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Verified by VA Board of Trades

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Licensing in Virginia

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for automotive service technicians and mechanics in Virginia, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in Virginia

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    The Board also regulates individuals who teach and schools that provide training in those areas.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • No continuing education requirement to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation • Board for Barbers and Cosmetology

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $56,320 median (13% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #12 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet Virginia eligibility requirements for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Submit the application to Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation~Board for Barbers and Cosmetology and monitor board communications.
  6. 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Virginia

With a median salary of $56,320, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanicss in Virginia earn 13% above the national median of $49,670. Virginia ranks #12 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+1.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,471

Median annual salary

$56,320

Hourly estimate

$27.08
13% above national median

Difference: +$6,650

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$35,180
  • P2525th percentile$39,730
  • P50Median$56,320
  • P7575th percentile$71,220
  • P9090th percentile$90,640

State vs National Median

State: $56,320
National: $49,670

Total employment: 17,740 | Annual openings: N/A

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary Ranking

#12 of 50 statesfor Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$63,370
#2Alaska$61,950
#3Colorado$59,340
#4New Hampshire$58,460
#5Washington$57,790

Nearby States Comparison

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Virginia$56,320Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Maryland$57,560Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
West Virginia$36,320Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$39,940Degree requiredThird-party exam required1 month
Tennessee$47,460No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
North Carolina$48,530Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Virginia60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Maryland78HighBoard-specific review required.
West Virginia50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
North Carolina54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation • Board for Barbers and Cosmetology

9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA, 23233-1485

Phone: 8043678590

Related Careers in Virginia

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$80,770Specific course requiredVaries by board
Carpenter$50,220Degree requiredVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$69,960Specific course requiredVaries by board
Crane Operator$65,400Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in Virginia?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanicss in Virginia?

Virginia lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanicss.

What education do you need to become a Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in Virginia?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics licensure in Virginia.

What is the typical Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics salary in Virginia?

The median annual salary for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanicss in Virginia is $56,320. Salaries range from $35,180 (10th percentile) to $90,640 (90th percentile).

How does the Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics salary in Virginia compare to the national average?

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanicss in Virginia earn 13% above the national median of $49,670, with a state median of $56,320.

How many Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanicss work in Virginia?

Virginia employs approximately 17,740 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanicss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics license to Virginia from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanicss in Virginia?

The licensing agency is Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation / Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. Review agency details at https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/BarberCosmo/.

How often do you renew a Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics license in Virginia?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.