Mechatronics Programs.com

Alabama · AS in Mechatronics

Best Mechatronics Associate Programs in Alabama, Ranked (2026)

Alabama has aggressively recruited international auto manufacturing investment since the early 1990s. Mercedes-Benz Tuscaloosa, Hyundai Montgomery, Honda Lincoln, and the newer Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA in Huntsville together create the densest US auto-manufacturing employer base in the Southeast. University of North Alabama (UNA) in Florence runs the only mechatronics-titled associate degree in our verified AL directory, the AS in Mechatronics, designed as a stackable credential within UNA's broader engineering technology pathway. Shoals-area location feeds the broader AL automotive Tier-1 supplier base.

Taylor Rupe, editor of MechatronicsPrograms.com

edited by , b.s. computer science · software engineer

updated

AL programs ranked

1

SACSCOC institutional

AL technician median

$55K-$63K

SOC 17-3027, BLS OEWS

AL auto OEMs

4

MBUSI, HMMA, Honda, MTMUS

Cost of living

85%

Of US average, strong purchasing power

The best mechatronics associate program in Alabama, ranked

University of North Alabama's AS in Mechatronics is the only mechatronics-titled associate degree in our verified Alabama directory. UNA is a four-year university (not a community college) that offers the AS as a stackable credential within its broader engineering technology pathway.

#1

Florence, AL

AS in Mechatronics

University of North Alabama

The University of North Alabama's two-year Associate of Science in Mechatronics (technically AS rather than AAS — note the university-program structure) is housed inside UNA's Department of Engineering and Industrial Professions in the new Science and Technology Building. The hands-on curriculum builds toward entry-level control and automation technician roles, with embedded Controls Systems and Mechanical Systems certificates that students earn en route to the degree. Florence, Alabama placement footprint covers automotive suppliers in the Huntsville-Decatur-Florence corridor, plus TVA-area utilities and the broader Tennessee Valley manufacturing base.

Tuition

$11,430/yr

Duration

24 mo

Format

On-campus

Accred.

Regionally accredited (SACSCOC)

Visit program page →

Overall

65

of 100

Click any factor for details

25% 70
15% 60
15% 65
15% 70
15% 50
10% 70
5% 65

Why Alabama is one of the strongest auto-manufacturing technician states

Alabama has built one of the most successful state-level industrial recruitment programs in the country since the early 1990s. The state lured Mercedes-Benz US International (MBUSI) to Tuscaloosa with a 1993 incentive package that became a model for international auto manufacturing recruitment. Honda Manufacturing of Alabama opened in Lincoln in 2001 (Odyssey, Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline). Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama opened in Montgomery in 2005 (Santa Fe, Sonata, Tucson, Santa Cruz, plus the new IONIQ 5). Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA, a joint venture between Mazda and Toyota, opened in Huntsville in 2021 (Toyota Corolla Cross, Mazda CX-50).

Together, these four major OEMs employ over 30,000 workers in Alabama, with another 50,000+ employed at Tier-1 and Tier-2 suppliers across the state. For mechatronics technicians specifically, every one of these plants is heavily automated and requires steady mechatronics-technician hiring across body shop, paint, assembly, and increasingly EV-related work.

UNA's AS in Mechatronics + Shoals manufacturing

University of North Alabama is located in Florence in the Shoals area of northwest Alabama (the cities of Florence, Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia, and Sheffield together comprise the Shoals metropolitan area). UNA is a four-year regional public university with about 9,000 students. The AS in Mechatronics is offered as a stackable credential within UNA's broader Engineering Technology Department.

The Shoals area has a long manufacturing heritage centered on Reynolds Metals (now Wise Alloys) aluminum production, plus growing diversified manufacturing across automotive Tier-1 suppliers, fabrication, and aerospace components. UNA's engineering technology programs feed directly into Shoals-area employer hiring plus broader Alabama auto OEM and supplier hiring.

Top Alabama employers hiring mechatronics technicians

Mercedes-Benz US International (MBUSI, Vance)

Mercedes' Tuscaloosa County plant (Vance, AL). Builds the GLE-Class and GLS-Class SUVs plus the Mercedes-EQE and EQS SUVs (EV models). About 4,500 direct employees. Heavy mechatronics-technician hiring. Started as Mercedes' first US plant and remains one of Mercedes' most-recognized US manufacturing operations.

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA, Montgomery)

Hyundai's Montgomery plant. Builds Santa Fe, Sonata, Tucson, Santa Cruz, plus the IONIQ 5 EV. About 3,000 direct employees plus 12,000+ at related Tier-1 suppliers in the Montgomery corridor.

Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (Lincoln)

Honda's Lincoln, AL plant. Builds the Honda Odyssey minivan, Pilot SUV, Passport, and Ridgeline pickup. About 4,500 employees. Heavy mechatronics-technician hiring.

Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA (MTMUS, Huntsville)

The newest major AL OEM, opened in 2021 as a joint venture between Mazda and Toyota. Builds the Toyota Corolla Cross and Mazda CX-50. About 4,000 employees. Newer plant with significant EV-readiness in its automation infrastructure.

Auto Tier-1 supplier base

Several hundred Tier-1 and Tier-2 automotive suppliers across AL. Examples: Denso, Aisin, Bosch, Hyundai Mobis, Magna, Plastic Omnium, Lear, plus dozens of smaller specialized suppliers.

Boeing Decatur, AL (Aerospace)

Boeing's Decatur, AL operations focused on space launch systems including the Space Launch System (SLS) for NASA Artemis and Delta IV rockets (legacy). Specialized aerospace mechatronics work.

Redstone Arsenal (Huntsville)

Major Army research and development installation in Huntsville. Federal employment plus dozens of defense contractor support operations. Heavy mechatronics work across missile defense, aviation, and space systems.

Aerospace cluster (Huntsville)

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, plus Blue Origin and Boeing Decatur operations, plus dozens of aerospace contractors. Huntsville is one of the densest US aerospace engineering markets per capita.

Mechatronics technician salary in Alabama

  • Mechanical Engineering Technologists (SOC 17-3027) in AL: median around $55,000 to $63,000.
  • Mechanical Engineering Technicians (SOC 17-3024) in AL: median around $52,000 to $58,000.
  • Entry-level AS graduate wages: $40,000 to $50,000 typical. Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Honda, and MTMUS pay at the upper end.
  • With 3-5 years experience plus a Siemens SMSCP or FANUC robotics credential: $55,000 to $68,000 typical.
  • Cost of living in Alabama runs around 85 percent of US average overall, with Huntsville running closer to 92 percent and smaller cities running 80-85 percent. Among the strongest purchasing-power markets for engineering wages in the country.

From AS to bachelor's: Alabama continuation pathways

UNA AS graduates have several continuation options:

  • UNA bachelor's engineering technology programs: direct internal continuation from the AS into UNA's bachelor's coursework.
  • Auburn University engineering BS programs: Auburn is Alabama's flagship engineering school with multiple ABET-EAC accredited programs.
  • University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa) engineering: ABET-EAC accredited mechanical and electrical engineering.
  • University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) engineering: heavy aerospace and defense engineering focus with strong Redstone Arsenal employer ties.
  • MTSU Mechatronics Engineering BS (Tennessee, but ACM-eligible for AL residents): Academic Common Market allows AL residents to attend MTSU at in-state TN tuition (~$9,500/year). Strong ABET-EAC mechatronics engineering option.

Paying for UNA's mechatronics AS

  • UNA in-state tuition: around $11,500 per year (university-tier pricing).
  • Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP): need-based state aid for AL residents.
  • Federal Pell Grants: up to $7,395 per year for eligible students.
  • Alabama community college transfer: students can start at Calhoun Community College, Wallace State, or other AL Community College System schools at lower tuition then transfer to UNA. This is a common cost-saving pathway.
  • Employer tuition assistance: many AL auto OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers offer tuition reimbursement for current employees pursuing relevant degrees.

Best Alabama cities for mechatronics technician careers

Florence / Shoals area

Home to UNA. Diversified manufacturing including aluminum (Wise Alloys), auto Tier-1 suppliers, and growing aerospace components. Strong cost-of-living value.

Tuscaloosa metro (Vance)

Mercedes-Benz US International is the dominant employer. Plus University of Alabama engineering programs.

Montgomery metro

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. State capital plus the densest Tier-1 supplier base in AL.

Huntsville metro

Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA plus the aerospace and defense employer cluster (NASA Marshall, Redstone Arsenal, Boeing Decatur, Blue Origin Huntsville). Highest engineering wages in AL.

Lincoln / Talladega

Honda Manufacturing of Alabama dominates. Plus broader east-central AL Tier-1 supplier base.

Birmingham

Largest AL metro. Less auto-manufacturing-specific but diversified manufacturing plus health care and finance engineering.

How we ranked Alabama mechatronics associate programs

Every program scored on our 7-factor methodology: accreditation (25 percent), program leadership (15 percent), pathways and laddering (15 percent), delivery format (15 percent), employer signal (15 percent), cost and affordability (10 percent), reputation (5 percent). See the full methodology breakdown. UNA scores well on employer signal (broader AL auto OEM placement reach) and pathways (clean internal continuation into UNA's bachelor's ET programs).

Alabama mechatronics associate: frequently asked questions

Where can I get a mechatronics associate degree in Alabama?
University of North Alabama (UNA) in Florence runs the AS in Mechatronics, the only mechatronics-titled associate degree in our verified Alabama directory. Note UNA is a four-year university offering an associate as part of its broader engineering pathway, not a community college. The program sits in the Shoals area of northwest AL with placement into the broader AL auto-manufacturing supply chain feeding Mercedes-Benz Tuscaloosa, Hyundai Montgomery, Honda Lincoln, and Toyota Huntsville/Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA.
What does a mechatronics technician earn in Alabama?
BLS state OEWS data for Mechanical Engineering Technologists (SOC 17-3027) in Alabama shows median wages around $55,000 to $63,000. Entry-level AS graduates start at $40,000 to $50,000 in AL manufacturing. Mercedes-Benz Tuscaloosa, Hyundai Montgomery, and Toyota-Mazda Huntsville pay competitively at the upper end. Alabama's low cost of living (around 85 percent of US average) gives engineering wages strong purchasing-power outcomes.
Can I transfer the UNA AS to UNA's bachelor's programs?
Yes. UNA designed the AS in Mechatronics as a stackable credential within UNA's broader engineering technology pathway. Students can complete the AS and continue directly into UNA's bachelor's level engineering technology coursework. Plus the AS articulates into other AL bachelor's programs at Auburn engineering and University of Alabama engineering.
How much does the UNA mechatronics AS cost?
UNA in-state tuition runs around $11,500 per year (university-tier pricing rather than community college pricing). Federal Pell Grants up to $7,395 stack on top for eligible students. Alabama State Tuition Assistance Program adds additional state aid for AL residents. For students who specifically want community-college pricing for mechatronics in Alabama, look at Calhoun Community College and other AL Community College System options (we have not yet vetted those for this directory).
Why is Alabama growing as a mechatronics state?
Alabama has aggressively recruited international auto manufacturing investment since the early 1990s. Mercedes-Benz Tuscaloosa (Vance, AL) was the first Mercedes US plant. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (Montgomery) builds Hyundai Santa Fe, Sonata, and Tucson. Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (Lincoln, AL) builds the Honda Odyssey and Pilot. Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA (Huntsville) is a joint venture building Toyota Corolla Cross and Mazda CX-50, opened in 2021. Together these create the densest US auto-manufacturing employer base in the Southeast, with steady mechatronics-technician hiring.

Sources

Other ways to look at AL mechatronics

Related rankings

Career

Mechatronics Technician Career Profile

BLS data, day-to-day, skills, advancement.