Auto Technician in Minnesota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Minnesota employs 11,980 auto technicians, with a statewide median of $58,390 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Minnesota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Auto technicians Earn in Minnesota (May 2025)
- Minnesota median pay
- $58,390 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $38,310
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $73,250
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $83,180
- Employed in Minnesota
- 11,980
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $49,670 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for auto technicians in major Minnesota markets:
- Minneapolis
- $60,490 (7,180 employed)
- Fargo
- $59,510 (600 employed)
- Sioux Falls
- $59,190 (720 employed)
- Duluth
- $52,640 (650 employed)
- Rochester
- $49,920 (480 employed)
- St. Cloud
- $48,490 (640 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Minnesota
Prices in Minnesota run about 1% below the national average (cost-of-living index 98.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $58,390 median stretches to roughly $59,219 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Minnesota (2024–2034)
Minnesota is projected to grow auto technicians employment +3.3%, slower than the +4.2% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,370 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Minnesota License and Certification Requirements
No state license; ASE certification (voluntary) — regulated by the No license required — ASE certification is the industry standard.
- Minnesota 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 Minnesota
Dealer/manufacturer training plus ASE certs raise your rate fastest; EV/hybrid skills are increasingly valuable.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Minnesota include:
- Alexandria Technical & Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Anoka Technical College — Certificate / Associate
- Central Lakes College-Brainerd — Certificate / Associate
- Century 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 Minnesota?
The median wage for auto technicians in Minnesota is $58,390 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $38,310, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $83,180. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Auto Technician in Minnesota?
No state license; ASE certification (voluntary), overseen by the No license required — ASE certification is the industry standard. Minnesota does not license auto technicians.
Is being an Auto Technician a good career in Minnesota?
Vehicles still need physical diagnosis, repair, inspection, and customer trust, even as tools get smarter.
Which Minnesota metros pay auto technicians the most?
Among Minnesota metro areas, Minneapolis leads at $60,490, followed by Fargo ($59,510), Sioux Falls ($59,190). 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 Minnesota?
Real Minnesota options include Alexandria Technical & Community College, Anoka Technical College, Central Lakes College-Brainerd. Most auto technicians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Auto Technician a growing career in Minnesota?
Minnesota projects auto technicians employment to change +3.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,370 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), Minnesota 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 Minnesota wages · Minnesota 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.