Career Definition for a Volkswagen Car Mechanic
A Volkswagen car mechanic is responsible for repairing and servicing Volkswagen vehicles. A Volkswagen mechanic needs to be an expert on all the parts of Volkswagen vehicles and understand how they work with each other. Volkswagen car mechanics will have to know how to repair and service the brakes, transmissions, engines, front ends, back ends, air conditioners, and the ignition system.
| Education | Certificates and associate degrees available, along with certification through the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence |
| Job Skills | Mechanical skills, computer programs, communication, customer service |
| Median Salary (2021) | $46,880 for automotive service technicians and mechanics |
| Job Growth (2021-2031) | 1% for automotive service technicians and mechanics |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Education Required
According to the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence, most car mechanics need to be ASE-certified. While training and studying for your ASE exam, you will learn how to repair a car's parts and systems. You will also learn how to diagnose any problems with vehicles and understand customer relations. Some community colleges and technical schools offer associate's degrees or professional certificates in automotive technology. These programs will help students to gain basic automotive repair and maintenance skills, which can be supplemented with Volkswagen-specific on-the-job training.
Skills Required
Volkswagen car mechanics are required to continuously update their mechanical skills and learn about the new Volkswagen vehicles as they enter the marketplace. As automotive technology continues to advance, it is essential to understand the new computer programs and how they work in vehicles. Excellent communication and customer service skills are needed to work closely with vehicle owners and to answer any questions they may have about the work their Volkswagen vehicles may need.
Economic and Career Outlook
Certified Volkswagen car mechanics can find work all over the country, because automobiles are the number one option for transportation. Volkswagen car mechanics may also branch out and apply their general repair and maintenance skills to other makes of cars and trucks, increasing their overall career opportunities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated the median annual salary among all automotive service technicians, including Volkswagen mechanics, as $46,880 in May 2021. Jobs in this field are expected to show little or no change (1%) from 2021-2031, per the BLS.
Alternate Career Options
Diesel Mechanic
Diesel mechanics have received postsecondary vocational education or on-the-job training in the maintenance and repair of diesel engines. These mechanics are qualified to work on trucks, buses, and other vehicles with diesel engines. Related duties can include general repair work such as on brake lines or transmissions, tire changes, and wheel alignment. Professional certification is available through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE); it is voluntary. Diesel mechanics may also need to have a Commercial Driver's License. There's an average rate of job growth expected for diesel mechanics from 2021-2031; the BLS predicts 4%. The median annual pay rate for diesel mechanics was $48,690 in 2021, per the BLS.
Automotive Body and Glass Repairer
Automotive body and glass repairers evaluate damaged car parts, prepare estimates, and fix or replace pieces as appropriate. For example, they replace broken windshields and doors, and repair structural damage, too, using specialized tools. Automotive body and glass repairers can prepare for this job through postsecondary vocational and community college programs followed by on-the-job training. Professional certification is available through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair. The BLS reports that jobs in this field can be expected to increase 3% from 2021-2031. Those who specialize in auto body repair earned median pay of $47,270 in 2021, while those who specialize in auto glass repair earned $37,920.
