South Carolina's Automotive Technology pathway provides comprehensive training for careers in automotive service, repair, and diagnostics. This four-level program prepares students to service increasingly complex modern vehicles equipped with advanced electronics, computerized systems, and alternative fuel technologies. With South Carolina's strong automotive manufacturing presence and extensive network of dealerships and service centers, demand for skilled automotive technicians remains consistently high.
The pathway follows a progressive sequence building from foundational automotive systems knowledge through advanced diagnostics and repair procedures. Students work with modern diagnostic equipment, manufacturer-specific tools, and actual vehicles in fully equipped automotive laboratories. The curriculum aligns with ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) standards and prepares students for multiple ASE certifications upon graduation or soon after workforce entry.
South Carolina's Automotive Technology programs emphasize both traditional mechanical systems and emerging automotive technologies including hybrid and electric vehicle systems, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and connected vehicle technologies. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are prepared for careers servicing current vehicles while adapting to the rapidly evolving automotive industry.
Automotive Technology at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
5
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
South Carolina's Automotive Technology standards align with ASE Education Foundation (NATEF) standards and incorporate manufacturer-specific training requirements. State standards emphasize safety protocols, diagnostic procedures, electrical/electronic systems, engine performance, brake systems, suspension and steering, and alternative fuel technologies. The framework ensures students are prepared for ASE certification testing and industry employment expectations.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Automotive Technology 1: Fundamentals and Safety | AUTO-101 |
| Automotive Technology 2: Engine Systems and Performance | AUTO-201 |
| Automotive Technology 3: Chassis and Electrical Systems | AUTO-301 |
| Automotive Technology 4: Advanced Diagnostics and Service | AUTO-401 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓ASE Entry-Level Certification
- ✓NOCTI Automotive Technology
- ✓NOCTI Automotive Collision and Body Repair
- ✓EPA 609 Certification
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓Forklift Operator Certification
- ✓MSSC Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)
- ✓MSSC Certified Logistics Technician (CLT)
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 Service Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $35,540 - $61,000
Adjusted for cost of living: $38,141
Automotive Master Technician
ExperiencedSalary range: $35,540 - $61,000
Adjusted for cost of living: $49,313
Automotive Service Advisor
ExperiencedSalary range: $35,540 - $61,000
Adjusted for cost of living: $49,313
Diesel Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $46,210 - $61,400
Adjusted for cost of living: $49,592
Automotive Service Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $35,540 - $61,000
Adjusted for cost of living: $49,313
Recent News
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students participate in cooperative education placements at automotive dealerships, independent repair shops, and fleet maintenance facilities throughout South Carolina. Work-based learning includes apprenticeships with master technicians, participation in manufacturer-sponsored training programs, and hands-on experience with diverse vehicle makes and models. Many programs have formal partnerships with dealership networks providing structured training pathways.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps South Carolina CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
South Carolina Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with South Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as South Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in South Carolina
Automotive Collision Repair Technology
South Carolina's Automotive Collision Repair pathway develops technicians for the automotive repair industry. The state's vehicle population and active automotive supply chain create demand. Students master frame straightening, welding, metal finishing, painting, and parts replacement. They work on actual vehicles in school shops and collision repair facilities. Graduates work as collision repair technicians, frame technicians, refinish specialists, or shop supervisors. Employment opportunities exist with collision repair shops, insurance companies, dealerships, and franchise repair networks throughout South Carolina.
Transportation, Distribution & LogisticsDiesel Engine Technology
South Carolina's Diesel Technology pathway develops technicians for diesel engines used in trucks, buses, and heavy equipment. The state's trucking and transportation industries create strong demand. Students study diesel engine systems, fuel systems, emissions controls, and diagnostics. They work on actual diesel engines and heavy equipment. Graduates work as diesel mechanics, heavy equipment technicians, fleet maintenance specialists, or service advisors. Employment opportunities exist with trucking companies, bus fleets, equipment dealers, and independent shops throughout South Carolina.
Transportation, Distribution & LogisticsMechatronics Technology
South Carolina's Mechatronics Technology pathway represents the state's commitment to advanced manufacturing excellence. As part of the modernized Advanced Manufacturing cluster, this program prepares students for high-demand careers in automated manufacturing systems that combine mechanical engineering, electronics, robotics, and computer control systems. The Palmetto State's strong manufacturing sector—including automotive, aerospace, and advanced materials production—creates substantial demand for skilled mechatronics technicians. Students in this pathway gain hands-on experience with industrial robots, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), pneumatic and hydraulic systems, and computer-aided manufacturing equipment. The curriculum balances theoretical understanding with practical application, preparing students for industry certifications and immediate employment or advanced postsecondary education in engineering technology. South Carolina's strategic location as a southeastern manufacturing hub, combined with major investments from companies like BMW, Boeing, and Volvo, creates exceptional career opportunities for mechatronics graduates. The pathway's emphasis on emerging technologies like Industry 4.0, IoT integration, and smart manufacturing systems ensures students are prepared for the future of manufacturing.
Advanced ManufacturingRelated Glossary Terms
Work-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.
AssessmentCompetency-Based Education
Competency-Based Education (CBE) is an instructional approach where students advance by demonstrating mastery of specific knowledge and skills rather than by accumulating seat time. In CTE, CBE aligns naturally with industry expectations, as employers value demonstrated competency over time spent in training.
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