Auto Technician in Tennessee: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Tennessee employs 16,210 auto technicians, with a statewide median of $50,290 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Tennessee licensing picture, and where to train.
What Auto technicians Earn in Tennessee (May 2025)
- Tennessee median pay
- $50,290 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $34,820
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $63,790
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $79,930
- Employed in Tennessee
- 16,210
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $49,670 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for auto technicians in major Tennessee markets:
- Nashville
- $58,700 (5,150 employed)
- Chattanooga
- $51,020 (1,320 employed)
- Memphis
- $50,490 (2,980 employed)
- Clarksville
- $49,570 (730 employed)
- Knoxville
- $48,540 (2,280 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Tennessee
Prices in Tennessee run about 8% below the national average (cost-of-living index 91.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $50,290 median stretches to roughly $54,723 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Tennessee (2024–2034)
Tennessee is projected to grow auto technicians employment +8.1%, faster than the +4.2% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,850 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Tennessee License and Certification Requirements
None required — ASE certifications are the industry standard — regulated by the No Tennessee state license required for auto technicians.
- Tennessee does not require a state license for auto technicians. The entry path is completing a 2-year automotive technology program at a TCAT campus, community college, or employer OJT.
- Earn ASE certifications (A1–A9 series, Master Technician). Most dealerships and major service chains in Tennessee require ASE credentials for senior technician roles.
- Apply to dealerships, independent shops, or fleet operators. Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga all have significant automotive service markets.
Official requirements: No Tennessee state license required for auto technicians →
Training in Tennessee
TCAT campuses statewide offer automotive service technology programs. Tennessee has a significant automotive manufacturing presence (Nissan Smyrna, GM Spring Hill, Volkswagen Chattanooga, Ford's BlueOval City in Stanton) that creates technician demand throughout the supply chain and dealer network.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Tennessee include:
- Chattanooga State Community College — Certificate
- Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga — Certificate
- Nashville Auto-Diesel College — Certificate / Associate
- North Central Institute — 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 Tennessee?
The median wage for auto technicians in Tennessee is $50,290 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $34,820, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $79,930. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Auto Technician in Tennessee?
None required — ASE certifications are the industry standard, overseen by the No Tennessee state license required for auto technicians. Tennessee does not require a state license for auto technicians. The entry path is completing a 2-year automotive technology program at a TCAT campus, community college, or employer OJT.
Is being an Auto Technician a good career in Tennessee?
Vehicles still need physical diagnosis, repair, inspection, and customer trust, even as tools get smarter.
Which Tennessee metros pay auto technicians the most?
Among Tennessee metro areas, Nashville leads at $58,700, followed by Chattanooga ($51,020), Memphis ($50,490). 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 Tennessee?
Real Tennessee options include Chattanooga State Community College, Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga, Nashville Auto-Diesel 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 Tennessee?
Tennessee projects auto technicians employment to change +8.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,850 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), Tennessee statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-3023. Licensing summary compiled from the No Tennessee 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 Tennessee wages · Tennessee 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.