Auto Technician in Kansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Kansas employs 6,240 auto technicians, with a statewide median of $47,790 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Kansas licensing picture, and where to train.
What Auto technicians Earn in Kansas (May 2025)
- Kansas median pay
- $47,790 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $31,970
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $63,000
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $77,340
- Employed in Kansas
- 6,240
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $49,670 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for auto technicians in major Kansas markets:
- Kansas City
- $53,790 (5,380 employed)
- Topeka
- $48,320 (510 employed)
- Wichita
- $47,800 (1,330 employed)
- St. Joseph
- $47,180 (330 employed)
- Joplin
- $46,320 (590 employed)
- Manhattan
- $44,410 (240 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Kansas
Prices in Kansas run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 90.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $47,790 median stretches to roughly $53,041 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Kansas (2024–2034)
Kansas is projected to grow auto technicians employment +2.1%, slower than the +4.2% projected nationally. The state expects about 620 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Kansas License and Certification Requirements
No state license; ASE certification (voluntary) — regulated by the No license required — ASE certification is the industry standard.
- Kansas does not license auto technicians.
- Train through a community-college automotive program or a dealer/independent shop apprenticeship.
- Earn ASE certifications (A1–A8) as you gain experience — they drive pay and hiring.
Official requirements: No license required — ASE certification is the industry standard →
Training in Kansas
Dealer/manufacturer training plus ASE certs raise your rate fastest. Steady demand around Wichita, Kansas City, and Topeka.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Kansas include:
- Barton County Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Butler Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Coffeyville Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Cowley County Community College — 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 Kansas?
The median wage for auto technicians in Kansas is $47,790 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $31,970, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $77,340. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Auto Technician in Kansas?
No state license; ASE certification (voluntary), overseen by the No license required — ASE certification is the industry standard. Kansas does not license auto technicians.
Is being an Auto Technician a good career in Kansas?
Vehicles still need physical diagnosis, repair, inspection, and customer trust, even as tools get smarter.
Which Kansas metros pay auto technicians the most?
Among Kansas metro areas, Kansas City leads at $53,790, followed by Topeka ($48,320), Wichita ($47,800). 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 Kansas?
Real Kansas options include Barton County Community College, Butler Community College, Coffeyville Community College. Most auto technicians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Auto Technician a growing career in Kansas?
Kansas projects auto technicians employment to change +2.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 620 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), Kansas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-3023. Licensing summary compiled from the No license required — ASE certification is the industry standard (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 Kansas wages · Kansas 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.