Kentucky's Automotive Technology pathway prepares students for careers in the state's robust automotive sector, supporting major manufacturers like Toyota and Ford along with thousands of dealerships and independent repair facilities statewide. With evolving vehicle technologies including electric powertrains, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and computerized diagnostics, skilled automotive technicians remain in high demand.
The pathway provides comprehensive training in engine repair, electrical/electronic systems, brakes, steering and suspension, heating and air conditioning, and engine performance diagnosis. Students work with modern diagnostic equipment in well-equipped automotive labs, learning both traditional mechanical skills and emerging technologies essential for servicing today's vehicles.
Kentucky's Automotive Technology programs often incorporate ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification preparation and partnerships with automotive manufacturers and dealerships offering student apprenticeships, tool scholarships, and post-graduation employment opportunities with competitive wages and benefits.
Automotive Technology at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
5
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
The Automotive Technology pathway aligns with Kentucky's CTE standards and National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) standards. Programs prepare students for ASE student certification and Kentucky's end-of-program assessments, emphasizing safety, customer service, and technical competency.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Automotive Technology | 160310 |
| Automotive Systems I | 160320 |
| Automotive Systems II | 160330 |
| Automotive Diagnostics and Service | 160340 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓Forklift Operator Certification
- ✓MSSC Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)
- ✓MSSC Certified Logistics Technician (CLT)
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED
- ✓ASE Student Certification
- ✓ASE Entry-Level Certification
- ✓NOCTI Automotive Technology
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Master Automotive Technician
ExperiencedSalary range: $32,510 - $58,400
Adjusted for cost of living: $44,147
Automotive Service Technician
ExperiencedSalary range: $32,510 - $58,400
Adjusted for cost of living: $44,147
Diesel Technician
ExperiencedSalary range: $46,250 - $62,420
Adjusted for cost of living: $58,616
Service Advisor
ExperiencedAdjusted for cost of living: $46,424
Quick Lube Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $44,530 - $68,740
Adjusted for cost of living: $49,221
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students participate in cooperative education placements with Toyota, Ford dealerships, independent repair shops, and specialty automotive facilities. Many programs offer youth apprenticeship opportunities providing paid work experience while completing high school coursework.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Kentucky CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Kentucky Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Kentucky's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Kentucky standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Kentucky
Related Glossary Terms
Standards Alignment
Standards alignment in CTE refers to the process of ensuring that curriculum, instruction, and assessments directly connect to and address state-adopted CTE standards, academic standards, and industry-recognized competencies. Proper alignment ensures students develop the specific knowledge and skills their state requires for career readiness.
ProgrammaticWork-Based Learning
Work-Based Learning (WBL) encompasses a range of educational strategies that connect classroom instruction with real workplace experiences. Activities include internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, clinical rotations, and cooperative education, all designed to help CTE students apply technical skills in authentic industry settings.
ProgrammaticProgram of Study
A Program of Study (POS) is a coordinated, non-duplicative sequence of academic and CTE courses that spans secondary through postsecondary education. Required under Perkins V, a POS integrates academic content with CTE instruction, includes work-based learning, and leads to an industry-recognized credential or postsecondary degree.
ProgrammaticIndustry Certifications in CTE
Industry certifications in CTE are credentials issued by industry organizations or third-party bodies that validate a student's mastery of specific technical skills and knowledge. Examples include CompTIA A+, AWS Certified Welder, and ServSafe, which demonstrate career readiness to employers in ways that transcend state and district boundaries.
AssessmentReady to Build Automotive Technology Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Automotive Technology in Kentucky.