Does pursuing an automotive technician job sound like the ideal option to you? If you love cars and automotive technology, this career path can allow you to combine that passion with employment and find a rewarding career. On average, mechanics in the US earn somewhere around $40,000 per year. However, the average auto mechanic salary in Kansas is $37,500, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. While slightly under the national average, there are many jobs that actually pay quite a bit more. The key is knowing how to make yourself the best candidate for those jobs.
Get educated first
Before you start searching for auto technician jobs in Kansas, you need to make sure that you have the right education. You can’t really rely on passion alone here. Not if you want to earn as much as possible. There are quite a few different schools in the state including community colleges, technical schools and vocational schools that can offer automotive courses, including the following:
- Garden City Community College
- Dodge City Community College
- Barton Community College
- Wichita Area Technical College
- Manhattan Area Technical College
Complete your course and you’ll learn the basics of automotive service and repair. You can also take other courses, including things like air conditioning repair and the like. With the certificate you earn at completion, you will be able to find an entry-level job in Kansas.
Your next step is to start earning your ASE certifications. While there is no requirement that you get this certification, you’ll find that employers are much more willing to pay ASE-certified technicians more money per year. There’s also the fact that ASE certification carries a lot of weight with consumers, providing the customers you service with more peace of mind and confidence in your work.
For mechanics who are considering working at a dealership, there’s another option for training and education. Dealership certification courses teach you about a specific automaker’s technology and designs, allowing you to specialize in servicing those makes and models. Most branded dealerships today require their technicians to complete ongoing certification training, as well.
Supplement your income with work as a mobile mechanic
With the right training and the understanding that there are many, many auto technician jobs out there, you can start a very rewarding career.
While there are many career options for mechanics, one option you might consider is working with YourMechanic as a mobile mechanic. YourMechanic technicians earn up to $60 an hour and complete all work onsite at the car owner's location. As a mobile mechanic, you control your schedule, set your service area, and serve as your own boss. Learn more and apply.
