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If you...

  • like working with your hands and tinkering with cars

  • like the idea of doing your own repairs so you don't have to pay someone else to do it

...perhaps becoming a mechanic might be an interesting career choice for you!

 Man on an orange dolly is under the car with a wrench in his hand working on a car.

What does a mechanic do?

Mechanics fix automobiles and perform basic care and maintenance, including changing oil, checking fluid levels, and rotating tires.

A mechanic beating on pliers with a mini orange hammer.

Mechanics also:

  • Diagnose and fix problems

  • Repair or replace worn parts such as break pads

  • Explain automotive problems and repairs to clients

  • Familiarize themself with the newer electronic systems

  • Maintain records of jobs completed

Did you know?

Did you know that the first school for automobile mechanics opened in Detroit in 1904. There was a need for someone to take care of "horseless carriages", as some people called cars at the time (The Detroit News, "Detroit's early auto giants: Daredevils and mad mechanics", 2020).

Where do mechanics work?

Most mechanics work at car dealerships, service shops, and gas stations. There is also a percentage of mechanics who are self-employed.

A chart showing stats about where mechanics work (see the audio player below for details)

To hear an audio version of the chart above, click the play button on the audio player below:

Did you know?

The title "mechanic" is sometimes used interchangeably with "automotive technician". The two jobs are mostly similar, but they might have different specializiations depending on where they work (Indeed.com, "Auto Technician vs. Mechanic: What's the Difference?", 2021).

What's the pay?

Flaticon IconThe United States of America

As of 2021, the average pay for a mechanic in the 🦅 United States 🦅 is $46,800 per year. The hourly salary is $22.54. Depending on where you live, your experience, and your education, you can make up to $75,100 per year.

A chart showing automotive service technicians and mechanics stats (see the audio player below for details)

To hear an audio version of the chart above, click the play button on the audio player below:

Flaticon IconCanada

As of 2021, the average pay for a mechanic in 🍁 Canada 🍁 is $60,791 per year. The hourly salary is $31.17. Depending on where you live, your experience, and your education, you can make up to $81,015 per year.

Is being a mechanic the right career for you?

Joel McHale is sitting on a couch on a talk show stage with a mountain background shaking his head.

You'll love it if you...

  • like working with your hands.

  • love cars and tinkering.

  • are a problem-solver.

  • like to stay busy.

You might not love it if you...

  • don't like getting dirty.

  • like a quiet work environment.

  • don't want your safety at risk

  • don't occasionally like working long hours.

Knowledge check!

Which person is best suited to be a mechanic?

A. 👱 Gary, who often spends his free time at his uncle's ranch tending to the horses because he would rather be outdoors in nature than indoors.

B. 👩‍🦰 Bernice, who spends her Saturdays and Sundays at her uncle's garage working the front desk because she likes a clean and organized work environment.

C. 👩🏾‍🦳 Danielle, who grew up around cars and would hang out with her dad in the garage and hand him the tools. She likes fixing things and working with her hands. She also has no problem getting a little dirty.

D. 👨🏾‍🦱 Marcus, who spends most of his time in the local library reading about how to put cars together. He has a great idea for a new fuel-efficient car, but he really doesn't like a loud work environment and hates getting his hands dirty.

Quiz

The person that is best suited is...

Take Action

Man in a blue shirt standing in front of a yellow car with the hood up looking at the camera and smiling. Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

Are you ready to become a mechanic?

License:

This Byte has been authored by

KP

Keia Pannell

Instructional Designer

English

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