Auto Mechanic Careers Information
We’ve all been there: You’re driving and suddenly your car makes an odd noise, or starts handling weirdly. Something’s wrong, but who knows what it is? If you’re the person who can figure out the problem just by hearing the sound it’s making, you might want to consider becoming an auto mechanic.
Auto Mechanic Careers & Degrees
- Art Institutes: The Art Institutes International - Minnesota
Lincoln College of Technology: West Palm Beach
Lincoln Technical Institute: Union
Mechanics have to diagnose and repair a multitude of possible troubles in all types of cars. With the advent of more complex computer and electronic systems in vehicles, as well as alternative fuels like ethanol, mechanics must keep up to date with the latest technologies. They use visual inspections, test drives, and computer diagnostics to determine what the problem is, and then fix it with power tools, pneumatics, and hand tools. Some mechanics specialize in areas such as brakes, air-conditioning, front end, or transmissions.
Auto Mechanic Careers Path
Many mechanics get their start taking automotive classes in high school, community college, or vocational school. Others learn by assisting more experienced mechanics. Many car makers and dealers sponsor 2-year associate degree training programs, and the best programs nationally are those recognized by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), which also certifies mechanics after two years of experience in a given area, plus completing a test.
Auto Mechanic Careers Salary Expectations
The median salary for auto mechanics is $38,634. The highest auto mechanic salaries are for those who work at independent companies or franchises, while those who work in government are paid less.
- 1-4 years = $32,406
- 5-9 years = $40,467
Auto Mechanic Careers Compatible Personality Traits
Good eyesight and good with their hands, analytical, in good shape physically, can handle stress, patient, detail oriented, good communicator, multi-tasker
Auto Mechanic Interview
To find out what it takes to succeed in an auto mechanic career, Read more by a Auto Mechanic…
Auto Mechanic Careers Job Outlook
Opportunities in the field are expected to increase 9-17% by 2014. Although there will continue to be increases in the number of vehicles on the road, there will also be a higher level of dependability and quality in those cars, resulting in a lower need for repairs. The highest increase will be for mechanics in dealerships.
Slightly off the Footpath
- Motorcycle Repair
- Truck Repair
- Airplane Mechanic
- Appliance Technician
- Car Insurance Estimator
