How Much Does The Average Mechanic Make?

How much a mechanic makes depends on several elements like the location, field, qualification, years of experience, and others. Although the work of a mechanic seems to be one of the most difficult jobs, it has a prospect.

As long as you know your job, it would not take you much to climb the ladder of success. So, you are going to put much effort into becoming a sought-after mechanic in the US or any other location.

In answering the question of how much a mechanic makes, it is good to look at several factors like the duties of a mechanic, where they work, the requirements to become a mechanic, and more. Here, we have compiled how much a mechanic makes in different areas and more.

What does a Mechanic Do?

A mechanic performs several duties. However, the general job role of a mechanic is to maintain and repair cars, trucks, small engines, and other means of transportation.

They can also be involved in maintenance services including changing oil or repairing automobile bodies, small engines, diesel engines, brakes, tires, and more.

Most mechanics majorly work in automotive garages or dealerships, although a considerable number of them work independently.

Further, several mechanics execute specific repairs and general maintenance, while others might concentrate on a definite field of the trade like working on engines, wheels, tires, or onboard computers.

Irrespective of the area of expertise that a mechanic focuses on, the work is generally blue-collar manual labor that involves clear-cut and exacting skills.

Responsibilities of a mechanic

Mechanics perform all or some of the following duties:

  • Meet with the customer to know exactly what their concerns are and identify the faults.
  • Examine a vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems to resolve the causes of its collapse or poor condition.
  • Carry out regular assessment and repairs, including changing of oil or fluid and tire replacement. In addition, the mechanic alerts the client on issues that will prevent the vehicle from passing inspection.
  • Employ vehicle computer systems to troubleshoot, identify and revamp engine components.
  • Set up the new engine or electrical workings, according to the manufacturer’s terms
  • Design a plan of action regarding all maintenance records.
  • Monitor inventory and order new parts when it is needed.
  • Offer consultation to clients on maintenance and preventive procedures for machines and users.
  • Supply excellent levels of customer support as the repair process are going on.

Requirements of a Mechanic

To become a mechanic, you need to possess the following requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent qualification.
  • Certification from a vocational school or trade school is preferred.
  • A minimum of 2 years of experience in a similar role.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of vehicle diagnostic equipment and mechanical systems.
  • Solid attention to detail with an aptitude for problem-solving.
  • Brilliant communication and customer service skills.

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How much does a mechanic make?

On average, the salary of a mechanic in the United States is $45,060 per year or $21.66 per hour. Mechanics on the lower end of that scale, the bottom 10%, make approximately $34,000 per year, while the top 10% makes around $59,000.

Aside from that, the location of a mechanic can be a significant factor. Washington, Alaska, Oregon, California, and New Jersey provide the highest salaries for a mechanic.

How much does a mechanic make in different industries?

How much a mechanic makes can vary based on different elements and that includes the kind of industry they work in.

For instance, those who work with Energy, Manufacturing, and Retail companies pay the highest salaries.

Moreover, the average yearly salary of mechanics in Energy companies is around $47,925.

But mechanics in manufacturing companies make $46,984, while those in retail companies make $46,442. On the lower edge, the professional industry offers an average of $43,182 per year.

How much does a mechanic make in different fields?

#1. Lightweight mechanics

Average salary – $36,458

A lightweight mechanic maintains the maximum performance and good organization of light-wheeled vehicles that are used for industrial operations, particularly in the military.

In addition, this mechanic inspects the workings of a vehicle’s engine, carries out preventive maintenance, replaces faulty parts, assembles improves structures based on systematic design.

They as well create resolution reports for references. Also, they must have outstanding knowledge of the auto-mechanic industry to decide the slipup, while identifying repairs, avoiding delays, tricky situations as well as hazards while working on the vehicle.

#2. Industrial maintenance mechanics

Average salary – $48,835

The duty of an industrial maintenance mechanic is to ensure the effective working and optimal performance of industrial equipment and machinery to maintain operations and thwart operational delays.

They also perform regular maintenance for the equipment, while scrutinizing the parts for any fault and conducting urgent repairs where necessary.

As well, they write resolution reports for reference and recommendations for future occurrences.

An industrial mechanic must possess good organization and logical skills, compute and standardize instruments as well as determine discrepancies.

#3. Building maintenance mechanics

Average salary – $36,879

The primary duty of a building mechanic is to maintain mechanical structures and equipment and ensure their functionality.

They equally carry out regular maintenance checks, repairs, or replacements where applicable.

A building mechanic can also pay attention to issues and concerns, troubleshoot problems, install and upgrade systems, while offering practical support and advice to staff, manage vehicles, monitor and purchase supply as well as maintain records.

Good communication skills and teamwork are required of a building maintenance mechanic.

#4. General maintenance mechanics

Average salary – $32,556

This mechanic is burdened with the duty of ensuring the cleanliness and organization of facilities as well as inspecting the state and workings of the equipment for business operations and processes.

They equally take care of equipment repairs as well as replacing defective parts.

General maintenance mechanics install and assemble equipment by analyzing mechanical schematics and designs appropriately.

Thus, they must have a wide knowledge of the mechanical industry, in addition to carrying out quality control checks, inspections and repairs.

#5. Heavy equipment mechanic

Average salary – $49,195

The duty of a heavy equipment mechanic includes operating the heavy equipment used in different manufacturing companies.

They inspect inconsistencies, carry out diagnostic tests and replace faulty parts to ensure safety and efficiency.

Also, they improve engine systems to enhance optimal performance, analyze damage costs, and repair equipment components.

They must work closely with other staff while creating maintenance reports and provide recommendations where applicable.

What type of engines do mechanics encounter?

Interestingly, mechanics are not limited to working on just automobiles. While small engine mechanics work on smaller machinery, like golf carts, lawnmowers, chainsaws, and leaf blowers, heavy vehicle mechanics sustain and revamp tractor-trailers and farm machinery.

On the contrary, the job of diesel mechanics involves progressively more composite diesel engines found in buses, planes, and large trucks.

Can mechanics specialize in areas of automotive repair?

Yes, mechanics can focus on any of the following types of repairs and they are:

  • engine and drivetrain repair
  • automatic transmissions
  • manual transmissions
  • steering and suspension
  • brakes and tires
  • electrical systems
  •  air conditioning and heating systems
  • performance repair

Equally important, a careful understanding of each specialty is a prerequisite for Master Mechanics.

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How to become a certified mechanic

To become a certified mechanic, you must follow certain steps. These steps are clear-cut and following them would help you in focusing on your skills. They include the following:

  1. Find a mechanic shop and become a member of their staff. If you have access to a repair shop and make use of their equipment and resources, it allows you to complete your work quickly. You can also navigate online and learn how to solve vehicle accessory problems and components issues. This will as well give you the knowledge and training you need to handle different repairs successfully.
  2. Complete an approved automotive trade school. You can always find auto trade schools in any location and they could be in various formats like mechanical design, automotive engineering, and sales and service technician programs. Enrolling in an automotive trade school is a great career investment because it helps you to understand the nitty-gritty of vehicle repairs.
  3. Obtain practical experience. You can achieve this by working on a variety of vehicles. This experience can help you to work in a dealership as a service technician for a brand new or used vehicle. You can also become an apprentice for an independent mechanic who works on general maintenance equipment. However, you should ensure to work on specific types of vehicles like trucks, cars, and minivans.
  4. Complete a state test and pass it. For you to be qualified for a state test, you must pass a written exam and a skilled test. State certification requires that you have at least 3 years of experience as a mechanic, repairing cars and vehicles of a particular type and having unlimited hands-on skills. Then, when you have passed the exam, you can get certified.

What is the job outlook of a mechanic?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average rate of job growth in mechanics is projected to be just the same as that of all occupations over the next ten years.

In essence, there would be about 46,000 new jobs and a 6% increase between 2016 and 2026. Likewise, the demand for diesel mechanics is much higher than others. That is about 12% more than others, over the same period.

Frequently asked questions

On average, a good mechanic can make around $40,000 in a year, with the highest 25% earning around $56,140 and the lowest 25% earning around $31,250.

This can still be higher, based on the education levels of the mechanic and if the mechanic is a certified master mechanic. This means that they have completed all the nine Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications.

The starting salary for a mechanic in the United States is $34,000. That is the first 10th percentile of mechanics in the country.

The average salary in the US is $45,060, with some level of experience. Also, the state one works in can determine the salary of the professional.

Mechanics work in a wide range of settings and that depends on the nature of their job positions.

The commonest places mechanics can work are in automotive repair garages. Some can work for car rental services or dealerships.

Yet, some work independently and often execute an on-site roadside repair on major vehicular breakdowns.

Conclusion

Becoming a mechanic is quite simple if you can focus on your field. As a starter mechanic, your average income may not make much sense to you.

But with more training and experience, your salary gets higher and keeps escalating as long as you are dedicated to your job.

Ensure to be familiar with machine parts and the details of your specialization. Don’t be afraid to grow because it is in your growth that you make a higher income.

References

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