Car mechanics are repair all kinds of cars. They are required to inspect a repair a car’s damages. If a car has been severely damaged and cannot be repaired, the car mechanic replaces the damaged car part. The advanced technology of today’s automobiles require car mechanics to use computerized shop equipment.
Car Mechanics Schools and Degrees
A formal training program can be found at a community college or a post secondary vocational school. Candidates will also benefit if they attend courses in electronics, automotive repair, chemistry, physics, English and mathematics.
Job Requirements
Car mechanics can obtain the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence certification. This is a standard requirement for car mechanics, and one can opt for certifications in different areas like engine repair, electrical systems, suspension and steering, brake systems and air conditioning and heating. To pass this certification examination, one is required to have a minimum of 2 years of experience. The ASE certification program helps a candidate enhance his skills in multiple areas of car repair, thus allowing them to receive get better job opportunities.
A car mechanic needs to be able assess the problems in a car and accordingly repair or replace the damaged parts. It is also essential for a car mechanic to possess good reasoning ability. Strong analytical skills are a must for car mechanics. Basic computer skills and knowledge of mathematics are also necessary.
Nature of Work
Car mechanics investigate parts of the car like the brakes, belts, fuel systems, plugs and hoses.
Car mechanics usually work indoors in well ventilated and well-lit car repair shops. They frequently need to lift heavy car parts and tools. The car repair shop can be a noisy and dusty place since all the repair work is carried on inside it. Working with greasy and dirty car parts is also part of the job. Though working for 40 hours a week is normal, car mechanics often have to work longer and irregular hours in order to satisfy the needs of the customers.
Car Mechanics Jobs and Outlook
According to research in 2006, car mechanics held about 773,000 jobs in the US. Employment is the highest in the following industries:
Automobile Dealers
Automotive Parts, Accessories, and Tire Stores
Automotive Repair and Maintenance
Gasoline Stations
Local Government
The mean hourly wage for car mechanics in the US is about $18.08, while the mean annual wages are around $37,610.
Job Numbers and Growth
There are an estimated 773,000 car mechanics nationally. Most recently, workers have experienced a high level of joblessness. An estimated 4% of employees did not have employment in 2008.
Area Job Conditions
Car mechanics -of-a-feather seem to flock to Kankakee (Illinois), Palm Coast (Florida), and Punta Gorda (Florida). They are less likely to be found around Olympia (Washington), Lincoln (Nebraska), and New York (New York).
Compensation of workers is best in Danbury (Connecticut), Fairbanks (Alaska), and Janesville (Wisconsin), and much worse in Joplin (Missouri), Weirton (West Virginia), and Altoona (Pennsylvania).
Training and Education
Employees often find employers are looking for a postsecondary vocational award. Car mechanics, in 4% of cases, have bachelor's degree or higher. After high school, 34% of workers pursued some additional career education. Employees, in 62% of cases, had only a high school education. Recommended schools are shown in the column to the right; request information from them to help you decide which if any could help you with this career.
Part-Time Work and Self-Employment
Car mechanics employed part-time are 6% of the total. Workers, in about 17% of cases, work for themselves.
Car Mechanics by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)
In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.
Schools recommended for people interested in this career. Request info with quick online forms. These particular schools are noted for getting back to people fast.
Schools recommended for people interested in this career. Request info with quick online forms. These particular schools are noted for getting back to people fast.