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Automobile Mechanic
Are you good with your hands? Do you enjoy fixing things and consider yourself mechanically inclined? Are you a car enthusiast who love "playing" under the hood or chassis? If so, and if you enjoy Auto-Tech, Shop, Electronics, and Computer classes, don't mind getting your hands greasy or dirty, and you are (above all) honest, then you would make the perfect Automobile Mechanic.
Automobile Mechanics service, diagnose, inspect, adjust, maintain, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles, particularly cars and light trucks. Tools include common self-owned handtools (pliers, wrenches, ratchets, screwdrivers, sockets) as well as computerized diagnostic tools and power tools (pneumatic "air" wrenches, lathes, welding torches, jacks, hoists, etc.), typically owned by their employers.
The duties of an Automobile Mechanic include but are not limited to: testing parts and systems to ensure that they are working properly; identifying mechanical problems, often by using computerized diagnostic equipment; following checklists to ensure that all critical parts are examined; testing and lubricating the vehicle’s engine and other major components; performing basic care and maintenance (oil changes, tuneups, replacing and refilling fluids; tire balances and rotations, etc.); repairing or replacing worn parts (brake pads, wheel bearings, etc.); disassembling and reassembling parts; using testing equipment to ensure the effectiveness of repairs and maintenance; and explaining to clients their automotive problems and the repairs done on their vehicles.
High school students interested in becoming an Automobile Mechanic benefit from taking Shop and Auto-Tech classes (automobile repair), Electronics, Computers, Art, Algebra, Geometry, Physical Science, Physical Education, Chemistry and English. Completing a vocational or other post-secondary training program in automotive service technology is considered the best preparation for entry-level positions. Programs usually last 6 months to a year and provide intensive career preparation through classroom instruction and hands-on practice.
Auto Mechanics work on traditional mechanical components (engines, transmissions, belts, hoses, etc.) but must also be familiar with the growing number of electronic systems (braking, transmission, steering systems, etc.) which are controlled primarily by computers and electronic components. Mechanics often specialize in a particular type of repair: automotive air-conditioning repair, brake repair, front-end repair, transmission repair and rebuilding, electrical/electronic systems repair, body repair, automobile painting, restoring wheel alignment, and performing tune-ups. Some specialties may be subject to specific regulations or procedures, like air-conditioning system repairs mandated by federal and state regulations governing the handling, recycling, and disposal of refrigerants.
As the number of vehicles in use continues to grow, the lifespan of late-model cars and light trucks continues to increase, and automotive technology in computer systems and hybrid engines continues to advance, expect the demand for mechanics to likewise increase as they will be needed to do basic maintenance and repair (brake pad replacements, oil changes, etc.). Employment of Automotive Mechanics is expected to grow 17 percent over the next decade.
Job Description
Median Salary & Range
Median Salary: $36,180
Salary Range: ~$20,620 - $59,600+
College Majors & Attainment Routes
The normal routes to becoming an Automobile Mechanic have been to complete Automobile Tech and Shop classes in high school, on-the-job training as a Automobile Technician, and Automobile Mechanic program to become ASE (Automobile Service Excellence) certified.
Colleges That Provide Above Majors
Colleges that have Automobile Tech and Mechanic programs are: Community Colleges, private or public Technical and Trade schools, private or public automotive companies/corporations. Various automobile manufacturers and dealers sponsor 2-year Associate’s degree programs, where students typically spend alternating periods attending classes full time and working full time in service shops under the guidance of an experienced technician.
Available Scholarships
