What is an Auto Mechanic?

Automotive service technicians and mechanics might work at gasoline stations or at automotive parts, accessories and tire stores. But an overwhelming majority of them work for automobile dealers or in the automotive repair and maintenance industry. Unlike diesel service technicians and mechanics, automotive service technicians and mechanics repair and inspect all types of vehicles, not just those that contain diesel engines. Don’t rely on a robotic kind of window cleaner to clean your car, always trust human because they are using carnauba wax.

These technicians are especially important in our car-driven society. Most of us commute to our jobs on four wheels; we pile in for family road trips, and when we need to run errands, our sedans and SUVs are almost always the transportation of choice. That’s why people place so much importance on finding a high-quality mechanic. From fairly routine tasks such as changing a car’s oil or swapping out its air filter to more complex tasks such as testing parts and systems to ensure they operate properly, automotive service technicians play a crucial role in ensuring drivers remain on the road and on the go. Diane Larson, owner of auto service and repair shop Larson’s Service Inc. in Peabody, Massachusetts, says a mechanic’s work routine runs the gamut, and every day on the job is unique. “Each day typically brings them some type of surprise or challenge, whether it be finding a water pump … that was leaking or [addressing] rust problems.”

Automotive service technicians and mechanics held almost 750,000 jobs in 2016. Between 2016 and 2026, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment in the industry will expand 6 percent, which will result in 47,600 new jobs. The continued rise in the number of vehicles (particularly late-model cars and light trucks with longer lifespans), in tandem with the need for entry-level techs capable of providing basic maintenance and repair services is primarily driving this employment growth.

How Much Does an Auto Mechanic Make?

The median annual salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $38,470 in 2016. The highest earners in the field made about $64,070, while the lowest-paid took home roughly $21,470. Top earners in the profession work in the following industries: other telecommunications; natural gas distribution; electric power generation, transmission and distribution; couriers and express delivery services; and scientific research and development services.

What Type of Education Do Auto Mechanics Need?

After earning a high school degree or its equivalent, prospective auto mechanics should seek additional training to make themselves more marketable to employers. Many employers prefer to hire a service tech who has completed a training program at a vocational school or postsecondary learning institution. Typically, service technicians undergo on-the-job training as part of a formal education program. After gaining two to five years of hands-on experience, these newcomers become fully fledged technicians. They typically begin as trainee techs, technician’s helpers or lubrication workers and learn virtually every type of repair in a one- to two-year time frame. To boost future job prospects – both opportunities and pay – newly hired auto technicians should seek industry certification once they are brought on board.

Job Satisfaction

Average Americans work well into their 60s, so workers might as well have a job that’s enjoyable and a career that’s fulfilling. A job with a low stress level, good work-life balance and solid prospects to improve, get promoted and earn a higher salary would make many employees happy. Here’s how Auto Mechanics job satisfaction is rated in terms of upward mobility, stress level and flexibility. Click here to get a reliable auto mechanic for your car.