Missouri's Automotive Technology pathway prepares students for careers as automotive technicians, service advisors, and automotive specialists. The program covers all major vehicle systems including engines, transmissions, electrical systems, brakes, steering, and suspension, with increasing emphasis on hybrid/electric vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Students work with modern diagnostic equipment, manufacturer-specific scan tools, and computerized service information systems. Training includes both gasoline and diesel engines, with hands-on experience diagnosing and repairing actual customer vehicles in many programs.
Missouri's automotive pathway benefits from partnerships with dealerships, independent repair shops, and automotive manufacturers. Many programs are certified by ASE Education Foundation or aligned with manufacturer-specific training programs (GM ASEP, Toyota T-TEN, etc.), providing direct pathways to employment with participating employers.
Automotive Technology at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
5
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Missouri's Automotive Technology pathway aligns with ASE Education Foundation standards and NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation) accreditation requirements. Programs must meet DESE's Career Education Standards and prepare students for ASE student certifications in multiple areas. The curriculum emphasizes diagnostic procedures, proper tool usage, workplace safety, and customer service skills essential for automotive service professionals.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Automotive Fundamentals | AUTO101 |
| Engine Performance | AUTO201 |
| Automotive Electrical Systems | AUTO301 |
| Advanced Automotive Technology | AUTO401 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓NOCTI Engineering Technology
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
- ✓TRUST (Recreational UAS Safety Test)
- ✓Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA)
- ✓Autodesk Certified User - Inventor
- ✓Autodesk Certified User - AutoCAD
- ✓Unity Certified User - Programmer
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.
Automotive Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $37,290 - $60,960
Adjusted for cost of living: $40,639
Diesel Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $47,600 - $70,990
Adjusted for cost of living: $51,874
Service Advisor
Entry LevelAdjusted for cost of living: $55,798
Automotive Service Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $37,290 - $60,960
Adjusted for cost of living: $50,905
Master Technician
ExperiencedSalary range: $44,010 - $71,230
Adjusted for cost of living: $53,727
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Cooperative education with dealerships and repair shops. Summer employment with automotive service providers. Apprenticeships with independent shops. Internships at fleet maintenance facilities.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Missouri CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Missouri Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Missouri's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Missouri standards and industry needs evolve
Related Glossary Terms
CTE Pathways
CTE Pathways are structured sequences of courses within a Career Cluster that prepare students for a specific group of related occupations. Pathways combine academic and technical instruction, providing a clear roadmap from introductory courses through advanced, specialized training aligned with industry standards and postsecondary opportunities.
ProgrammaticStandards 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.
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 Missouri.