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What is a Mechanic and What do They do?


Are you considering a career as a mechanic? If you have an aptitude for working with mechanical systems and are interested in learning how to provide basic care and maintenance for automobiles or even airplanes, this profession may be a good fit for you. The most successful professionals in this field tend to be detail-oriented, dexterous, physically strong, and organized. Individuals should also have excellent customer-service, mechanical, and troubleshooting skills. Particularly skilled mechanics may also consider obtaining a business license and opening their own auto shops.

Automotive service technicians and mechanics are responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing cars and light trucks. This can include a wide assortment of activities that range from simple to highly complex. Some of the most common tasks include identifying problems with vehicles, testing parts and systems for functionality, ensuring all critical parts are examined, repairing or replacing worn parts, and explaining maintenance or repair plans and procedures to clients.

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Why Become a Mechanic?


Becoming a mechanic offers job stability, low student debt, advancement opportunities, and the ability to work independently or in teams. There will always be demand for automotive technicians, ensuring steady employment with little risk of outsourcing.

Mechanics can also boast less student loan debt. While many careers require a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions, Mechanics can enter the field through vocational schools or community colleges, which are more affordable than traditional four-year degrees. Paid apprenticeships can help cover expenses while learning the trade. Advancement is also possible, with opportunities to become ASE Master Mechanics or start a business for those with experience and certifications.

Steps to Becoming a Mechanic


Education and training requirements for mechanics vary by state but are generally achievable. While no prior experience is necessary, high school courses in related subjects can provide a solid foundation. Most service technician programs offer comprehensive training, equipping students with the skills needed for entry-level positions. Completing a vocational or postsecondary service technology program is the best route to prepare for most jobs in the field.

Technicians who work with refrigerants must be certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in proper handling procedures. Additional certifications are voluntary, with the most common being the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification, which offers credentials in nine specialty areas. Certification requires two years of experience and passing an exam. However, working as a mechanic can be physically demanding, requiring problem-solving and safety awareness due to the risks associated with large machinery and potential workplace injuries.

  • Step 1: Education Requirements

  • Step 2: Internship or Apprentice

  • Step 3: Licensing and Certifications

  • Step 4: Continuing Education and License Maintenance

steps-to-take-mechanic-careers

Step 1: Education Requirements

At minimum, mechanics will require more than just a high school diploma or GED to find employment. While high school courses in automotive repair, electronics, computers, and mathematics provide a good foundation for future learning, they are not typically sufficient to meet employer hiring standards. Most professionals in this field complete a training program. Acceptable programs may be offered by community colleges, vocational schools, or even automobile manufacturers. Graduates either receive associate degrees or certificates of completion in mechanics.

Associate programs generally consist of 60 credit hours and take full-time students two years to complete. Common courses include mathematics, electronics, and automotive repair. It’s not uncommon to find this type of degree program sponsored by automobile manufacturers. In these cases, students tend to alternate attending classes and working full-time in service shops.

Alternatively, certificate programs often last six months to a year and are designed to provide students with intensive career preparation through classroom instruction and hands-on practice. It’s also worth noting that short-term certificate programs are also available. These programs tend to focus on a single subject, such as brake maintenance or engine performance.

Step 2: Internship or Apprenticeship

Prospective mechanics may benefit from finding an apprenticeship. These programs offer professionals the opportunity to get paid while they gain the skills and experiences necessary to become an ASE certified technician. Some companies offer this type of on-the-job training, with the apprentice working under the direct supervision of an ASE master mechanic. In most states, apprenticeship candidates must have a high school diploma or a GED and a valid driver’s license. It’s not uncommon for employers to require a background check and drug screening.

The duties of an apprentice can vary but generally include performing various basic maintenance tasks on vehicles and writing estimates for repairs.

Some common examples of potential responsibilities are:

  • Changing Brake Pads
  • Inspecting Vehicles
  • Ordering Replacement Parts
  • Replacing Vehicle Fluids
  • Testing Car Batteries
  • Cleaning the Shop
  • Taking Inventory

A potential drawback associated with apprenticeships is the need to own mechanics tools. These items can be expensive. Candidates may also need to work their way up from lower positions before being considered.

Internships differ from apprenticeships because they are generally associated with an academic program. These positions are often unpaid and reserved for students, who may earn class credit for the hours worked. Individuals interested in mechanic internships should speak with their school counselor or advisor.

Step 3: Licensing & Certifications

Every shop handles licensing and certification differently. Some employers require mechanics to have one or more certifications, while other shops do not. It’s important to verify these requirements prior to submitting a job application. Every technician who buys or works with refrigerants has to be certified by the US Environmental Agency (EPA). This requires passing the EPA exam. While no formal preparation is typically required, many training programs address the information covered in the test.

As previously mentioned, the most prominent certification for mechanics is the ASE credential.

ASE certification is available in the following automobile specialty areas:

  • Automatic Transmission / Transaxle
  • Brakes
  • Light Vehicle Diesel Engines
  • Electrical / Electronic Systems
  • Engine Performance
  • Engine Repair
  • Heating and Air Conditioning
  • Manual Drive Train and Axles
  • Suspension and Steering

Mechanics can become certified in any of these areas by obtaining at least two years of experience and passing the associated examination. Relevant academic training can be substituted for a single year of experience if applicable. Those who become certified in all the aforementioned specialties, excluding light vehicle diesel engine, may earn the title of ASE Master Technician. ASE Master Technicians tend to have more job security and make higher salaries.

Step 4: Continuing Education and License Maintenance

As a general rule, the more skills mechanics have, the higher their earning potential. Continuing training and education is a great way to enhance employment prospects and increase hourly salaries. Additionally, the car industry is constantly changing. Staying informed about new makes and models and standard procedures, is incredibly important.

Continuing education opportunities may be found in a wide range of places, including parts suppliers and test-equipment manufacturers. Stakeholder entities like these often offer seminars, on-the-job advice, and troubleshooting suggestions for free or at a discount for clients. Local technical colleges may also offer individual courses or full academic programs that lead to associate degrees. Additionally, many organizations and associations offer continuing education via presentations and resources to their members. At a minimum, school bookstores and libraries are likely to have advanced mechanics textbooks available for purchase or loan.

It’s worth noting that some employers offer continuing education opportunities to their mechanics for free. Many shop owners know the value of up to date training and ensure their workers are familiar with the best and latest techniques and technology.

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Where Might You Work?


Automotive service technicians and mechanics often work for automobile dealers; repair and maintenance shops; or automotive parts, accessories, and tire stores. Some professionals in this field are also self-employed, opting to manage their own auto shops. Most repair shops are well lit and ventilated but they may lack air conditioning. While diagnostics is usually performed using computers and other electronic equipment, maintenance and repairs generally require the use of greasy tools and auto parts. The nature of the work performed also necessitates mechanics stand or be in potentially uncomfortable positions throughout much of the day.

Work schedules will vary, but most professionals have full-time positions that require evening and weekend shifts. On-call rotations and overtime pay are also common.

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Professional Organizations


Some mechanics choose to join professional organizations. There are several options available and each offers a wide variety of perks that can prove beneficial to both current practitioners and students. Students, in particular, can use memberships as a means of learning more about the field and making important connections with other professionals.

While the specific member benefits vary, some of the most common reasons for joining a professional organization include easy access to resources, continuing education, license renewal information, and events. Organizations and associations also offer excellent networking opportunities and job leads. Some groups offer conferences, during which members can listen to qualified speakers, attend panels, and sign up for classes.

Some of the most popular organizations and associations relevant to mechanics include:

  • Automotive Service Association (ASA)
    The ASA is a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to and governed by independent service and repair professionals. Member benefits include opportunities to network with successful shop owners, education and training through the Automotive Management Institute, industry information and resources, and reduced business costs.
  • Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association (AERA)
    The AERA serves as a valuable technical resource and industry leader for internal combustion engine rebuilders. Members receive access to technical support, PROSIS PRO engine specification software, specification manuals, automotive machining online training, conferences, grants, special discounts, and the Engine Professional Magazine.
  • National Auto Body Council (NABC)
    The NABC strives to develop, implement, and promote community-based initiatives that exemplify the professionalism and integrity of the collision repair industry. Membership distinguishes professionals and shops as committed to giving back to their communities. Members gain access to resources that can help them implement nationally-recognized community service programs.
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Career, Salary, and Advancement Outlook


According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average pay for automotive service technicains and mechanics was $47,770 per year, or $22.96 per hour, in May of 2023. This is about even with the median annual wage of $48,060 for all occupations. It’s important to note, however, that most entry-level professionals only make an average of $14.83 per hour. It’s not until after five to nine years of experience that this increases. Mechanics with 20 or more years of experience can make as much as $24.61 per hour.

The job outlook for automotive service technicians and mechanics is solid. While it was estimated that there would be a small drop in jobs available in 2019, the current job outlook suggests that there will be a 3% increase in jobs between 2023 and 2033. This is around the average increase in all occupations. New vehicles are being built with interconnected sensors, cameras, and instruments that allow for predictive maintenance and remote diagnostics, but there have been shifts to allow mechanics to run diagnostics and maitenance cars of all kinds. Basic maintenance and repair tasks must still be performed.Thus, job opportunities will still be available to those with the right training and experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions


What is automotive service technology?

Automotive service technology focuses on auto repair.

What does the future look like for automotive service technicians?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment growth rate for automotive service technicians is around 0%. This means that there could be less job openings for automotive service technicians within the next ten years.

Where do these professionals work?

Mechanics work in gas stations, repair shops, maintenance shops, accessories and tire stores.

What will you do at the entry-level?

Entry level mechanics perform basic repairs and can work on emissions systems.

How much could you make?

Mechanics make around $44,000 annually.

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