Are you good at working with your hands and enjoy tinkering with things to make them work better? Well, a career in automotive mechanics might be a good fit for your skill set.
If you’re interested in pursuing a job in this industry, you might wonder how much do mechanics make in Texas.
There are a variety of factors that go into your expected salary, such as the size of the company you work for, public and private sector jobs, and specialization of certain types of vehicles.
Per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a mechanic is $21.28 per hour and $44,260 per year.
Do Mechanics Make Good Money?
A job as an auto mechanic offers many benefits. When you work as a mechanic, you’ll probably find yourself working close to banker’s hours and enjoying free weekends.
Mechanics can find jobs in both the public and private sectors, which can influence salaries and benefits. Mechanics who work in the public sector with a government job tend to earn a lower salary but enjoy much better benefits.
A job as an auto mechanic offers a degree of stability because it can’t be sent overseas, and there are always cars in need of repair or maintenance. Job security ensures that you make good money and that you have a reliable source of income.
There are a variety of specialties for mechanics and auto technician certifications that can help you earn more money than the average. You might consider specializing in working on diesel engines or on repairs and maintenance for the large tractor-trailer trucks.
It is possible to specialize in a different area of the car, such as repairing engines, transmissions, or electrical systems. You can make good money as a mechanic and specialize to make even more.
What Does a Mechanic Do?
Mechanics are trained to work on motorized vehicles, including cars, trucks, material-moving transportation, and more.
Daily, mechanics common tasks include repairing cars and trucks, installing new parts, and taking care of routine maintenance to keep a vehicle running smoothly.
As part of an auto mechanics responsibilities, you may need to interact with customers to help diagnose a problem they’re having with their car.
You’ll also need to be able to clearly describe problems and needed repairs to get approval for the work.
There are different types of mechanics based on the work that they do each day, such as:
- Diesel mechanics
- Brake mechanics
- Service technicians
- Vehicle inspectors
- Body repair mechanics
- and so much more.
Mechanics have a lot of opportunities to find a niche that they enjoy or remain in general service for a variety of challenges. Before deciding on a path, do your research.
What Are the Different Types of Auto Mechanics?
There are many systems in a car and truck and many brands and models of vehicles, so it makes sense that there are different types of auto mechanics.
These are mechanics that have trained and certified in a specific area of car mechanics. Many of them continue their education throughout their careers. Here are a few types of auto mechanics:
- Service technicians: Cars need maintenance and various services, such as oil changes, brake fluid, and more. These are tasked with a service technician.
- Diagnostic technicians: A car can’t tell you what is wrong with it, and a diagnostic technician has the skills to locate the problem.
- Brake and transmission technicians: Every couple of years, brakes need replacement. It’s even longer for a transmission, but it’s a complicated system that needs a pro.
- Body repair technicians: After a car accident, this specialist takes care of banging out the dents, replacing parts, and repainting the body.
- Vehicle Inspectors: This mechanic checks a vehicle over to ensure it’s in proper working order. They can also check to make sure the care meets local emissions laws.
- and many more.
What Makes a Good Mechanic?
With so many specialties in auto mechanics, you might be wondering what skills do you need to be a mechanic. As a mechanic, you need to be good with your hands and be able to see how things work and work together.
You need to have technical aptitude and the ability to develop diagnostic skills. As a mechanic, you will do much of your work by yourself, so it’s essential that you be able to work independently and manage your time efficiently.
Education and training also provide you with the skills needed to be a mechanic. You need to find the right program that challenges you to learn the finer details of vehicles, from its engine and transmission to brakes and electrical systems.
Some of this training comes from a technical school, and sometimes, it comes from the manufacturer of the vehicles. Many automakers offer programs to certify mechanics to work on their cars and trucks.
Should You Become a Mechanic?
Only you can decide if becoming an auto mechanic is the right choice for you. This career comes with many benefits and reasons that you might choose it. There are also some disadvantages to choosing it.
After reviewing the information, it’s up to you to decide is being a mechanic worth it. Here are a few of the pros and cons of being a mechanic. Let’s start with the pros:
- Good pay
- Regular working hours
- Lower student loan debts
- Job stability
- Opportunity to own your own business
- Job satisfaction
- Independence
- and many more.
Of course, an auto mechanic isn’t a perfect job, and you need to take some of the cons into consideration. Here are a few to consider:
- Disruptive customers
- Oil and other fluids get messy
- Expensive tools
- Lack of teamwork
- Everyone you know will ask for free advice and work
Auto Mechanic Career Outlook
On the positive side, cars and trucks seem to become more popular every year. However, the technology behind the engines and other systems of the cars are constantly upgraded, such as electric cars and driver less vehicles.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for auto mechanics is expected to rise six percent between 2016 and 2026. The number of jobs created should be around 45,900. This growth is similar to the average of most other job fields.
Southern Careers Institute programs can help you gain the qualifications that you need to start your career as an auto mechanic. We understand the value of transforming yourself and creating a new you. Contact us today.
Sources
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes493023.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes493023.htm#st
Blog Disclaimer: Information stated in this blog is for general information purposes only. SCITexas.edu not assume or guarantee income earning potential or salary expectations based on the programs offered at Southern Careers Institute.
This article was published on: 01/21/20 11:30 AM
