Auto Mechanic Salary
Everyone needs the services of an auto mechanic at one time or another and the auto mechanic salary reflects this need. A mechanic or technician is responsible for inspecting, maintaining and repairing cars and trucks that run off of gas, electricity or alternative fuels. A mechanic may be asked to perform basis maintenance such as an oil change or a more complex repair such as an engine replacement.
As technology increases, this field becomes more challenging. Cars and light trucks now make use of computer systems to operate and an auto mechanic must be trained in this type of system also. If you love to work on cars and face a variety of different problems to solve every day, this might be the perfect career for you.
Auto Mechanic Salary
The auto mechanic salary is based on a variety of factors. The average median wage for all auto mechanics as of May 2008 was $16.88. Those in local government tend to make the most while those who work in automotive retail stores tend to make the least. Commission may be offered as part of the compensation package and will depend on the amount of work completed. If this sounds good to you, you may wish to pursue a career in this field.
Auto Mechanic Training and Education
Although many learn how to work on cars right in their garage or yard, most employers prefer that an auto mechanic undergo a formal vocational training program before being hired. High school programs may qualify although they do vary greatly in what they cover. If your school participates in the Automotive Youth Education Service program, you will receive National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence certification. If not, you will need to complete a post-secondary training program. This type of program may take anywhere from six months to a year to complete.
Auto Mechanic Certification
Most states do not require that an auto mechanic be certified or licensed. For greater job opportunities though, it is best if a mechanic be certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence which is often referred to as ASE certification. Your auto mechanic salary will increase if you have this type of certification. For each area that you wish to be certified in, of which there are eight, you will need to have a minimum of two years of experience in addition to completing the corresponding exam. Those who wish to be certified as a Master Automobile Technician must successfully complete each of the eight exams.
There are some great online auto mechanic training and education options that are deftly worth looking into. However, be sure you do some in-depth research before you commit to one of them as some of them are of the “fly-by-night operation” type and are not worth your time. Having said that, it can be a great opportunity to be able to get your certification work to find proper off-line training options through the Internet. Good luck!
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