Mechanic-Service Technician

Professional training in mechanics and service technician fields typically begin in high school. Students have the option to take professional classes at local career centers in lieu of traditional classes such as history and economics. These classes help students prepare themselves for a career in mechanics by teaching them skills they will need in the future. They may also have the option to take part in an apprenticeship, or internship program during their last year in school. This places the student directly into the field, and gives them experiences they could not learn in a classroom. Students who take part in internship or apprenticeship programs are able to hone their skills, and determine if the position is right for their lifestyle. Those who decide to make a career change later in life can look to local community colleges to take classes, and earn an Associate’s degree. This degree program works the same way as a career center, by exposing older students to a two-year program. The course work includes specific classes, training, and a short internship. Those who are interested in a specific career area can look for training centers that provide courses devoted to that field. For example, mechanics who hope to one day work in NASCAR can take classes at their field school in Mooresville, North Carolina.

Front-end mechanics are one of the most popular career choices in the field of mechanics and technicians. These workers specialize in the steering and handling of the automobile, and may sometimes be called upon to work on the wheel support system too. Front-end mechanics also work to keep the balance and alignment of the wheel base in working order. These are also the professionals who work with electrical systems when needed, and sometimes handle other problems as they arise. The front-end mechanic is responsible for identifying problems in the vehicle, and finding solutions to fix that problem. Once the vehicle has been fixed, the mechanic will take it on a test drive before turning it over to the owner. Those who are interested in this profession should have strong mathematical, analytical, and reasoning skills as well as a high proficiency in computers. Workers need to stay up to date on current technology in the automotive field, and maintain communication skills when working with customers. The latest research has shown that individuals in this profession earn an average of $14.71 per hour, while the general hourly wage falls between $8.14-$25.21 depending on the employer. Those who have found the greatest success in the field of front-end mechanics have attended a type of training school, be it in high school or at the community college level. The outlook for this profession continues to look strong.

The field of automotive body repairers and technicians is rapidly growing, and the outlook continues to look strong. Even as technology creates better vehicles that can last far longer, repairers and technicians will always be needed to fix damages that arise from simple fender benders. The average salary for professions in this field ranges from $8.70 to $27.10, with a median hourly rate of $15.71. Some workers are paid on a commission basis, meaning they are given a salary that depends on the amount of work completed, and the type of work completed. Certain jobs that require more work, and take longer to complete will receive a higher amount than the smaller jobs. Automotive body repairers are responsible for repairing any damage done to a vehicle, and bringing it back to its original condition. These may involve replacing plastic pieces, finding new parts, and knocking out dents in the metal. Workers in this field must be capable of working in a group setting, as well as being able to follow directions. Having strong computer skills and the ability to understand complex technical manuals may also be a bonus. Most workers in this field begin by taking classes on auto body repair, followed by hands on work in an internship setting.

Transmission technicians are one of the more popular choices for mechanics because the field is diverse, and always growing. This position requires experience in the advanced components of automobiles, including the transmission. The transmission is not the only component a technician works with. Others include hydraulic pumps, gear trains, and couplings. The transmission technician is responsible for discovering what is wrong with the vehicle, and finding a solution to solve that problem. This may involve a system of trial and error wherein the technician must try a number of different options before finding the correct solution. They are then responsible for installing the new parts, and making sure the vehicle is in working order before turning it over to its owner. The position requires someone with strong communication skills as they will be working side by side with the customer. Strong computer skills are also needed for this position. The individual should also have knowledge of how automobiles work, and how the different components work together. To become a part of this field, workers need a 2 year degree from a trade or vocational school. The salary for a transmission technician has a range of $8.14-$25.21, with most workers making around $15 per hour. Workers at this level are needed at repair shops, parts and accessories stores, working with the government, and at dealerships. This wide variety of positions makes it one of the fastest growing jobs in the mechanics field. It is important that workers remain up to date on changes within the transmission world, and take classes for re-certification when needed.

Tune-up technicians are the second fastest growing profession in the world of auto mechanics. The technician is responsible for all the small engine parts that need to be cleaned and changed every year for a proper tune-up. This includes, but is not limited to spark plugs, gaskets, timing belts, and ignition valves. When an individual brings their vehicle in for a tune-up, the technician will work to determine what needs to be done, as well as asking about specific problems. They will make the adjustments, changes, and replacements as needed, and ensure that the vehicle is working properly before turning it over to the owner. Workers in this field need strong communication skills to handle customers, and should stay abreast with the latest changes in the industry. Individuals can take specific classes in a vocational or trade school, or at a community college if they are older. These classes are generally slanted towards mathematics, sciences, and computers. Tune-up technicians are needed in a variety of locations including service stations, maintenance shops, dealerships, and the local government. Depending on where the individual lives and works, they can expect a starting salary of $8.14-$25.21 per hour.

Mechanics and service technicians are slowly beginning to realize that their experience can lead to work in other fields, including aviation. The aviation industry hires both mechanics to work on the planes and service technicians to handle minor repairs and other problems. Positions in this field are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA as it is also known, has over 200 schools in the United States to train students for a career in aviation mechanics. Most of their programs take 4 years, though there are a few 2-year programs available as well. The positions require a strong background in mathematics, electronics, computers, mechanical drawing, physics, and other types of science. Once a student completes their studies, they will receive a certification. Every few years they will be required to re-take certain classes to keep their certification up to date. Individuals who work in the aviation field are also required to be physically fit, and be detail oriented. Despite the amount of work involved in this field, the compensation is higher than other mechanical fields. The average salary is $40,000 a year, and can reach as high as $56,000 with full benefits included.

One of the areas of mechanics that is rapidly growing is farm equipment mechanics. This is one of the areas that is generally not thought of, yet is desperately in need of workers. In previous years farmers worked to handle any problems that arose with their equipment, but this has changed in recent years. As technology continued to grow and change, it became difficult and sometimes impossible to keep up on all those changes. At the same time, the size of farms has grown into large businesses requiring a large number of workers. This has led to farmers who hire outside technicians and mechanics to handle specific problems with their equipment. Those who work in this area need to have experience in different types of machinery including mowers, plows, and milking equipment. They may work in a specific shop, or make house calls to handle larger problems. Workers need to be flexible, have good communication skills, and be problem solvers as well as have strong mechanical skills. The salary for this position ranges from $8.73-$18.86, with a median hourly wage of $13.03. In some parts of the country this career is known as diesel mechanic or service technician because of the diesel powered machinery. The outlook for this type of career is slightly average, and many positions may increase slower than in other fields.

Automotive painters typically work hand in hand with automobile repairers, but may work alone as well. When working with repairers, the painter is responsible for restoring any imperfections in the auto’s paint, or repainting the entire vehicle if needed. Automobile painters are far more likely to work on their own, opening their own shops or working with local repair companies. The painter must use a spray gun, and different types of drying systems. They may need to sand down any rough areas before applying a primer and final coat of paint. A more specialized type of automobile painter handles specific graphics and designs for vehicles. They may paint flames on a car, design a picture for the side of a van, or create any other type of design onto a vehicle. Prior to entering the field of painting, an individual should hone their skills as an artist, and take classes in painting. They may also need to take classes on working with the equipment, and designing for the surface of vehicles. The average salary for an automotive painter is $16.13 per hour, but this pay rate may range from $9.70-$26.48. Those who work on their own or for a specific auto manufacturer may receive a higher rate of pay, and all individuals typically receive tips for their work. Automotive painters may find a hierarchy in place when they attempt to apply for jobs. Many workers start with the smaller tasks such as sanding or working on trim, and slowly work their way up to head painter or designer.

Heavy equipment mechanics are desperately needed at the federal and local government levels, as well as in wholesale shops and rental or leasing shops. These workers specialize in heavy equipment such as equipment used for mining, construction, and excavation. Due to the large number of types and styles of machinery, individuals may limit themselves to one specific type of machinery or one industry. Those that work for the federal government typically work on tanks and other types of military vehicles. While other mechanic professions work with one area of the machinery or vehicle, workers in this field are responsible for brakes, transmission, electrical components, and nearly every aspect of the engine. Workers in this field earn a median salary of $17.29 per hour, with some hourly wages topping the $24 mark. Workers are required to take specialized classes in heavy equipment and mechanics, and to receive some type of specialized training, such as an internship.