Auto Mechanic Salary & Career Facts 

What Is Auto Mechanics? 

Auto mechanics can work with a variety of automobiles, or they can choose to specialize in a particular type of automobile or in a specific area of auto repair. The main role of auto mechanics is to diagnose and repair problems or defects. Auto mechanics often focus on the preventative maintenance of vehicles and automobiles, including the scheduled replacement of parts. As vehicles continue to rely on computerized systems, automotive mechanics is becoming a more complex field. As such, earning your auto mechanic degree from a recognized auto mechanic school will improve your employability by giving you the advanced skills and training required to become a qualified auto mechanic. 

Primary Responsibilities 

As an auto mechanic school graduate, you will be responsible for maintaining service operations by inspecting, maintaining, and repairing a variety of vehicles. Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Repairing and overhauling automobiles, buses, trucks, and other vehicles
• Planning work procedures using charts, technical manuals, and professional experience
• Repairing and replacing defective, damaged, or malfunctioning parts
• Rewiring ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels
• Aligning and adjusting brakes
• Mending damaged body panels

Earning your auto mechanic degree and taking a variety of auto mechanic courses offered by a recognized auto mechanic school will prepare you to take on these responsibilities. 

How Do I Become an Auto Mechanic? 

In order to become an auto mechanic, you must first earn your auto mechanic degree from a recognized auto mechanic school. After earning your auto mechanic degree, you must obtain formal training and complete an apprenticeship. Some auto mechanic schools offer apprenticeship components that build on your in-class auto mechanic courses, which in turns allows you to apply the skills you learn in-class to the practical context of real-world automotive repair.

After graduating from auto mechanic school and completing your apprenticeship, you must earn a professional certification. Your professional certification will specialize in a particular area of automotive repair, such as steering and suspension, engine repair, automatic transmissions, and electrical systems. Your auto mechanic courses will give you the knowledge and skills required to pass your licensing exam. 

Education 

You will need to earn an auto mechanic degree in order to become an auto mechanic. Some auto mechanic schools have state-of-the-art learning labs and service bays. Earning your auto mechanic degree will help you develop the skills to perform maintenance and technical repairs on a variety of vehicles and vehicle parts, as well as develop your diagnostic capabilities.

Common auto mechanic courses include: Engine Systems, Drive Train Systems, Suspension/Steering and Brake Systems, Electronic Climate Control Systems, and Electrical and Emissions Systems. 

Where Can I Work? 

Auto mechanic school graduates can work in a variety of industries, such as repair and maintenance, and motor vehicle and parts dealers. After graduating from auto mechanic school, you will be qualified to enter a career as an automotive service technician, a motor vehicle inspector or tester, or as an automotive mechanical installer. 

Salary 

The average annual salary for auto mechanic school graduates is approximately $ 46 000. Your annual salary will depend on how much education and training you have earned, who you choose to work for, and where you choose to live and work. 

Job Outlook

The opportunities for qualified auto mechanic school graduates are expected to grow as vehicles become more complex. Earning your auto mechanic degree from an auto mechanic school will help you take advantage of this industry growth by giving you the up-to-date skills and training required to become an auto mechanic.