If you've always loved cars and you enjoy solving problems and working with your hands, you might enjoy a career as a mechanic.
As long as you've got a high school diploma, you can typically start work as a mechanic after just one or two years of additional schooling.
A lot of a mechanic's education comes in the form of on–the–job training, so you'll likely work under supervision for several years.
What Does a Mechanic do?
Mechanics figure out what's wrong with a vehicle and how to fix the problem. If you like solving puzzles, this is the career for you.
Becoming a mechanic requires only limited education after high school, although some specialists complete years of training.
Continue reading to learn what's required of a mechanic and exactly what you'll need to do if you want to become one.
Job Duties
Mechanics identify or diagnose problems with vehicles, then plan a work procedure to fix the problem.
They might also conduct tests of parts or systems and perform basic preventive care, such as oil changes.
Mechanics repair or replace any of the mechanical parts of a vehicle, although some specialize in a particular group of parts.
Mechanics are also often responsible for explaining the problems and repairs to their clients, so they need good customer service skills.
Physical Requirements
Being a mechanic is a pretty physically demanding job that requires you to frequently work in uncomfortable positions.
This career also requires a lot of manual dexterity. You'll need to be able to maneuver your fingers or a tool into small gaps.
Stamina is also important because mechanics tend to work long hours and spend the duration of their shifts on their feet.
Because mechanics work with heavy parts and tools, workplace injuries are fairly common. Most of these are minor cuts and bruises.
Work Environment
About a third of all mechanics work in automobile dealerships. The rest work in smaller repair shops or parts stores.
Some mechanics work for government agencies or private companies maintaining fleet vehicles.
While shops are typically well–ventilated, they're also exposed to the outside. Extreme temperatures are normal during the winter and summer.
Most mechanics work full–time. In a retail environment, evening and weekend shifts are common.
How to Become a Mechanic: Step by Step
Continue reading to learn more about how to become a mechanic and the necessary requirements.
Step 1: Get a High School Diploma or the Equivalent
While a high school diploma isn't technically required to be a mechanic, most trade programs and employers require one.
If you have access to a shop or automotive program at your high school, you can get a jump start on your career.
Focus on math and science courses, where you'll learn concepts that will help you better understand mechanical workings and measurements.
If you haven't earned a high school diploma, there are online high school completion programs available to earn your GED.
Step 2: Complete a Trade Program
Most community colleges have an automotive program that offers either a one–year certificate or an associate's degree.
Look for a program that has a lot of hands–on practice in addition to classroom learning.
Programs that are accredited or certified offer you the best training and education for your career as a mechanic.
Step 3: Work as a Trainee under Supervision
Once you have your certificate or degree, look for an entry–level position at a repair shop.
Typically, you won't work as a mechanic on your own until you've been working under supervision for at least a year or two.
During this time, you'll also learn specific policies, protocols, and procedures related to the company you work for.
Step 4: Get Specialized Training
Many mechanics decide they want to specialize in a particular part of a car, a specific type of car, or even a single manufacturer.
Different automotive manufacturers have their own training programs that earn you certification on their vehicles.
A manufacturer's certification means you can work for dealerships. Dealerships are some of the highest–paying employers for mechanics.
Step 5: Increase Your Value with ASE Certification
Becoming certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) signals that you're a master mechanic.
ASE–certified mechanics are eligible for higher rates of pay, supervisory positions, and greater flexibility.
Additionally, many states waive testing or licensing requirements for ASE–certified mechanics.
Once you get your certification, it has to be renewed every year to make sure you're staying on top of your skills.
Average Salary of a Mechanic
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), mechanics earn an average salary of $49,690 per year, nationwide.
The highest–paid mechanics work for the local government or automobile dealerships.
Top–paying states include the District of Columbia, Alaska, California, Washington, and New Jersey.
The top five highest–paying metropolitan areas are in California, clustered particularly in the Bay Area.
Higher pay for this career typically corresponds with a higher cost of living in the general area.
Mechanic Job Outlook
According to the BLS, employment of mechanics is expected to show little to no change in the decade from 2021 to 2031.
Despite this limited growth, openings persist. The BLS estimates you'll see around 73,300 openings nationwide every year.
Most of those openings happen because mechanics move to different locations, transition to different occupations, or retire.
Additionally, more electric vehicles could lead to fewer jobs for mechanics. These vehicles tend to require less maintenance.
However, if you get training in the maintenance of electric vehicles, you'll have skills that can more easily adapt to the changing market.
Learn About Becoming a Mechanic Today
Contact Best Accredited Colleges today for more information about becoming a mechanic.
