Tennessee's Automotive Technology pathway provides comprehensive training for careers in automotive service, repair, diagnostics, and related transportation fields. This program prepares students to service increasingly complex modern vehicles equipped with advanced electronics, computerized systems, hybrid/electric powertrains, and driver assistance technologies. With Tennessee's automotive manufacturing presence including Nissan, General Motors, and Volkswagen, plus extensive dealership and service networks, skilled automotive technicians are consistently in demand throughout the state.
The pathway follows a progressive sequence building from fundamental automotive systems through advanced diagnostics and specialized repair procedures. Students work with modern diagnostic equipment, manufacturer-specific tools, and actual vehicles in fully equipped automotive laboratories. The curriculum aligns with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards and prepares students for ASE certifications recognized by Tennessee automotive employers. Safety, professionalism, and customer service skills are emphasized throughout the program.
Tennessee's Automotive Technology programs emphasize both traditional mechanical systems and emerging automotive technologies including hybrid and electric vehicle systems, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), connected vehicle technologies, and alternative fuels. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are prepared for careers servicing current vehicles while adapting to the rapidly evolving automotive industry. Strong partnerships with Tennessee dealerships and automotive businesses provide work-based learning and employment opportunities.
Automotive Technology at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
5
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Tennessee's Automotive Technology standards align with ASE Education Foundation (NATEF) standards and incorporate manufacturer-specific training requirements. State standards emphasize automotive safety protocols, diagnostic procedures, engine performance, electrical/electronic systems, brake systems, suspension and steering, heating and air conditioning, manual and automatic transmissions, and hybrid/electric vehicle systems. The framework ensures students are prepared for ASE certification testing and Tennessee automotive industry employment expectations.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Automotive Technology I: Fundamentals | C13100 |
| Automotive Technology II: Engine Systems | C13101 |
| Automotive Technology III: Chassis and Electrical | C13102 |
| Automotive Technology IV: Advanced Diagnostics | C13103 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓MSSC Certified Logistics Technician (CLT)
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED
- ✓ASE Student Certification
- ✓ASE Entry-Level Certification
- ✓NOCTI Automotive Technology
- ✓NOCTI Automotive Collision and Body Repair
- ✓EPA 609 Certification
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
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: $37,660 - $61,790
Adjusted for cost of living: $40,705
Automotive Master Technician
ExperiencedSalary range: $37,660 - $61,790
Adjusted for cost of living: $51,297
Automotive Service Advisor
ExperiencedSalary range: $37,660 - $61,790
Adjusted for cost of living: $51,297
Diesel Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $48,410 - $71,290
Adjusted for cost of living: $52,324
Automotive Service Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $37,660 - $61,790
Adjusted for cost of living: $51,297
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students participate in cooperative education placements at automotive dealerships, independent repair shops, and fleet maintenance facilities throughout Tennessee. Work-based learning includes apprenticeships with master technicians, participation in manufacturer-sponsored training programs at Tennessee automotive facilities, hands-on experience with diverse vehicle makes and models, and summer automotive employment. Many Tennessee automotive programs have formal partnerships with dealership networks providing structured training pathways and employment pipelines.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Tennessee CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Tennessee Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Tennessee's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Tennessee standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Tennessee
Advanced Manufacturing
Tennessee's Advanced Manufacturing pathway prepares students for careers in modern manufacturing that combines traditional machining with advanced technologies including automation, robotics, computer numerical control (CNC), and additive manufacturing. As one of Tennessee's largest employment sectors, manufacturing provides substantial career opportunities throughout the state, from automotive production in Middle Tennessee to advanced materials manufacturing in East Tennessee. The pathway emphasizes both fundamental manufacturing skills and emerging industry technologies. Students gain hands-on experience with precision measurement, machine operations, quality control procedures, manufacturing safety protocols, and computer-aided manufacturing systems. The curriculum integrates STEM concepts with practical manufacturing skills, preparing students for industry certifications recognized by Tennessee's manufacturing employers. Tennessee's Advanced Manufacturing pathway benefits from the state's robust manufacturing sector including automotive assembly, aerospace components, chemical production, and advanced materials. Strong industry partnerships provide students with authentic manufacturing experiences, apprenticeship opportunities, and direct employment pathways. Graduates are prepared for immediate employment as manufacturing technicians, pursuit of advanced manufacturing certifications, or continuation to manufacturing engineering technology degree programs.
Advanced ManufacturingIndustrial Maintenance Technology
Tennessee's Industrial Maintenance Technology pathway equips students for careers maintaining and repairing industrial equipment in manufacturing facilities throughout the state. As manufacturing modernizes, demand grows for technicians who understand electrical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and predictive maintenance technologies. Students develop competencies in troubleshooting mechanical and electrical systems, reading equipment schematics, using diagnostic instruments, and performing preventive maintenance. Laboratory work includes hands-on experience with motors, compressors, conveyors, and control systems. Graduates work as maintenance technicians, equipment specialists, predictive maintenance analysts, or shift supervisors at factories, power plants, and industrial complexes across Tennessee. Competitive wages ($45,000-$65,000) and strong job security make this a highly desirable pathway.
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.
AssessmentReady to Build Automotive Technology Programs at Scale?
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