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What is an auto mechanic and how to become one
An auto mechanic is an individual who specializes in repairing and maintaining automobiles. They use their expertise to diagnose and fix issues with various components of a vehicle, including the engine, brakes, steering, and electrical systems. This requires them to have a thorough understanding of how cars work and be skilled in using specialized tools and equipment. It is a physically demanding job that requires attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure.
What general advice would you give to an Auto Mechanic?
Julia Johnson
Professor, Automotive Technology, Skyline College
Avg. Salary $41,683
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 1%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.81%
Asian 5.03%
Black or African American 9.86%
Hispanic or Latino 19.57%
Unknown 4.25%
White 60.48%
Genderfemale 3.60%
male 96.40%
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
What are the pros and cons of being an Auto Mechanic?
Pros
High demand for skilled workers
Job stability and growth potential
Hands-on work that can be fulfilling
Work can be done in a team or independently
Opportunities for entrepreneurship and owning a business
Cons
Long hours, including evenings and weekends
Dealing with difficult customers and their complaints
Low starting pay for entry-level positions
Lack of respect from some members of the public or other professions
Potential for slow periods of work and inconsistent income.
Auto Mechanic career paths
Key steps to become an auto mechanic
Explore auto mechanic education requirements
Start to develop specific auto mechanic skills
Skills 
Percentages Customer Vehicles 25.26% Customer Service 7.82% Diagnosis 6.98% Engine Tune-Ups 5.51% Oil Changes 5.11% Complete relevant auto mechanic training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New auto 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 auto mechanic based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real auto mechanic resumes.Gain additional auto mechanic certifications
More About CertificationsAuto 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 auto mechanic certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for auto mechanics include Commercial Driver License (CDL) and Certified Auto Glass Technician (AGT).
Research auto mechanic duties and responsibilities
- Help with CDL training for qualify drivers.
- Preform all dot and pm service paperwork and records.
- Update material safety data sheets in accordance with OSHA standards.
- Regulate the safety test on locomotives by the air brake tests.
Prepare your auto mechanic resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your auto 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 auto 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 Auto Mechanic Resume templates
Build a professional Auto 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 Auto Mechanic resume.
Apply for auto mechanic jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an auto 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 Auto Mechanic Job
Are you an Auto Mechanic?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average auto mechanic salary
The average Auto Mechanic salary in the United States is $41,683 per year or $20 per hour. Auto mechanic salaries range between $29,000 and $59,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do auto mechanics rate their job?
Auto 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.
Updated January 8, 2025
