What are the benefits of an auto mechanic?
According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, automotive mechanics average about $41,000 per year as of May 2016, but pay depends on the skill level of the applicant. The job market for this field is expected to grow roughly six percent per year until 2026, which puts auto mechanic job growth on par with related fields. Around 31 percent of auto mechanics were employed at automotive dealerships in 2016, while around 27 percent worked for automotive repair and maintenance shops. Dealerships are likely to offer stronger auto mechanic benefits, but private garages may offer unofficial benefits dealerships cannot or will not.
Salary and Bonuses
Experienced automotive technicians should expect a median pay rate of about $38,470 annually, which translates to between $18 and $19 per hour. The top 10 percent of mechanics made $64,070 or more annually with the bottom 10 percent earning $21,470. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many auto mechanics also collect a commission depending on the volume of work completed for the week, so experienced workers can bring home a much larger paycheck than inexperienced workers who require more time to complete a task.
Insurance and Retirement
Dealerships are likely to offer the most comprehensive benefits, including a 401k plan for retirement and health insurance plans. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, auto mechanics suffer a higher than average injury rate, with minor cuts and bruises fairly common, so insurance benefits are designed to fit the risks. Larger dealerships are likely to offer additional auto mechanic benefits such as tool reimbursement and paid holidays. Most shops also require a mechanic to wear a uniform, and some employers cover that cost.
Education Requirement and Reimbursement
Auto mechanics should possess at least a General Education Diploma (GED) or high school diploma. Extensive on-site training is to be expected, and a certificate from the National Institute for Automotive Excellence will help applicants find work. Having certification status often leads to higher paying jobs, but some employers make certification a requirement and refuse to hire mechanics without it. If the applicant works with refrigerants, a license may be required by the Environmental Protection Agency. These education costs might be covered by a dealership or garage, but the applicant is encouraged to call ahead if unsure.
Learn Preferred Methods and the Best Techniques
Working on cars is a time-consuming process. You may find yourself lacking in knowledge of advanced techniques if you’ve learned everything on your own. This could save you time in the end. You’ll be able to move more quickly from one job to the next. In addition, learning the proper techniques to repair will make your work more reliable and trustworthy. This is important even if you’re simply working on your own vehicles.
Good wage potential
The average salary for auto mechanics in 2017 was $39,550 with the lowest 10% making less than $21,470 and the highest 10% making over $64,070 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Typically, auto mechanics earn less as they are starting out with the ability to earn more with more experience and training. Therefore, if you are unsatisfied with your wages, you can always go earn more ASE certifications to demand a higher pay. Along with that, you can always specialize in a specific manufacturer or repairs.
Doing what you love
It is utmost important to do what you love. With passion, comes great energy and the will to learn. Being an auto technician enables you to work on cars and even cars that you love. You get to be around cars every day; all kinds of cars. On a side note, you can also work on your own car! You are your own technician. That being said, you can save tons of money on repair works.
Career Stability
The auto industry is definitely one of the most stable industry around. Consumers in general do not change their cars often as it is expensive. However, repair and maintenance of a vehicle still needs to be done by a professional and they can’t possible run away from the problem. The need for professionals to repair and maintain cars remain relatively constant as cars are still the primary transportation for many out there. On a side note, many companies are always on the look-out for skilled auto technicians and the demand is still growing strong.
Helping others
By doing your job, you are also helping people. You fix problems! Your family and friends will need your assistance when it comes to their cars. Don’t look at that as a negative but rather a positive. Believe in good karma, always!
Ability to work on own projects
This is perhaps one of the best things about being a mechanic. You will have the freedom to work on your own personal vehicles which will allow you to keep your vehicles pristine for a fraction of the cost. Along with that, you can even start buying junkers and flipping them to sell for a profit, bringing you even more income. If you own your own shop, you will have no problem accessing your shop equipment to perform personal work. But, if you do not own the shop, make sure you ask the owner if you can work on personal projects after-hours.
