With public transportation limited to larger cities, many Americans own at least one vehicle, often owning at least two.  To meet state and local registration and inspection requirements, a car or truck must be in proper working order.  It takes a person properly trained in repairing and diagnosing automotive issues.  Auto mechanics fill those needs.

An auto mechanic provides general upkeep, troubleshooting, and repairs on all car and truck models, regardless if they are gas, ethanol, or electrically motorized.  Often, a car or trucks issue is complex and requires a little deduction, auto mechanics love a challenge!

Due to the computerized nature of vehicles today, auto mechanics must have a working knowledge of computer systems, access to the internet, and special training in repairing all components of an automobile’s system.  From the drive train to the computerized dashboard, an auto mechanic will solve whatever is creating a vehicle from functioning properly.

An auto mechanic carries a thorough set of tools.  A standard mechanic should have a set of both standard and metric sprockets, hammers, flashlights, a set of hex keys, both standard and metric wrenches, oil filter wrenches in varying sizes, quick release ratchets, and a tire gauge.  The automotive repair shop for which the mechanic works typically provides air compressors, pneumatic wrenches, welding equipment, mechanical lifts, computerized diagnostic machines, voltage meters, and other specialty equipment.

Due to the busy work hours of men and women in today’s world, auto repair shops are often open both evenings and weekends.  This ensures car owners can get an appointment that fits their needs.  This can also mean that an auto mechanic is not working standard 9:00 to 5:00 hours.  Daily schedules can vary greatly and adaptability by the auto mechanic is important.

Any automotive repair begins with a front end manager listening to the car owner describe the problem.  If necessary, the auto mechanic will then take the car or truck for a test drive to see if he or she experiences the trouble.  The next step includes using computerized diagnostics to see if the problem is easily identified, if it is repair work can begin.  If not, more troubleshooting will occur.

Once the problem has been discovered, the auto mechanic will write up a repair estimate and ensure the vehicle owner can afford the repairs.  If permission is granted, the auto mechanic will then repair or replace the faulty equipment.  Before the car is handed back to the vehicle owner, a second round of diagnostics and another test drive are done to ensure the repair has correctly solved the problem.

Auto mechanics also provide routine maintenance on a vehicle.  Routine maintenance can include oil changes, lube jobs, brake inspections, fuel systems, tires, and belts.  These quick checks help ensure a vehicle is running in top form.

Auto mechanics typically begin their career by working as an apprentice to master auto mechanics.  Apprentices, called technicians, begin with simple jobs such as lubricating auto parts, completing simple tasks, or assisting with tools and following a master auto mechanic’s instruction.  A technician handles easy chores such as replacing windshield blades, topping off fluids, and adding air to tires.  Under the high level mechanic’s watchful eye, an apprentice technician slowly learns the trade.

Often schooling is also required.  An apprentice attends courses at local vocational schools.  There he or she learns how a car engine is built from the ground up.  Simple repairs are taught in order to prepare the student to enter into the automotive field as a technician.  Some vocational schools offer AYES (Automotive Youth Education Services), which offer the student certification.  This certification better prepares them for jobs as entry-level technicians.

All auto mechanics and technicians must have strong reading, deduction, computer, and math skills.  A good portion of the job involves correct measurements, studying the latest repair manuals, and researching difficult issues on the computer.  Often car and truck repair manuals are complex, an auto mechanic must be able to easily find what he or she needs.

Due to the changing nature of vehicles, an auto mechanic should be prepared to complete additional training regularly and attend many seminars involving the ever-changing world of automotives.  Many automotive manufacturers offer these seminars and courses to ensure than an auto mechanic is well prepared to repair specific models quickly and properly.  These courses are overseen by the ACCSCT (The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology.)  These courses cover several weeks and end up giving the student a two-year associate degree in automotive and diesel technology.

ACCSCT courses provide hands-on education by mixing book learning with a position training under a certified mechanic.  The student will study under the participating dealership and receive top-notch training in that dealership’s garages.  This allows for specialized training of that manufacturer’s makes and models.

Once a technician has learned the trade, he or she is ready to move on and become a full-fledged auto mechanic.  It is in a mechanic’s best interest to become ASE certified.  ASE certification ensures that the mechanic follows rigorous standards and is up to date with the latest in car repairs.  To become ASE certified, a mechanic must pass a series of tests and prove that he or she has worked in the automotive industry for a set number of years.  Being ASE certified can drastically improve an auto mechanic’s pay scale.

There are many different levels and types of auto mechanics.  Therefore, the typical pay scale depends solely on the type of mechanic that one is training to become.  In addition, the amount of schooling an auto mechanic has completed will drastically raise his or her pay scale.  The final issue that can change the amount a mechanic earns is location.  In areas with public transportation, fewer cars are on the road so supply may not always meet demand.  Remote areas with lower cost of living ratios will find their salaries are far lower than more populated areas.  These are all things to contemplate when one is thinking about becoming an auto mechanic.

To examine the varying wages, the different areas of the United States are included.  All of these wages include typical overtime and bonuses.  These are all averages.  Exact wages can only be determined by a prospective employer.  Overtime hours will vary from area to area, but overtime is usually required of any auto mechanic.  Therefore, a person is guaranteed they will be making extra money from time to time.

In Anchorage, Alaska, an auto technician typically makes $36,000 per year, plus another $200 in bonuses and overtime.  This brings the auto technician to $36,200.  Compare this to a Level II auto mechanic who has had between two and five years of training.  A Level II mechanic makes $46,700 a year, plus another $400 in bonuses and overtime.  This is a $10,000 difference.  Finally, a Level III mechanic who is holding ASE certification makes $56,500 plus another $700 in bonuses and overtime.

Checking wages in Los Angeles, California, one will find that an auto technician there makes $34,900 plus $200 in bonuses and overtime.  A Level II mechanic earns $45,500 plus $350 in bonuses and overtime.  Finally, in California, the Level III mechanic earns $54,900 plus $700 in bonuses and overtime.  Los Angeles is loaded with public transportation options.  Therefore, a mechanic will find the demand is not the same as in Alaska.

Moving on to El Paso, Texas, one will find the pay scale drops dramatically.  There an auto technician earns $28,400 plus $150 in bonuses and overtime.  A Level II mechanic earns $37,000 and $300 in overtime and bonuses.  Finally, a Level III mechanic earns $44,700 plus $550 in overtime and bonuses.

In areas surrounding Lincoln, Nebraska, an auto technician earns $28,700 plus $180 in bonuses and overtime.  A Level II mechanic makes $37,300 with an additional $300 in bonuses and overtime.  Finally, a Level III mechanic brings in $45,200 per year with an additional $600 in bonuses and overtime.

Finally heading into New England helps on discover that in Burlington, Vermont an auto technician earns $30,400 with $200 in bonuses and overtime.  A Level II auto mechanic earns $39,500 with an additional $300 in bonuses and overtime.  Last by not least; the Level III auto mechanic pulls in $47,800 plus an additional $600 in bonuses and overtime.

Becoming an auto mechanic is a highly fulfilling career choice.  With plenty of room for advancement and plenty of demand, this is a career to seriously consider!