Auto Technician in Texas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Texas employs 69,750 auto technicians, with a statewide median of $48,310 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Texas licensing picture, and where to train.
What Auto technicians Earn in Texas (May 2025)
- Texas median pay
- $48,310 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $29,360
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $62,270
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $81,720
- Employed in Texas
- 69,750
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $49,670 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for auto technicians in major Texas markets:
- Houston
- $50,940 (14,910 employed)
- Austin
- $50,610 (5,210 employed)
- Dallas–Fort Worth
- $49,720 (17,690 employed)
- San Antonio
- $46,880 (6,320 employed)
- El Paso
- $44,250 (2,080 employed)
- McAllen
- $39,920 (1,620 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Texas
Prices in Texas run about 3% below the national average (cost-of-living index 97.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $48,310 median stretches to roughly $49,753 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Texas (2024–2034)
Texas is projected to grow auto technicians employment +11.2%, faster than the +4.2% projected nationally. The state expects about 7,480 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Texas License and Certification Requirements
None required — ASE certification is the industry standard — regulated by the No Texas state license required.
- No state license is needed to work as an auto technician in Texas.
- ASE certifications (voluntary, national) are what employers use to judge skill and set pay tiers — start with ASE G1 or A-series after 2 years of experience (1 year with a 2-year program).
- Manufacturer training programs (Toyota T-TEN, Ford ASSET, GM ASEP) at Texas community colleges combine paid dealership work with an associate degree.
Official requirements: No Texas state license required →
Training in Texas
Texas's huge vehicle fleet keeps demand steady. Dealership programs in Houston, DFW, San Antonio, and Austin often sponsor students. EV-specific training is increasingly valuable as Texas EV adoption grows.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Texas include:
- Alvin Community College — Certificate
- Amarillo College — Certificate / Associate
- Angelina College — Certificate / Associate
- Austin Community College District — 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 Texas?
The median wage for auto technicians in Texas is $48,310 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $29,360, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $81,720. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Auto Technician in Texas?
None required — ASE certification is the industry standard, overseen by the No Texas state license required. No state license is needed to work as an auto technician in Texas.
Is being an Auto Technician a good career in Texas?
Vehicles still need physical diagnosis, repair, inspection, and customer trust, even as tools get smarter.
Which Texas metros pay auto technicians the most?
Among Texas metro areas, Houston leads at $50,940, followed by Austin ($50,610), Dallas–Fort Worth ($49,720). 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 Texas?
Real Texas options include Alvin Community College, Amarillo College, Angelina 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 Texas?
Texas projects auto technicians employment to change +11.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 7,480 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), Texas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-3023. Licensing summary compiled from the No Texas state license required (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 Texas wages · Texas 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.