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  • Posts Tagged ‘auto mechanic salary’

    Starting an Auto Mechanic Career

    Despite what you may have heard, the automotive industry continues to be one of the largest and most important industries in the world. It’s true that the industry (and the car itself) is undergoing many rapid changes, which are creating numerous challenges, but these changes are also providing great opportunities for anyone who has an interest in an auto mechanic career.

    Numerous new employment opportunities are being created today by auto trends based on advances in technology, large production overcapacity, heavy fuel consumption, environmental concerns, and a steady retirement of skilled or trained personnel. This means that an already large employee base is set to expand, and well-trained candidates will be highly sought after. Consider recent statistics from Canada, which show that there are 162,000 people employed in auto technical trades in that country. 96% of those employees work full time and more than one-third of those jobs require a skilled trade designation or a college diploma. These numbers reflect similar situations in countries across the western world. What this means is that there are great opportunities for trained, highly skilled auto mechanics. Now is a great time to enroll in an automotive trades training program.

    The best auto mechanics training programs mix theoretical class time with hands-on training. Some, in fact, offer an apprenticeship in an auto repair facility, where you can earn practical on-the-job experience while studying. This is highly recommended as it can develop confidence and knowledge, helping you step right into the workforce upon graduation.

    Auto Mechanics are usually paid hourly, but some highly skilled mechanics are guaranteed a minimum weekly salary. Some repair shops also offer commission incentives and performance bonuses to make this basic auto mechanic salary even more attractive. On average, Automotive Service Technicians earn between $45,000 and 70,000 per year plus benefits. If you’re passionate about cars, this can be a dream come true. Imagine earning a good living while doing something you love – working on cars!

    Auto Mechanic Career Opportunities

    The automotive industry continues is one of the largest and most important industries in the world and new technological advances are creating numerous career opportunities. This growth is being experienced through the automotive industry, and graduates of automotive training programs can expect to land jobs in:

    • New Car Dealers
    • Retail Automotive Repair Facilities
    • Custom and specialty shops
    • Heavy Duty Truck Repair Facilities
    • Organizations with Fleet Vehicles
    • Owning your Own Automotive Repair or Specialty Shop
    • Auto and Truck Rental Companies
    • Insurance Companies
    • Warehouse Distributors
    • RV Dealers
    • Marine Dealers
    • Motor sport Dealers

    Candidates with this particular skill set and training can expect to qualify for a varied number of positions. Auto mechanic entry-level positions may include Automotive Detailer, Tire Installer, Lube Specialist, Maintenance Technician and Apprentice Brake and Alignment Specialist.

    However, skilled auto mechanics may also have a vast array of auto mechanic advancement opportunities, including positions as muffler specialists, front end technicians, electrical specialists, engine technicians and much more, including:

    • Fuel Specialist
    • Tune Up Technician
    • Diagnostician
    • Emissions Specialist
    • Transmission Specialist
    • Hybrid and Fuel Cell Technician
    • Performance Specialist
    • Automotive Service Technician
    • Journeyman Mechanic
    • Service Manager
    • Assistant Manager
    • Shop Foreman
    • Shop Manager or Owner

    Auto Mechanics are usually paid hourly, but some are guaranteed a minimum weekly salary. Some repair shops also offer commission incentives and performance bonuses to make this basic auto mechanic salary even more attractive. Automotive Service Technicians earn between $45,000 and 70,000 per year plus benefits on average

    On a day-to-day basis, auto mechanics can:

    • Inspect, test, and diagnose faulty operations and estimate repair costs.