Automotive Technology

Welcome to Opportunities in Automotive Technology

The Automotive Technology program at Saddleback College combines contemporary technology with old-school elbow grease to produce shop-ready Automotive Technicians who can do a little bit of everything. Students receive training in practical garage skills, as well as customer service, cooperative and problem-solving skills, for a well-rounded higher education experience.

For those looking for even more hands-on training, Saddleback College offers Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) internships, through partnerships with local dealerships and independent businesses.

Potential Salaries

$45,840 - $101,430

Per Year

Explore Transfer

Visit the Transfer Center Website

to discover your options.

Potential Careers

Fuel Cell Technician

Automotive Master Mechanic

Automotive Body Repairer

Automotive Engineering Technician

Hiring Companies

Penske

Mossy Automotive Group

CarMax

Many More!

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is Automotive Technology really in demand?

Yes! Set the foundation for a high-paying career. Get your Automotive Technology career in gear. Here are just a few of the many careers and their average salaries.

Automotive Technician - $45,840

Automotive Specialty Technician - $45,840

Fuel Cell Technician - $69,950

Automotive Master Mechanic - $45,840

Automotive Body Repairer - $48,830

Automotive Engineering Technician - $60,850

Automotive Engineer (w/ further education) - $101,430

What degrees and/or certificates are offered at Saddleback?

Saddleback College offers five associate degrees and five certificates in Automotive Technology.

For more information about these programs, you can also visit the main Saddleback website’s Automotive Technology page.

General Automotive Technician (Associate in Science)
General Automotive Technician (Certificate of Achievement)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Specialist (Associate in Science)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Specialist (Certificate of Achievement)
Automotive Chassis Specialist (Associate in Science)
Automotive Chassis Specialist (Certificate of Achievement)
Automotive Engine Performance Specialist (Associate in Science)
Automotive Engine Performance Specialist (Certificate of Achievement)
Automotive Engine Service Specialist (Associate in Science)
Automotive Engine Service Specialist (Certificate of Achievement)

Which regional employers are hiring?

Bridgestone Americas * Firestone Complete Auto Care * Icahn Automotive Group * Valvoline Instant Oil Change * Goodyear * Penske * Pep Boys * Mossy Automotive Group * CarMax * DCH Auto Group * Oremor Automotive Group * And Many More! *

Can I contact the department or faculty?

The Automotive Technology Department (VIL 7) can be contacted at (949) 348-6078.

Raj Dhillon, Sr. Lab Tech - (949) 348-6078

What is the cost to complete the program and is financial aid available?

Saddleback College is proud to be Orange County’s premier provider of low-cost career education. See the 2019 Cost of Education Statement for the most recent information on cost of attendance.

For financial aid, visit the Student Financial Assistance & Scholarship Office online, for details on financial assistance sources, including grants, loans, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and more!

Do you have questions? Talk to a Counselor!

If you have questions about this program or anything else at Saddleback College, we're here to help you.

Schedule An Appointment

Testimonials

I'm career-ready because of the caliber of the auto tech instructors, who take the time to ensure that students are fully prepared. I’m already working in the field, and my employer hired me because I am in the automotive technology program at Saddleback.

“

Hayley Perrault

I chose to attend Saddleback because of the strength of its theatre technology program. I’ve learned from the best and with the help of faculty, I was hired for an internship in Los Angeles that further solidified my technical skills and enabled me to make valuable connections with professionals in the industry.

“

Jacqueline Brooks

The Horticulture and Landscape Design program is a fantastic path to truly develop technical and real-world skills that have provided me and many others with successful careers in the field.

“

Mitchell Inokuchi