How to Become an Auto Mechanic

If you are searching for a job with a lot of impact in the world, becoming an auto mechanic is a good choice.

Auto mechanics are responsible for keeping vehicles running and helping people get where they are going safely.

If this sounds like something you’d love doing, read on to find out more!

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What does an auto mechanic do?

An auto mechanic is a professional that maintains and repairs all kinds of vehicles.

Some auto mechanics provide general repairs, while others specialize in certain systems like transmissions and engines.

There are auto mechanics who work on certain types of vehicles.

For example, a mechanic who works for a dealership will usually have training on working that vehicle brand.

The majority of auto mechanics get certified so that they can focus their work on a few areas.

These areas include:

• Over-the-road trucks
• 4 wheel drive vehicles
• Suspension and chassis components

Duties

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How much does an auto mechanic make?

The average salary for an auto mechanic is $30,339.

But there are things that can affect how much you get paid as an auto mechanic.

These things are:

• Education
• Certification
• Additional skills
• Experience
• State where you work

Average National Salary: $30,339

*Salary information last updated 2024

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How to Become an Auto Mechanic

Step 1 Take electronics & math classes

While you’re still going to high school, take any types of classes that are available that will be relevant to becoming an auto mechanic.

If your school offers auto specific classes, it’s a good idea to take them.

If that’s not possible, classes that focus on electronics or math are going to help you get started with your knowledge for becoming an auto mechanic.

Step 2 Graduate from high school

Even though there are many auto mechanics who are successful and who didn’t get their diploma, most of them at least have their diploma.

When you graduate from high school, it’s going to make it much easier to climb the corporate ladder after you begin your career.

Step 3 Complete a vocational or certification program

So that you can get on the road to success, you’ll need to complete some kind of post secondary education, such as a certification or vocational program.

These kinds of programs are going to teach you about the basic maintenance of functioning of different vehicles and the systems that they have.

It will include both hands-on and lecture style training.

Good courses for you to take will  cover information about things like suspensions, brakes, transmissions, inches, heating and air-conditioning.

Step 4 Think about getting your associates degree

Another option that you can consider is getting your associates degree.

Like you would with the certificate programs, you’re going to learn both outside and inside the classroom.

It might take a bit longer for you to get this degree rather than just the certificate, and it also may cost a bit more.

But you’re going to learn about a lot more than just vehicles, and when you have your college degree it could boost your likelihood of getting a good job.

 

Step 5 Work as a helper, trainee, or assistant

Once you’re finished post secondary education, chances are you’re going to begin at the bottom of the totem pole.

Find a job working in any type of position at dealerships or car shops where you’re going to get the chance to develop your skills and get some experience.

This is going to help you qualify for much better positions.

Step 6 Get some mechanical skills

If your goal is to be really good automotive mechanic, you’re going to need to know how do you take a machine apart and then put it back together.

Use the knowledge that you have of different parts and  the way that they interact so that you can develop mechanical abilities

Step 7 Make sure you’re paying close attention to other mechanics

When you’re working with the lead mechanic, you want to make sure that you’re paying a lot of attention to what they’re doing.

Ask them politely any types of questions you may have about the different types of car parts and their names as well as how they are used.

You could also look up some instructional videos online on how you can make different repairs in different kinds of vehicles so that you are widening your knowledge.

Step 8 Learn how to troubleshoot

One of the biggest things that an auto mechanic does is to identify problems and fix them.

Even if the position you’re currently in doesn’t mean that you have this responsibility, pay close attention to every case and try guessing what might be wrong with the vehicle.

It’s important that you’re both comfortable as well as confident when it comes to diagnosing issues.

Usually when there’s a vehicle that has an issue, you will find something off or wrong about the way it sounds, looks, smells or feels.

When you’re becoming more familiar with the various smells, sounds, etc. you’ll find that it’s a lot easier to diagnose cars.

Step 9 Hone your customer service skills

Auto mechanics have to communicate very well with their customers so that they can explain the issues, prices, solutions and much more.

You should practice politeness and good listening so that your customers will want to keep coming back to you.

Step 10 Build your endurance and physical strength

An auto mechanic will often have to walk and stand for a lot of the day.

They also will have to lift parts that are heavy and work in positions that are awkward.

When you head to the gym or you’re working in a physically demanding job, you’ll be able to build up the endurance and strength that is necessary for meeting expectations as well as getting things done.

Step 11 Pass your exams

To receive your license in your state, chances are you’re going to have to take at least one certification exam and pass it.

You can find information about the exam where you live on the license database of your state.

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Education necessary for becoming an auto mechanic

There are some high schools that offer programs for auto mechanics, but the majority of repair shops and dealerships will prefer an applicant who has their associates degree for auto repair.

They are two year programs in vocational schools, and they teach the necessary skills for diagnosing and fixing problems related to vehicles.

These programs will include types of courses like intimate conditioning, general mechanics, suspension and steering, air-conditioning, standard transmission, and automotive brakes.

After you finished the required work for the course, you’ll get an internship or in a partnership so that you can gain the experience in the work environment.

It’s important to continue your education when you’re in auto mechanic due to constantly changing technological advances.

Additionally, if you’re servicing air conditioning in vehicles, you’re going to undergo technician training as well as certification that’s been approved by the EPA.

A lot of employers will provide this training for their employees.

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Certification and licensing for auto mechanics

The requirements in order to be an automotive mechanic change based on the state you live in.

There are some states that don’t have any licensing Requirements or regulations for mechanics.

These states are:

• Florida
• New Jersey
• Texas

Even though they don’t have any specific requirements, it doesn’t mean you’re easily going to be able to get a job without any certification or training.

A lot of repair shops will require their mechanics to have some education, industry certifications or experience from at least one automobile manufacturer.

If you want to open your own garage you will have to get the right permits and licenses.

Other states have a few different licenses based on vehicle systems.

The states that require a mechanic to hold a license may have multiple licenses available.

Inspection & body repair

Even if there aren’t any limits in your state for auto mechanics, the state might have some requirements for certain kinds of work.

This might be a license, like in Maine and California.

Environmental inspection & repairs

Like the inspectors for vehicle safety, the mechanics who are working on emissions equipment that is found in the motor vehicles may have to be licensed.

Some states only require that the inspection station is licensed, while others require that their mechanics are licensed as well.

An example of a state that requires their mechanics to be licensed is California, where there are three license levels for technician to do smog checks.

Other types of certifications that mechanics often will go for our the ASE, the ASE master cert and the manufactures certifications that are specific to the standards of the company.

 

Average Training Program Duration: 1-2 Years

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Popular Degree Programs

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Job Outlook for Auto Mechanics

It’s expected that between now and 2026, the job outlook for an auto mechanic is going to grow 6%, and this is about average for all of the other occupations.

The number of automobiles that are being used is expected that it will grow.

This means that more entry-level technicians are going to be needed for performing basic repair and maintenance, such as for changing the oil and replacing the brake pads on the vehicles.

The newer technologies however, such as the electric vehicles, may reduce the demand in the future for automotive mechanics since these vehicles are going to be a lot more reliable, meaning that they will require fewer repairs and maintenance

Employment Growth Projection: %

That's a higher than average projected growth of : Interest Over Time

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long do you have to go to school to become an auto mechanic?

For most people, it takes around 2 years to become an auto mechanic.

They can go to vocational school or they can get their associate’s degree.

Even though some states don’t require any certification or licensing, it’s a good idea for an auto mechanic to get training since it can be hard to find a job without it.

Q. How much money does an auto mechanic make a year?

The average amount for an auto mechanic to make per year is $30,339.

However, this amount often will fluctuate based on a number of factors.

These are things such as:

• Their experience
• Their certifications
• The state where they work
• Where they work

Q. What kind of education do you need to be an auto mechanic?

Not all states require that you get a license or certification to become an auto mechanic.

However, it’s preferable that you do, even in the states that don’t require it because it’s hard to find a job without it.

You can to go vocational school for auto mechanics or you can get your associate’s degree.

Q. Are auto mechanics in high demand?

The need for auto mechanics is expected to grow 6% between now and 2026.

This is average based on other types of career outlooks.

In the future, however, the demand may drop based on the newer technologies which are making vehicles more reliable.

Q. What skills do you need to have to be an auto mechanic?

Even though an auto mechanic works with their hands, they also need to have some other skills that are just as important.

These personal skills are:

• Perseverance
• Detail oriented
• Excellent work ethic
• Great customer service
• Desire and willingness to learn
• Good at solving problems

These skills will help an auto mechanic to be successful and to make their customers happy.

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How to Become an Auto Mechanic by State

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