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What is an automotive mechanic and how to become one
Primarily, automotive mechanics repair cars and light trucks. They perform routine maintenance like changing oil, filter, and belt according to schedules created by various manufacturers. They interact with customers to identify the problems with their vehicles. Furthermore, they inspect various systems within the vehicles to diagnose problems. Additionally, they use computerized diagnostic equipment to identify components that have issues. Moreover, they persuade customers to opt-in for optional repairs or preventative maintenance to generate more revenue. Lastly, they document all work performed.
Most automotive mechanics have an associate's degree in automotive technology or a related field. However, applicants must hold a high school or vocational training program diploma. You must have at least two years of related experience. Having relevant certifications is a plus. Key skills include critical thinking, analytical, decision-making, time management, coordination, people, and leadership skills. Your salary will range from $35,663 to $46,813, with an average annual salary of $40,604.
What general advice would you give to an automotive mechanic?
Caid Kroeger
Associates Degree Coordinator/Instructor, Weber State University
Avg. Salary $42,864
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 1%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.81%
Asian 5.00%
Black or African American 9.69%
Hispanic or Latino 20.07%
Unknown 4.24%
White 60.19%
Genderfemale 3.56%
male 96.44%
Age - 39American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 39Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Automotive mechanic career paths
Key steps to become an automotive mechanic
Explore automotive mechanic education requirements
Start to develop specific automotive mechanic skills
Skills Percentages Customer Service 16.88% Work Ethic 8.62% Hand Tools 7.54% Customer Vehicles 7.38% Mechanical Problems 5.34% Complete relevant automotive mechanic training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New automotive mechanics learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an automotive mechanic based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real automotive mechanic resumes.Gain additional automotive mechanic certifications
More About CertificationsAutomotive mechanic certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific automotive mechanic certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for automotive mechanics include Automotive Sales Professional and Commercial Driver License (CDL).
Research automotive mechanic duties and responsibilities
- Inspect cars, service and repairs specializing in BMW repairs, manage shop, price and order parts, customer service
- Panel building, PLC programming, AC/DC drives, air compressors.
- Read and interpret engineering prints and diagrams, knowledge of PLC.
- Supervise all aspects of plumbing installation, also work in the field as a trainer.
Prepare your automotive mechanic resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your automotive mechanic resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an automotive mechanic resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable automotive mechanic resume templates
Build a professional automotive mechanic resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your automotive mechanic resume.
Apply for automotive mechanic jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an automotive mechanic job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first automotive mechanic job
Are you an automotive mechanic?
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Average automotive mechanic salary
The average automotive mechanic salary in the United States is $42,864 per year or $21 per hour. Automotive mechanic salaries range between $30,000 and $59,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do automotive mechanics rate their job?
Automotive mechanic reviews
Love the challenge to diagnose those insane offbeat issues that just don't fit into the everyday problems
Pay is minimal for your knowledge. Hours are better for white collar professionals. Have to buy your own tools with witch you could have bought your home with and no one cares. Treated as a second rate individual because you said "I'm an automotive mechanic." Expected to be perfect from customers who wonder why you didn't get it fixed on the first try when MD's almost never get it right. Expected to be an expert on over 60k types of automobiles that change every friggan year.....want more? If I had the choice to do it all over again I'd go into politics so I could rip off ppl every day and get rich and no one would ever complain.
Hands on /weld/electric/mech/plumbing……
People looking over me when they can’t do the jobs
Satisfaction of fixing, repairing broken vehicles and challenge of finding problems and correcting them properly.
Electrical problems are my least favorite.
Automotive mechanic FAQs
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Updated January 8, 2025
