Auto Mechanic Apprenticeships in Tennessee
Tennessee has 11 registered apprenticeship sponsors training auto mechanics — 2 of them union or joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one and finish without tuition debt.
Registered sponsors
11
Union / joint programs
2
Median auto mechanic wage
$47,460
Tennessee, all experience levels
Job growth 2022–2032
+19.5%
2,110 openings/yr
Largest Registered Sponsors
Union and joint labor-management programs are listed first — they typically pay the best apprentice rates and charge no tuition.
| Sponsor | City | Program type |
|---|---|---|
| Arconic Union / joint | ALCOA | Single Employer |
| UT-Battelle LLC - Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Union / joint | Oak Ridge | Single Employer |
| Automotive Technician Development Training | Clarksville | Multiple Employer |
| Chattanooga State Community College | Chattanooga | Multiple Employer |
| Dobbs Technical Institute | Memphis | Single Employer |
| GREATER MEMPHIS AUTO DEALERS ASSOCIATION | MEMPHIS | Multiple Employer |
| NAPA AUTO PARTS | Jackson | Multiple Employer |
| NORTH KNOXVILLE CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM | Knoxville | Single Employer |
| Northwest Corrections | TIPTONVILLE | Single Employer |
| TCAT KNOXVILLE | Knoxville | Multiple Employer |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov).
What Auto Mechanics Earn in Tennessee
Wages
- Median annual wage: $47,460
- Average annual wage: $51,880
- Auto Mechanics employed statewide: 16,390
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. Apprentices typically start at 40–50% of the journeyman rate and get scheduled raises.
10-year outlook
- Projected growth 2022–2032: +19.5%
- Average openings per year: 2,110
- Employment: 18,850 → 22,520
Source: Projections Central / state workforce agencies.
Tennessee Licensing for Auto Mechanics
AUTOMOBILE CLUB OR AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION AGENT
- Education: No education required
- Experience: Experience
- Exam: No exam
- Continuing education: No continuing education requirement
Issuing agency: Department of Commerce and Insurance
Source: CareerOneStop License Finder (U.S. Department of Labor). Time spent in a registered apprenticeship generally counts toward license experience requirements.