Q: How hard is it to become a Nascar mechanic?

It is extremely difficult to become a Nascar mechanic. Race car mechanics are required to complete some form of post-secondary training. It can include college, trade school, or technical institutes. Although not required, most race car mechanics obtain a certification. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is where you can obtain these certifications. You must pass at least one ASE exam to be considered certified. Most mechanics are then expected to work alongside professionals in an apprenticeship for two to four years. These apprenticeships usually involve hands-on and classroom training. This time is used to learn diagnosis, components of a race car, and preventative maintenance skills. Learning to use the most up-to-date equipment is also part of this process. Make yourself stand out and complete training specifically designed by Nascar. These classes can be through the Nascar Technical Institute at the Universal Technical Institute. With all of the appropriate education and training, you should still be prepared to work outside of Nascar to gain experience before eventually working your way up from the bottom in Nascar, if you are even given the opportunity to get your foot in the door.

Q: How long does it take to become a mechanic?

It typically takes two to five years to become a mechanic. It can take a mechanic two to five years to gain the education and skills necessary for success. The time it takes to become a mechanic depends on the type of training a person wants to pursue. To work as a mechanic, a person needs to at least earn a high school diploma or GED and complete a training program or vocational school.

Question 1

Mechanic vs. Engineer

Accepted Answer

A mechanic takes a more hands-on approach and usually takes things apart and looks for signs of a problem, while an engineer uses computers and technology to perform a diagnosis on a vehicle and extract data to identify issues.

Question 2

How do I start being a mechanic?

Accepted Answer

To start being a mechanic, you should get a high school diploma and enroll in a technical school to receive either an associate's degree or certification in automotive service technology.

Question 3

How hard is it to become a Nascar mechanic?

Accepted Answer

It is extremely difficult to become a Nascar mechanic.

Race car mechanics are required to complete some form of post-secondary training. It can include college, trade school, or technical institutes. Although not required, most race car mechanics obtain a certification.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is where you can obtain these certifications. You must pass at least one ASE exam to be considered certified.

Most mechanics are then expected to work alongside professionals in an apprenticeship for two to four years. These apprenticeships usually involve hands-on and classroom training. This time is used to learn diagnosis, components of a race car, and preventative maintenance skills. Learning to use the most up-to-date equipment is also part of this process.

Make yourself stand out and complete training specifically designed by Nascar. These classes can be through the Nascar Technical Institute at the Universal Technical Institute.

With all of the appropriate education and training, you should still be prepared to work outside of Nascar to gain experience before eventually working your way up from the bottom in Nascar, if you are even given the opportunity to get your foot in the door.

Question 4

How long does it take to become a mechanic?

Accepted Answer

It typically takes two to five years to become a mechanic. It can take a mechanic two to five years to gain the education and skills necessary for success.

The time it takes to become a mechanic depends on the type of training a person wants to pursue. To work as a mechanic, a person needs to at least earn a high school diploma or GED and complete a training program or vocational school.

Question 5

How old do you have to be to work at a mechanic shop?

Accepted Answer

In general, you have to be at least 17 years old to work in most mechanic shops. However, the specific age you must be to work in a mechanic shop may vary, depending on the particular county, state, or province where the shop is located. The area itself may also have laws and regulations that govern the working age requirements for mechanic shops.

Question 6

Is being a mechanic a good job?

Accepted Answer

Yes, being a mechanic is a good job, especially if you are passionate about cars. Mechanics also are able to work with their hands, so if this is something you desire in work, mechanic work could be great for you. In a survey asking mechanics if they were happy, a majority reported that they felt "very happy" in their position.

The happiness and satisfaction that many mechanics feel may be tied to not only being able to work with something they love but to the monetary gain associated with being a mechanic. Mechanics earn more than the national average salary, and it is a job that has career growth should you be interested in becoming your own boss and owning your own shop.

Another great thing about becoming a mechanic is that it is something that can be started relatively young. Although there are certification requirements, mechanics do not need to hold college degrees to begin working. This can allow for early growth in careers, which may be an important factor in choosing a career.

Question 7

Is it worth becoming a mechanic?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is worth it to become a mechanic if a person loves cars and is willing to put hard work into their success. Most people who become mechanics do it because they already know cars and perhaps have experience working on their own.

Question 8

Is mechanics a good career?

Accepted Answer

Yes, mechanics is a good career with a lot of opportunities for job satisfaction and career growth. The one thing that is good about a career as a mechanic is that it is not going anywhere, and there is a lot of opportunity for job growth.

Question 9

What are careers in the automobile industry?

Accepted Answer

Salesperson, tire technician, and auto designer are all careers in the automobile industry. The automobile industry is a huge industry, so there are many different careers and opportunities that highlight different strengths and abilities.

Question 10

What are the pros and cons of being a mechanic?

Accepted Answer

The pros of being a mechanic are growth opportunities and many different ways to begin, while the cons are dangerous work and long hours.

Here is a more detailed look at the pros and cons of being a mechanic:

Question 11

What should I study to become a mechanic?

Accepted Answer

You should study automotive repair and technology to become a mechanic. Although it is not required to have more than a high school diploma or GED to become a mechanic, it is ideal to obtain education and training in the automotive industry.

Most employers will look for a mechanic who is ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified. The certification is a way to prove your skills in several areas of automobile mechanics. There are as many as ten entry-level certifications that can be obtained. Beyond this, there are several more ESA special certifications that can be obtained.

To strengthen your portfolio, you can get a certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which specializes in EPA regulations. Another certification that can be acquired is a manufacturer certification. A manufacturer certification builds your skill set to a specific vehicle.

These certifications involve training hours and passing tests. However, they can be extremely helpful when looking to work for a specific dealership.

As the automotive industry continues to change rapidly, it is important for auto mechanics to constantly take continuing education or training to keep up with the latest information.

Question 12

Automotive Technician vs. Mechanic

Accepted Answer

An automotive technician uses computers and technology to perform a diagnosis on a vehicle and extract data to identify issues, while a mechanic takes a more hands-on approach and usually takes things apart and looks for signs of a problem.

Question 13

Technician vs. Mechanic

Accepted Answer

A technician uses computers and technology to perform a diagnosis on a vehicle and extract data to identify issues, while a mechanic takes a more hands-on approach and usually takes things apart and looks for signs of a problem.

Question 14

What is a good starting salary for a Mechanic?

Accepted Answer

A good starting salary for a mechanic is $34,000 in the United States. That puts you in the 10th percentile of annual income for a mechanic in the U.S., which is about what you would expect if you were new to the field. The average salary for mechanics is $45,060, but that normally requires some level of experience to achieve. Furthermore, a good starting salary for a mechanic can vary by state.

Question 15

How much does a good mechanic make a year?

Accepted Answer

A good mechanic can expect to make around $40,000 a year. The best-paid 25 percent earns $56,140 per year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent earns $31,250.

This can go up depending on education levels and if a Mechanic is a certified master mechanic. This means that they have completed all the nine Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications.

Question 16

How much does a mechanic get paid?

Accepted Answer

The hourly range for mechanics varies from $16 to $25 an hour. This is dependent on a variety of factors, including education and certification levels, specialties, and years of experience.

Question 17

What benefits do mechanics get?

Accepted Answer

Mechanics get many different types of benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, flexible scheduling, and many other great employee benefits. These benefits are typically reserved for mechanics that work full-time for a specific organization. Specific benefits vary depending on the employer of the mechanic.

Question 18

What is the highest-paid mechanic?

Accepted Answer

The highest-paid mechanic is a Nascar mechanic. Nascar mechanic salaries range from $22,000 - $593,000 per year. The average pay is $106,000 per year.

Nascar mechanics make far more than the typical mechanic. Most mechanics average between $40,000-$60,000 per year. An average mechanic is trained to make common repairs and work on your typical vehicle. Nascar mechanics stand out above the average mechanic due to their ability to work on and modify high-performance vehicles.

A Nascar mechanic has a higher risk and much more time-consuming job than your typical mechanic. Most mechanics can set a nine-to-five schedule with few exceptions. However, a Nascar mechanic is not only in the garage but also can be on the side of a race track with several cars traveling hundreds of miles per hour.

In addition, they are required to travel with their crew on the road for races that take time from family and friends.

Given the extensive training, risk, and demands involved in being a Nascar mechanic, it makes sense that their salary, on average, is much higher than the typical mechanic.

Question 19

Can a mechanic make 100k?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can make $100,000 per year as a mechanic. While possible, it is unlikely to earn over $100k as a mechanic because even higher-paid positions do not typically earn more than $59,000 per year. The average annual salary for a mechanic is $45,060.

Question 20

Do mechanics make good money?

Accepted Answer

Yes, mechanics make good money. The median annual salary for a mechanic is around $36,000 a year.

However, the salary for a mechanic can range from $25,000 to over $60,000 in a year. This wide gap is due to differences in how a mechanic is paid and the number of hours that they work.

Question 21

What careers involve mechanics?

Accepted Answer

There are many careers that involve the same set of skills and tools that mechanics use every day, and these include other technical services industries as well as manufacturing roles. Common career paths for mechanics who want to work in other industries include Service Technicians and Maintenance Technicians.

Question 22

What is the highest-paying mechanic job?

Accepted Answer

The highest-paying mechanic job is an aircraft mechanic. The median salary level for an aircraft mechanic is $53,000 per year.

Aircraft mechanics are charged with keeping aircraft of all sizes in good working order. They are required to complete inspections as directed under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines, as well as perform scheduled maintenance checks and repairs.

Question 23

What are the qualifications of a mechanic?

Accepted Answer

The qualifications of a mechanic are to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent education and to complete some secondary education or training. For education, you can either get an associate's degree in automotive technology or a bachelor's degree in auto service management.

A trade school, or a specific Car Mechanic School, will also give you that necessary training. If you have previous military training in mechanics, this can be a great starting point. You won't have a degree, but you will have the skills necessary to work as a mechanic.

There is also certification for mechanics. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has an entry-level test for automotive technicians to demonstrate their previously acquired skill sets. After you find a position and gain experience, you can complete ASE certification to become a certified professional technician.

Question 24

What percentage of Mechanics are female?

Accepted Answer

5.4% of mechanics are female in the United States. This is -1.4 percentage points lower than last year. Additionally, the percentage of female mechanics has decreased by -1.1 percentage points since 2010. That means there are a total of 22,878 female mechanics in the U.S. and 400,792 male mechanics in the United States. Note that Zippia's estimate accounts only for the 423,670 people with the specific job title of mechanic and doesn't include grouping similar job titles, or people with potentially similar credentialing.

Question 25

What is a mechanic's job description?

Accepted Answer

A mechanic's job description is to diagnose and repair machinery (e.g., vehicles, boats), works with clients, and provide routine maintenance and inspections.

Many different mechanics must master specific tools and procedures related to that particular machine (e.g., automobile vs. motorcycle vs. boat).

Question 26

What should a mechanic put on their resume?

Accepted Answer

A mechanic should put highlights of their technical and mechanical expertise, skills, and other accomplishments related to diagnosing, troubleshooting, repairing, and preventative maintenance on their resume.

Question 27

What skills does a mechanic need to have?

Accepted Answer

A mechanic needs to have the right combination of technical expertise and soft and hard skills needed to successfully assess, repair, and prevent mechanical issues.

Mechanics work on all aspects of motor (e.g., vehicles, boats, machinery), performing preventative and restorative work on the engine, such as electrics, brakes, gears, fuel pump, and exhaust system. They also carry out routine servicing and testing for new mechanical faults.

Question 28

What is the demand for mechanics?

Accepted Answer

The demand for mechanics is projected to reflect a 2% decline from 2021-2031. This is much slower than the average for all occupations, which means mechanic jobs are in low demand, and could continue to shrink even further.

Question 29

How many hours do mechanics work?

Accepted Answer

Mechanics work an average of 40-48 hours weekly. Most mechanics work the standard full-time hours per week, which is forty. They may work longer hours during busier times or if they have a specific deadline that they are working towards reaching.

Question 30

What are the benefits of being a mechanic?

Accepted Answer

The benefits of being a mechanic are good pay, minimum requirements to begin, and a high likelihood of job satisfaction. For many people, being a mechanic is a good job, especially if you are passionate about cars. Mechanics also are able to work with their hands, so if this is something you desire in work, mechanic work could be great for you.

In a survey asking mechanics if they were happy, a majority reported that they feel "very happy" in their position. This job satisfaction is an extremely important thing, as your job is something that you spend a large amount of time throughout your life doing.

The happiness and satisfaction that many mechanics feel may be tied to not only being able to work with something they love, but also to the monetary gain associated with the role. Mechanics earn more than the national average salary, and it is a job that has career growth, should you be interested in becoming your own boss and owning your own shop.

Another great thing about becoming a mechanic is that it is something that can be started relatively young. Although there are certification requirements, mechanics do not need to hold college degrees to begin working. This can allow for early growth in careers, which may be an important factor in choosing a career.

Question 31

What are the best gifts for a mechanic?

Accepted Answer

The best gifts for mechanics are tools, tool bags, and tool shop organizers. Tools are essential to every mechanic's work; that's why you can't go wrong by getting a tool-based gift.

It is important to try and take stock of what your mechanic already owns and find out if any of their tools are in need of an update. There might also be tools that could make your mechanics' job so much easier, and they don't have them.

Question 32

What degree do you need to be a mechanic?

Accepted Answer

You do not need a degree to be a mechanic. A high school diploma is the minimum education requirement to be a mechanic. Some employers may prefer to hire those who have completed certifications or an associate's program in automotive technology or a related field.

Question 33

What do entry-level mechanics do?

Accepted Answer

An entry-level mechanic rotates tires, checks fluid levels, and performs basic care and maintenance. Although there are certification requirements, mechanics do not need to hold college degrees to begin working. This can allow for early growth in careers, which may be an important factor in choosing a career path.

Question 34

What is the automation industry?

Accepted Answer

The automation industry is an industry concerned with the development, creation, and control of machinery, and different processes, used by autonomous systems in a variety of different industries and fields.

Question 35

Where do mechanics work?

Accepted Answer

Mechanics work in service shops and gas stations, roadside service companies (e.g., triple-A), dealerships or factories, or they are self-employed.

Mechanics work in a variety of automotive service settings, including car dealers, tire stores, oil change operations, gas stations, and full-service repair shops. Some mechanics operate their own businesses and take on management functions such as setting prices, advertising, training, and supervising staff.

Frequently asked questions about mechanics

Questions About Becoming a Mechanic