Are you a car lover? Do you like the sound of the engine buzzing? Does analyzing, repairing, and assembling automotive parts excite you?
If yes, then a career as an automotive mechanic might be the perfect fit for you. It is one of the few professions that pays well, offers consistent work, and doesn’t necessarily require a degree.
So, let’s see what the job entails, what education it requires, and what it takes to become an automotive mechanic.
What is an Automotive Mechanic’s job?
Automotive mechanics perform inspections, diagnostic testing, repairs, and maintenance of cars and light trucks. They also make sure that the vehicles they work on are safe to take on the road and wouldn’t require any major repairs on the way.
Their duties also include:
Other than these, some automotive mechanics decide to specialize in an area and perform only related jobs.
What Job Roles do Auto Mechanics have?
An automotive mechanic is a general working role that evolves as you gain experience and complete certifications. Completing an ASE certification can introduce you to different career opportunities across the industry. You can be called one of the following few:
Pathway to becoming an Automotive Mechanic?
As stated earlier, becoming an auto mechanic doesn’t require any specific qualifications. But the scenario can change from one state to another. For example, California has no formal eligibility requirements to work in an auto repair workshop.
Technically speaking, there are no specific job qualifications for auto repair workers in general. The state of California, for example, has no formal certification or training requirements to work in a repair shop.
However, the level of competition can make it somewhat tough to break into this field without minimum education and training. So, here is the recommended pathway for becoming an automotive mechanic.
Most employers have a pile of applications on their desks, and it gets really tough to stand out among the crowd. The easiest way to differentiate yourself from others is to get a high school diploma or an equivalent GED certificate.
These credentials would show that you have the fundamental mathematics and science knowledge to deal with most problems.
Although aspirants without a high school diploma or GED would also make excellent mechanics, employers consider it a bare minimum level of education.
Because of these expectations, applying to nearly any career field without a diploma or GED can be challenging, especially a field as demanding as auto repair.
Enrolling yourself in an auto mechanic course or associate program would prove to be an amazing investment. This will give you hands-on training and get you familiarized with basic auto workshop tasks.
The training programs can vary in duration from 6 months to a year, but it is definitely worth investing in them. In fact, some schools provide job placement assistance and help you secure paid internships as well.
Almost all employers wish to see a considerable number of hours before hiring a full-time automotive mechanic or technician.
So, an internship or prior experience will increase your employment chances and also get you a better per hour wage.
Besides basic education and hands-on experience, industry certifications also give your career a significant boost.
Thankfully, many auto mechanics, service, and repair certifications can help you advance in this field and compete for high-paying jobs.
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, or ASE https://www.asme.org/ is a well-known and high-authority organization working to improve vehicle repair and services quality.
They also offer different certifications in the form of programs and trainings that cover topics like engine repair, brakes, heating and air conditioning, suspension, steering, and many other critical subjects.
This means an employer is likely to trust your knowledge and skills if you have a certification from ASE.
How much do Auto Mechanics earn?
An auto mechanic’s salary depends on the years of experience, type of expertise (body parts), and the scope of responsibilities. The mechanics employed by small repair and workshops get somewhat lesser per hour wage.
On the other hand, mechanics hired by large dealerships and car brands are paid handsomely.
Still, the median average salary for an automotive mechanic in 2020 was $45,050 per year.
However, the salary can vary depending on the employer, company size, and the state of your employer.
For example, different states pay the following annual salaries to the mechanics:
What is the Job Outlook of an Automotive Mechanic?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the employment of automotive service mechanics is projected to show little or no change from 2020 to 2030. This means there is neither a decline nor a rise in work demand.
However, despite limited to no employment growth, about 69,000 openings for automotive service technicians and mechanics are projected each year over the decade.
These openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who either retire or transfer to another occupation.
So, if you are willing to invest your time in becoming an auto mechanic, rest assured that you will have many job opportunities. All depends on your skill and effort!
If yes, then a career as an automotive mechanic might be the perfect fit for you. It is one of the few professions that pays well, offers consistent work, and doesn’t necessarily require a degree.
So, let’s see what the job entails, what education it requires, and what it takes to become an automotive mechanic.
What is an Automotive Mechanic’s job?
Automotive mechanics perform inspections, diagnostic testing, repairs, and maintenance of cars and light trucks. They also make sure that the vehicles they work on are safe to take on the road and wouldn’t require any major repairs on the way.
Their duties also include:
Other than these, some automotive mechanics decide to specialize in an area and perform only related jobs.
What Job Roles do Auto Mechanics have?
An automotive mechanic is a general working role that evolves as you gain experience and complete certifications. Completing an ASE certification can introduce you to different career opportunities across the industry. You can be called one of the following few:
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