state license required for auto technicians. Indiana does not require a state license for auto technicians. Complete a 2-year automotive technology program at Ivy Tech Community College, Vincennes University, or employer OJT.
Is being an Auto Technician a good career in Indiana?
Vehicles still need physical diagnosis, repair, inspection, and customer trust, even as tools get smarter.
Which Indiana metros pay auto technicians the most?
Among Indiana metro areas, Indianapolis leads at $50,530, followed by Fort Wayne ($49,810), South Bend ($49,080). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become an Auto Technician in Indiana?
Real Indiana options include Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Indianapolis, Ivy Tech Community College, Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis. Most auto technicians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Auto Technician a growing career in Indiana?
Indiana projects auto technicians employment to change +4.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,520 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Indiana statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-3023. Licensing summary compiled from the No Indiana state license required for auto technicians (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Indiana wages · Indiana licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.