The average automotive technician salary is an excellent wage for a skilled trade. This article provides information about the job, education and salary range. It also lists how many years of experience you will need. If you are looking for a new job, this article will help you find it. This job is for those who are passionate about cars, enjoy a healthy lifestyle and love learning.
Job description
The average salary for an auto technician varies depending upon where you live and the company. California, Washington D.C. (the District of Columbia), Illinois, Louisiana, Nevada and Texas are the highest paid states. However, the majority of states require high school diplomas or GEDs. This is because South Americans have a lower standard of living. So, if you are considering becoming an automotive technician, here are some of the cities where you can expect to make a decent income:
Based on experience, education, and employer, the average automotive technician's wage will vary. Experience is essential for any skilled trade. However, you can still earn high wages if your drive and determination are strong. The salary of a technician is very lucrative if you are able to combine high wages with a happy life. It is important to keep in mind that the minimum wage for technicians is not set. The amount may vary from one region to another.
Education required
A degree in automotive technology could be the right choice for you if you've ever wanted to work in the automobile industry. This field will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to fix cars. The traditional automotive technician's role was limited to the repair of cars. But, now they have to also be skilled with electrical systems. You can earn a better salary by pursuing a degree that will improve your professional skills.
Texas has a median salary for an automotive technician at $46,680. For master mechanics who are ASE certified, the salary ranges between $25,480 and $76,660. Getting certified as an ASE master mechanic will increase your salary by as much as $11,000 or more! You'll be delighted to hear that there are many opportunities to earn more in automotive repair than the average.
Salary range
According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for an Automotive Technician is $51,820. The least well-paid are those who have not completed college. An associate's degree in automotive technician earns them $43,110 per annum. However, those without any college experience earn a median annual salary of $38,050. The South has lower wages than the national average but higher living costs. There are many salary opportunities available in your region, whether you are looking for a new vehicle or a job as a mechanic.
Automotive Technicians are paid an average salary of $48,087 each year from 2004 to $66,312 in 2020. Pay for this occupation is dependent on several factors, such as the degree of education, whereabouts, and years of experience. You are more likely to make more an hour if you have a Master's Degree than a noncertified mechanic. Your experience and whether or not you work for an auto shop, can affect the pay.
Experience required
For a job as an automotive technician you need to have a strong understanding of mechanics and engine systems. A strong communication and interpersonal skill is also a plus. Many employers place safety first. Master Certified certification may be an option if you are considering this career path. This certification can take approximately two years. You will learn both theory and practice. While the salary for this job is decent, it may not be sufficient to attract top-ranking employers.
ASE certification for technicians is a national standard. It helps you set yourself apart and earn more. ASE certification can be obtained in eight areas and requires at minimum two years of experience. You must pass an examination each five years in order to keep your ASE certification. Eight tests are required to be certified as a master technician in automotive technology. UTI's Auto Technology program provides information on how to get this certification. This certification can be used to replace two years of work experience and is an excellent way for you to become ASE certified.
FAQ
What type of job is there for a car mechanic?
There are three major areas of employment that car mechanics work in:
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Automotive repair shops
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Dealerships
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Independent garages
Automotive repair shops
Most people think of this as the first step to becoming a mechanic. It's also the easiest way you can get started. You can either work in a shop run by someone else, or start your business.
If you choose to work at a store, you need to join a union. Once you have been accepted into the Union, you'll be given training by the union.
You'll be ready for work once you have completed the training.
Register with the government if you want to open your garage. You'll need to meet certain standards after you register.
When you've registered, you'll be given a license to operate your garage.
Your license will permit you to sell spares parts and perform minor repairs. It won't permit you to fix serious engine problems.
Customers will expect you to not only sell spare parts but also provide advice and guidance.
Dealership jobs
Most dealerships employ mechanics that specialize in one aspect of the vehicle. For instance, they may only be qualified to fix brakes or change tires.
Some dealerships hire general mechanics to handle all aspects of car repair.
Many of these positions require that applicants undergo training before they are allowed to work. This allows employers to pick the right candidates for their jobs.
Some dealerships recruit students right out of school. These graduates are familiar with the fundamentals of mechanical engineering so they can easily learn about cars.
Independent garages
Independent garages do not belong to any dealership. They tend to be focused on high-quality service.
Independent garages have the ability to afford higher wages, as they aren’t associated with any one company. These jobs generally pay better than those at dealerships.
However, independent garages may not be better places to work. Many business owners prefer to own their businesses and not delegate the responsibility to others.
This could lead to you working long hours with little control over your day.
Expect to earn lower salaries than if you were working in a dealership.
You can switch jobs easily. It is possible to switch between different types of jobs if your current employer would prefer you to work at a dealer.
Alternatively, if you'd like to work at an independent garage, then you could try applying directly to the owner of the garage.
The bad news is that finding a new job isn't always easy. There are many factors that affect how much you make.
This could include the type of vehicle that you are working on and whether or not you charge an additional for labor.
Do I need to have a degree to work as an automotive mechanic? Can I do part-time studies?
Although it's not mandatory, a degree can help. Employers prefer candidates who have completed a full degree. This shows you have put in the work and achieved success.
You can still study while working, however. Some universities allow students to complete coursework over the summer holidays and finish their studies later in the year. Others allow students to study part-time all year.
Is automotive mechanic a promising career?
Automotive is an exciting industry filled with opportunities for people who are committed to excellence. The best way to succeed in this field is by working hard and learning as much as possible from others.
Communication skills are important as customers and coworkers will often be your main focus. You will need to be able and willing travel for work, making it more difficult to commute.
Take classes at community colleges or universities if you're interested to work in automotive. Many schools have programs that are specifically tailored for students who are interested in automotive sales, repair, and customer service.
If you decide to pursue a degree, you should study mechanical engineering. It's possible to get a bachelor's degree in just four years.
In addition, many companies will hire graduates straight out of school. So, it is wise to begin searching for employment while you are still able to study part time.
Once you've completed your education, you'll probably need to complete some form of training before being able to take up a position as an automotive technician.
This means that you will need to pass tests such as the Automotive Excellence (ASE) certification exam. This test covers topics such engine maintenance as brakes, steering, suspension, etc.
Once you have passed the ASE Test, you are eligible to apply for a National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence License.
Private individuals can have their vehicles repaired with a license. You will be compensated based on how many services you performed.
Not all states require licensing. You will need a license if you want to work in a different state.
Some states do not issue licenses until they have received a certain amount or training. If this applies to you, then you may need to find another option.
What are the basics of car mechanics?
To work as an auto technician, you don’t need to know much about cars. It's enough to know how to fix things. Most people begin by changing brake pads and tires, before moving on to more complicated repairs.
You'll need the ability to read and understand diagrams and to follow simple rules of good practise. You must also be able judge if parts need to replaced or repaired.
It is important to understand that vehicle repairs should only be attempted by those who have received the proper training. This is especially important if you work with expensive parts such as transmissions or engines.
Even though you won’t need to know much more about cars, you will still need to have an in-depth understanding of mechanics and physics. This involves understanding how engines work and how brakes work.
It's also worth noting that you'll need to be prepared to deal with all sorts of situations. You might be required to work on a vehicle that was involved in an accident. Additionally, you will need to have experience with handling accidents and breakdowns.
Finally, you must be willing to learn new skills quickly. Not only will you need to be capable of diagnosing problems, but you also need to be able perform simple maintenance tasks like tightening nuts.
Statistics
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the job outlook for automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to decline by 4% from 2019 to 2029. (indeed.com)
- Apprentice mechanics earn significantly less hourly than mechanics who have completed training, with a median wage of approximately $14.50 an hour, according to PayScale. (jobhero.com)
- 52% of Mechanics in the United States think their salaries are enough for the cost of living in their area. (indeed.com)
External Links
How To
How to diagnose your vehicle properly for repair
To determine if your car needs repairs, you should first look at the symptoms that your car presents. Next, you can follow these steps in order to diagnose your car.
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Check engine lights. Check the dashboard light indicators such as the engine light indicator, the oil pressure gauge, the battery light indicator, the coolant temperature gauge, and the RPM gauge. If any of them have been flashing for several days, it may mean something is wrong with your vehicle.
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Check the treads of your tires. If the tires are worn out, they could cause problems with handling and braking. Also, inspect the treads of your wheels. You should ensure that they are clean and smooth. It is best to take off the wheels and remove them. To check the condition of your treads, use a flashlight.
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Monitor the level and consistency of your brake fluid. You should always keep track of the amount of brake fluid in your vehicle. This will ensure your brakes function properly. If your brake fluid level is low they might not work properly when you apply pressure.
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The suspension system should be tested. Vehicles usually have a suspension system that helps absorb shocks and vibrations while driving. It provides better control and allows smoother acceleration and deceleration. It might feel uncontrollable or wobbly if your vehicle is suffering from a suspension problem. To test whether your vehicle has a suspension issue, try putting weight on the front or rear axle and observe the movement.
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Examine the steering wheel. Steering columns connect the steering wheels to other parts of the vehicle. Many accidents can cause damage to steering columns. You should replace your steering column if it feels loose or unstable.
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The exhaust pipe should be observed. The exhaust pipe helps move gases from a combustion chamber into the atmosphere. If the exhaust pipe is damaged or leaks, harmful fumes can enter your cabin. Additionally, your tailpipe should be fixed immediately if it is bent.
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Take a look at the underside of your hood. Look underneath your hood to see if anything looks strange. Fluids could be leaking from your engine. You should also contact a professional technician if there is an unusual odor coming from the engine compartment.
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It is important to inspect the air filter. The air filter in your vehicle collects dirt and dust from the environment. A dirty air filter causes your vehicle to run poorly. Replace your air filter regularly.
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Check the fan belt. The fan belt is the link between the engine and the transmission. If the fanbel breaks, your engine won't turn. It is very easy to replace your belt. All you need is a screwdriver and some pliers.
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You should inspect the radiator and hoses. The radiator hose transports water from radiator to engine. It can become cracked or damaged and leak hot liquid onto your engine. You only need a pair of needle-nose pliers and a small wire brush to repair the hose.
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Make sure you have the windshield wipers checked. Windshield wipers use electricity for snow and rain removal. If they stop working they could leave streaks behind on your window glass. Simply change the washer oil to fix the problem.
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The battery cables should be checked. Your car's electrical system is powered by batteries. Always disconnect the negative wire before you replace batteries. Failure to do so can damage your alternator.
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Check the headlights. Headlights are used to illuminate the road ahead. Poor visibility can result if the headlights don't function properly. To determine if your bulbs are out of date, check them.
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Be sure to check the lights. You can warn other drivers if you approach them at night. You could be distracted and cause an accident if one does not work.
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Inspect your brakes. Before you collide with another vehicle, brakes will slow down the car. You could lose control of the car and cause a crash if they don't work properly.
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Check the oil regularly. Keep your engine lubricated with oil. It prevents metal parts from rusting too quickly. Changing the oil every month is recommended.