Narrowing down your career choices to just one job can be rather difficult, but once you do it’s a good idea to get a sense of what you’ll be doing in that position and what your responsibilities will be. If you’ve decided that an automobile mechanic could be the right future for you, then it wouldn’t hurt to do a little research on the type of training/education you’ll need, what your role will be, and the typical salary.
So, here’s a look at everything you need to know about life as a mechanic.
What Kind of Schooling/Training is Needed?
In order to secure your future in any career, you need to start with the proper schooling and/or training. To work as a mechanic on farm equipment and/or automobiles, you’re going to need one year of vocational training and three years’ worth of experience on the job. You may also need a particular type of driver’s license, depending on the state you wish to be employed in. Industry certification will also likely be required.
While there is a lot to be learned through vocational training, on-the-job training is a huge part of it.
The steps required can be laid out as follows:
- Start by completing your GED or high school education
- Take part in a vocational program
- Get your certificate from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
- Get on the job training
- Enjoy life as a master mechanic now that you can be certified
Some of the topics you’ll be studying in your vocational program will include computers, hands-on repair of automobiles, electronics, English, and math. When you get your certificate, there are eight areas of specialty that you can get certified in. These include heating and air-conditioning, engine restoration, steering, brake systems, and electrical structures.
What Are the Typical Duties of an Auto Mechanic?
As an auto mechanic, your core responsibilities are to diagnosis and then fix issues with automobiles or farm equipment. As described in detail on The Job Explorer website, this can include doing repairs, overhauls, installing replacement parts, rebuilding parts, and performing regular maintenance on various vehicles. You will need to be able to use the diagnostic equipment used in the industry and read the results, you need to be able to repair electrical and digital components in the vehicle, and use welding tools along with other tools.
What is the Average Salary?
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $38,470 in 2016. With that said, the highest 10% in the field earned more than $64,070 per year. This is a field that is expected to grow by 6% over the next nine years.
Make an Informed Decision
Now that you know more about what a mechanic does, the average salary, and what it takes for you to become one, you can make an informed decision about your career path.
