How To Become A Vehicle Mechanic: What It Is and Career Path

What is a vehicle mechanic and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Vehicle mechanics diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul trucks, buses, construction equipment, and all types of vehicular engines. They listen to clients to determine the history of the vehicle, potential problems, and the services required. They perform test drivers, inspections, and other diagnostic tests to identify problems areas and determine parts that need repair or replacement. Also, they perform preventative maintenance on vehicles, such as performing oil changes, flushing and replacing fluids, and replacing brakes. Similarly, they perform routine maintenance such as checking batteries and lubricating parts.

Primarily, you need at least a high school diploma. However, having a certification from a vocational school or completion of an apprenticeship is preferred. Vehicle mechanics possess listening, problem-solving, and communication skills. You must be proficient in using hand tools and other equipment. You must be conversant with the mechanical, electrical, and electronic components of vehicles. Vehicle mechanics earn about $49,788 yearly. This ranges from $35,000 to $72,000.

ScoreVehicle MechanicUS Average

Salary

3.3

Avg. Salary $42,628

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.3

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

10.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.06%

Asian 2.40%

Black or African American 8.21%

Hispanic or Latino 18.04%

Unknown 4.99%

White 65.30%

Gender

female 8.20%

male 91.80%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Stress level

6.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

5.8

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a vehicle mechanic

Explore vehicle mechanic education requirements

Most common vehicle mechanic degrees

High School Diploma

41.9 %

Associate

25.9 %

Bachelor's

16.6 %

Start to develop specific vehicle mechanic skills

Skills	Percentages
Hand Tools	9.45%
Electrical Systems	6.80%
Diesel Engines	5.90%
Troubleshoot	5.57%
Shop Safety	5.44%

Complete relevant vehicle mechanic training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New vehicle 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 a vehicle mechanic based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real vehicle mechanic resumes.

Gain additional vehicle mechanic certifications

Vehicle 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 vehicle mechanic certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for vehicle mechanics include EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA) and Air Conditioning Service Certification.

More About Certifications

Research vehicle mechanic duties and responsibilities

Experience in the repairs of HMMWV, MTV/LMTV, PLS, and HEMMT classes.
Maintain HEMTT, heat, PLS, LHS, FMTV, MTV, and HMMWV.
Analyze blueprints and FAA technical publications for FAA audits and create innovative ways to manufacture products and save man hours.
Inspect, repair and adjust traders, trenching machines, diesel tractors, pan, scrapers and earth moving bulldozers.

Prepare your vehicle mechanic resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your vehicle 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 a vehicle 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 vehicle mechanic resume templates

Build a professional vehicle 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 vehicle mechanic resume.