How to Become an Auto Mechanic?
Are you thinking of becoming an Auto Mechanic or already started your career and planning the next step? Learn how to become an Auto Mechanic, what skills you need to succeed, how to advance your career and get promoted, and what levels of pay to expect at each step on your career path. Explore new Auto Mechanic job openings and options for career transitions into related roles.
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Steps to Become a Mechanic
If you're considering starting your Mechanic career path, it's important to note the skills, qualifications, and time it takes to become a professional Mechanic and how to advance your career path. Below are the steps generally required to begin and advance your Mechanic career.Contents
1
Earn a Degree
To begin your Mechanic career path, a GED / High School Degree in Applied Sciences or a related field is usually necessary in order to remain a competitive option for employers. Focus on industry-specific skill development during your education in order to be properly equipped when applying for entry-level positions and entering the job force. A Mechanic internship may be required to earn your GED / High School Degree and acquire necessary on-the-job skills before entering the workforce.What skills do you need to be a Mechanic?
- Exhaust Systems
- Aircraft Systems
- Views
- Aircraft Avionics
- CDL
- Air Induction
- ASE Certified
- Diagnosis
2
Choose a Specialty in Your Field
As an Mechanic, you may be required to choose a specialty within your field. Determine which part of the Mechanic field you feel strongest in, and continue taking active steps toward growing in your chosen Mechanic specialty.3
Get an Entry-Level Position as a Mechanic
Once you've acquired a GED / High School Degree in Applied Sciences or a related field, you'll typically begin your career as an entry-level Mechanic. In general, you can become a Mechanic after completing your 12 year GED / High School Degree in a related discipline. Depending on the type of Mechanic role you’re pursuing, you may want to explore certification in certified civil.4
Advance in Your Mechanic Career
Following entry-level, there are several Mechanic career path levels to advance into. It can take 2 years as an entry-level Mechanic to progress to the senior mechanic position. Each advanced Mechanic position requires approximately 8 years of experience at each level to advance in your Mechanic career path. It may be necessary to receive additional education, an advanced degree such as a Master's Degree in a related field, or special certifications in order to advance your Mechanic career path.5
Continued Education for Your Mechanic Career Path
Not all industries and companies require continued education to advance your Mechanic career path. However, earning this degree may help you advance to higher-earning positions more quickly. Earning a Bachelor's Degree in Applied Sciences can take 4 years to complete. People that have earned their Bachelor's Degree typically make $73,686 compared to $32,353 for those without that type of degree.Auto Mechanic Career Path
Mechanic
8+Years of Experience
$50K - $71K /yrMost Likely Range
Senior Mechanic
2 - 4Years of Experience
$65K - $103K /yrMost Likely Range
Mechanic IV
5 - 7Years of Experience
$53K - $82K /yrMost Likely Range
Total Pay Trajectory
Auto Mechanic Career Path
Mechanic I
Mechanic
Senior Mechanic
Mechanic IV
Head Mechanic
$40K
$56K
$72K
$88K
$120K
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Related Careers in the Skilled Labor & Manufacturing Industry
Interested in other Skilled Labor & Manufacturing careers? Below are occupations that have high affinity with Auto Mechanic skills. Discover some of the most common Auto Mechanic career transitions, along with skills overlap.