A career as an auto mechanic is one that is suitable for those who are looking for an accessible career that requires little formal education. It is one that offers many career progression opportunities and a cohesive and friendly working environment. There are no formal educational requirements to becoming an auto mechanic. However, it may be advantageous to complete a diploma in automotive repair. For the best opportunities, it is recommended that all auto mechanics gain certification as it shows competence and usually brings higher pay.
Sections
Auto Mechanic Career Guide
Once you become an auto mechanic, you’ll be entering a career where the nature of the work is independent. Even though garages employ several mechanics, you’ll be trusted to perform diagnostics and repairs on your own. Many mechanics love having this level of self-reliance.
Auto Mechanic Career Ratings
Income
Career
Growth
Personal Growth
Contribution
Influence
Job Profiles
Real-Life Auto Mechanic Job Profiles
Below is a list of links to anonymous job profiles of REAL PEOPLE who have filled out our survey and offered to share their insights with our users about their job in the Auto Mechanic field.
| ID | Job Title | Gender | Age | Earnings | City & State | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33985 | Automotive Technician/Mechanic/Collison Repair | Male | 24 | $26,000 | Taylor, PA | 01/01/2010 |
| 33833 | Manager | Male | 52 | $62,000 | Escondido, CA | 01/01/2010 |
| 33782 | Diesel Mechanic | Male | 26 | $55,000 | Chicago, IL | 01/01/2010 |
| 33347 | Crash Performance Engineer | Male | 34 | $78,000 | Sterling Heights, MI | 01/01/2010 |
| 33322 | Assistant Mechanic | Male | 38 | $41,000 | Mojave, CA | 01/01/2010 |
Overview
What an auto mechanic actually does
Auto mechanics use computerized diagnostic equipment to identify problems in a vehicle. They also carry out inspections for the maintenance and repair of cars or other types of vehicles. They will need to have an extensive knowledge of all the mechanical, electrical, and electronic components of vehicles. They must also have an advanced level of familiarity with tools and equipment and be able to handle them. Their typical responsibilities and duties include:
- Inspecting vehicle engines and mechanical/electrical components to diagnose issues accurately
- Inspecting vehicle computer and electronic systems to decide what needs to be repaired, maintained and upgraded
- Conducting routine maintenance work (e.g., replacing fluids or lubricating parts)
- Scheduling future maintenance sessions
- Advising motorists on good vehicle use
- Repairing or replacing broken or dysfunctional parts
- Providing accurate estimates for repair or maintenance jobs
- Keeping up to date logs and records on any work conducted
- Maintaining equipment and tools and ensuring they are kept in good condition
Why they are needed
Like any other machinery, cars need to be taken care of. Be it to change fluids or tires, or to check for leaks. All these are handled by mechanics. With 83% of all adults in the United States reporting that they drive at least several times a week, there is a huge demand for the upkeep, repair and maintenance of the vehicles we use for both commercial and leisure driving. Auto mechanics have the unique skills that allow them to play a vital role in vehicle maintenance, repair and upkeep.
Pros and cons of a career as a auto mechanic
Pros:
- It is a relatively easy career to enter, as there are little formal educational requirements
- For as long as we continue to use cars, there will always be a demand for auto mechanics
- There are lots of opportunities within the industry. For example, auto mechanics can work for themselves or they can work in garages of various sizes
- Like many mechanical jobs, working in a repair shop/garage offers a friendly and cohesive working environment
- There is often high job satisfaction, as auto mechanics conduct hands-on and practical work and get to see the finished product
Cons:
- It can be a hazardous career, as auto mechanics will work with large tools that produce heat and sparks. They may also have to lift heavy objects
- Auto mechanics will have to work in a noisy environment
- Auto mechanics may have to work long hours when they have to complete a job to meet the clients deadlines
Employability
Job market
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of auto mechanics is projected to decline 4 percent from 2019 to 2029. This decline is expected because modern day cars are being built with interconnected sensors, cameras and instruments that allow for predictive maintenance and remote diagnosis, which reduces the need for mechanics to maintain the car. Furthermore, electric vehicles are on the rise. This may limit future demands from automotive mechanics because these types of vehicles require less maintenance and repair.
Of course, the number of vehicles already in use is expected to continue to rise. Thus, mechanics will still be needed to perform repair and maintenance to these vehicles.
Career paths
To become an auto mechanic, you will most likely need to have completed high school classes in automotive repair, electronics, computers and mathematics. In order to have the best employment chances, it is also recommended to complete a vocational or other postsecondary education program in automotive service technology. This usually lasts 6 months to a year and prepares you for a career as an auto mechanic through classroom instruction and hands-on practice. Once these courses are completed, mechanics will also receive on-the-job training to further advance their skills and knowledge. Mechanics will also need to have a variety of different certifications.
Example Job Titles for Auto Mechanic
Below is a list of common job titles in the Auto Mechanic field. Click the links below for more information about these job titles, or view the next section for actual real-life job profiles.
Benefits & Conditions
Income and benefits
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for auto mechanics was $42,090 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,7400 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $68,880. The highest paying industry was automobile dealers, which had a median annual salary of $45,710. Next was automotive mechanical and electrical repair and maintenance, which had a median annual salary of $39,820. Finally, the automotive parts, accessories and tire stores industry had a median annual wage of $36,180.
Autonomy and Flexibility
The level of autonomy and flexibility for an auto mechanic will vary depending on the amount of experience they have. For instance, an auto mechanic with 10 years experience will have more control over their decisions than an auto mechanic who has just started their on-the-job training. Similarly, an auto mechanics who works for themselves is likely to have more flexibility than those who work for a large company.
Locations and commute
According to Zippia, the best states to be an auto mechanic, based on average annual salary and number of jobs available are:
- Alaska, where the average annual salary is $53,755
- North Dakota, where the average annual salary is $47,196
- Kansas, where the average annual salary is $44,128
- Idaho, where the average annual salary is $49,250
- Arizona, where the average annual salary is $46,113
The worst states, according to Zippia, are Florida, South Carolina, Maryland, Missouri and the District of Columbia.
Work environment
The largest employers of auto mechanics in the United States were automobile dealers, which employed 33% of all auto body technicians. The automotive mechanical and electrical repair and maintenance industry employs 27%, 13% are self-employed and 8% are employed by the automotive parts, accessories and tire stores industry.
Some auto mechanics will run their own shops and garages.. However, many work for others. Often, mechanics will stand for the most of the day. They will work in well-ventilated and well-lit repair shops, but they may have to kneel down or get into uncomfortable positions when inspecting cars.
Career Satisfaction
Common Matching Personality Types
Which personalities tend to succeed and thrive in Auto Mechanic careers? Based on our research, there is a relatively strong positive correlation between the following personality types and Auto Mechanic career satisfaction. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t many exceptions, of course, but if you fit into one of the following personality types then we suggest you give strong consideration to a career in Auto Mechanic.
16 Types (Myers-Briggs)
- None
Big Five (OCEAN)
- None
DISC
- None
Enneagram
- None
Holland Codes (RIASEC)
- None
Personality types
There has been no scientific exploration into exactly what personality types will make a successful auto mechanic. However, the Myers Briggs personality type of ISTP, or otherwise known as ‘the craftsperson’, is likely to be a successful auto mechanic. This is because these types are able to tackle problems within their immediate environment, with an innate mechanical ability and they enjoy building and fixing objects. ISTPs are typically very attentive to detail, independent, adaptable and self-directed, which are key skills for an auto mechanic.
Accomplishment and mastery
As auto mechanics can learn advanced skills in a relatively short space of time, there is high skill accomplishment and mastery. After gaining experience in the occupation, auto mechanics may then have opportunities to advance to become self employed, which increases the amount of accomplishment and mastery.
Meaning and contribution
Auto mechanics have the unique skills to repair and maintain peoples most prized possessions – their cars. Therefore, when mechanics do an excellent job, the meaning and contribution to the lives of their clients is high.
Life fit
Auto mechanics will usually work routine business hours, meaning that for the most part it is a career that offers an excellent life fit. However, some may have to work evenings, weekends and/or overtime depending on where they work or who they work for.
Who will thrive in this career?
One of the most important things an auto mechanic can be is physically fit. This is because they will need to stand for long periods of time and may have to kneel or bend down. Those who can work well as part of a team and communicate well with others are likely to thrive as mechanics. This is because mechanics may have to work in teams with other automotive workers (e.g., auto body technicians or other mechanics). Finally, the ability to pay attention to detail and work well under pressure will help you to thrive as a mechanic, as you will have to carefully inspect cars for damage and follow instructions.
Who will struggle in this career?
Similarly to what is mentioned above, you are are likely to struggle with working as an auto mechanic if you are physically unfit. This is because if mechanics aren’t physically fit, they may struggle to stand up for long hours or kneel down where needed. Similarly, if you prefer more ‘modest’ working conditions (e.g., sitting down in an air conditioned office), then you may struggle with the working conditions of repair shops of garages. Finally, if you prefer to work alone or do less practical work, then you may struggle as an auto mechanic due to the practical and hands-on nature of the work.
Requirements
Quick Glance
Skills
Skills and talents
As well as physical strength, fitness and stamina, to become an auto mechanic, you will need skills and talents such as:
- Customer-service skills, as mechanics will work closely with customers and must be courteous and be able to effectively communicate problems and solutions
- Attention to detail, as restoring damage and providing maintenance work requires someone who can notice even the smallest imperfections
- Dexterity, as auto mechanics will need to fix an array of issues, using a variety of tools. This requires a steady hand and good hand-eye coordination
- Critical thinking skills, as auto mechanics must be able to evaluate vehicles and determine necessary repair or maintenance strategies
- Time management skills, as auto body mechanics will need to be timely with their repairs and ensure that they are completed before the deadline
Education
To become an auto mechanic, you will most likely need to have completed high school classes in automotive repair, electronics, computers and mathematics. In order to have the best employment chances, it is also recommended to complete a vocational or other postsecondary education program in automotive service technology. This usually lasts 6 months to a year and prepares you for a career as an auto mechanic through classroom instruction and hands-on practice. Once these courses are completed, mechanics will also receive on-the-job training to further advance their skills and knowledge. Mechanics will also need to have a variety of different certifications.
Certifications
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all technicians and mechanics who buy or work with refrigerants to be certified in proper refrigerant handling. No formal test preparation is required, but many trade schools, unions, and employer associations offer training programs designed for the EPA exam.
Certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is the standard credential for service technicians or mechanics. It is not technically required, but certification demonstrates competence and many employers require their mechanics to be certified. This certification is available in nine different 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, and suspension and steering.
To become certified, mechanics must have at least 2 years of experience (or relevant schooling and 1 year of experience) and pass an exam. Technicians and mechanics who achieve certification in all of the foregoing areas (light vehicle diesel engine certification is not required) may earn ASE Master Technician status.
How to Become
Summary
A career as an auto mechanic is one that is suitable for those who are looking for an accessible career that requires little formal education. It is one that offers many career progression opportunities and a cohesive and friendly working environment.
Immediate action
Like all trades work, having experience in the field is helpful. So, we recommend you contact local garages and repair shops to see if you can help out. It is also advisable to check out what courses you local schools and colleges offer.
Education and learning
There are no formal educational requirements to becoming an auto mechanic. It may be advantageous to complete a diploma in automotive repair, but it is not essential. For the best opportunities, it is recommended that all auto mechanics gain certification as it shows competence and usually brings higher pay.
Skill development
Auto mechanics receive all the training they need on-the-job.
FAQs
Ask a Question
Have a question about Auto Mechanic careers? If so, our mentors would love to help! Just click on a mentor’s profile below and then fill out the “Ask a Question” form on that page. Your question will then be emailed to the mentor, who can then email you a reply.
| ID | Job Title | Gender | Age | Earnings | City & State | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33985 | Automotive Technician/Mechanic/Collison Repair | Male | 24 | $26,000 | Taylor, PA | 01/01/2010 |
| 33833 | Manager | Male | 52 | $62,000 | Escondido, CA | 01/01/2010 |
| 33782 | Diesel Mechanic | Male | 26 | $55,000 | Chicago, IL | 01/01/2010 |
| 33347 | Crash Performance Engineer | Male | 34 | $78,000 | Sterling Heights, MI | 01/01/2010 |
| 33322 | Assistant Mechanic | Male | 38 | $41,000 | Mojave, CA | 01/01/2010 |