What is a mechanic and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Expert
Julia Johnson
introduction image

A mechanic repairs and maintains vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Their primary duty is to diagnose mechanical and electrical issues using specialized tools and equipment. Then they repair or replace the necessary parts. Mechanics also perform oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections. They need a knowledge of automotive systems and the ability to read technical manuals to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in technology.

What general advice would you give to a Mechanic?

J

Julia JohnsonJulia Johnson LinkedIn Profile

Professor, Automotive Technology, Skyline College

You will be starting out as a Lube Tech for your first job in the automotive industry. You will be expected to perform maintenance services accurately and within the industry standard timeframe. It may seem like it’s not challenging enough or too repetitive, but you will be expected to prove yourself at this level before you can advance.
ScoreMechanicUS Average
Salary
3.7

Avg. Salary $47,149

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 2.42%

Black or African American 8.46%

Hispanic or Latino 17.14%

Unknown 5.00%

White 65.91%

Gender

female 4.32%

male 95.68%

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

What are the pros and cons of being a Mechanic?

Pros

  • Hands-on work with cars and engines

  • Potential for high earning with experience and certification

  • Job security in the automotive industry

  • Opportunities for advancement to management or specialty roles

  • Satisfaction from solving problems and fixing vehicles

Cons

  • Exposure to hazardous materials and chemicals

  • Dirty and greasy work environment

  • Dealing with difficult customers and their car problems

  • High stress levels during busy seasons

  • Limited opportunities for career growth in some locations or companies

Mechanic career paths

Key steps to become a mechanic

  1. Explore mechanic education requirements

    Most common mechanic degrees

    High School Diploma

    42.1 %

    Associate

    24.2 %

    Diploma

    13.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific mechanic skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Hand Tools9.19%
    Preventive Maintenance7.78%
    Customer Service7.47%
    Customer Vehicles6.85%
    Diagnosis5.76%
  3. Complete relevant mechanic training and internships

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

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

    The most common certifications for mechanics include EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA) and Certified Welding Engineer.

    More About Certifications
  5. Research mechanic duties and responsibilities

    • Dismantle and re-assemble equipment, using hoists and hand tools, such as transfer cases, hydraulic cylinders, bell housings.
    • Identify issues with wire feeder and power source, break press, overhead cranes , 2 ton to 25 ton hoists.
    • chain saws, trimmers, tractors, push mowers, blowers, generators, cut saws, power washers, etc.
    • Work with networking, plumbing, troubleshooting electrical and performing mechanical repairs.
  6. Prepare your mechanic resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your 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 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 Mechanic Resume templates

    Build a professional 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 Mechanic resume.
    Mechanic Resume
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    Mechanic Resume
  7. Apply for mechanic jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a mechanic job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Mechanic Job

Zippi

Are you a Mechanic?

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Average mechanic salary

The average Mechanic salary in the United States is $47,149 per year or $23 per hour. Mechanic salaries range between $35,000 and $63,000 per year.

Average Mechanic Salary
$47,149 Yearly
$22.67 hourly

What Am I Worth?

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How do mechanics rate their job?

4.25/5

Based On 4 Ratings

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Mechanic reviews

profile
5.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2022
Pros

Hands on /weld/electric/mech/plumbing……

Cons

People looking over me when they can’t do the jobs


profile
4.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2022
Pros

Satisfaction of fixing, repairing broken vehicles and challenge of finding problems and correcting them properly.

Cons

Electrical problems are my least favorite.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on May 2020
Cons

I do not dislike anything


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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