If you have an aptitude for mechanical maintenance and repair, as well a love for cars, then one of the many automotive technician jobs in Minnesota might allow you to embark on a lifelong, rewarding career. While mechanics nationwide earn a median salary of $37,000 per year, auto mechanics in Minnesota can expect to earn an average of $40,940, which is definitely higher than many other states. However, remember that this is just the average – there are jobs that pay less, and those that pay more. You’ll need to ensure that you’re able to earn as much as possible, and that means going in with a plan.
Get your education now
While you might have once been able to embark on a rewarding career as an auto mechanic without any formal training or previous knowledge, that is not the case today, particularly if you want to ensure that you can earn as much as possible. To get started on the right foot, you’ll need to make sure that you have the right education, training, and certification. That starts with attending one of the mechanic schools in the state, of which there are quite a few. Some of your options statewide include the following:
- Hibbing Community College
- Ridgewater College
- Dunwoody College of Technology
- Dakota County Technical College
- St. Cloud Technical and Community College
These are only a few of your options, and they will all provide you with education options and certification. Once you have earned your basic certification, you can start working with dealerships, private repair shops, maintenance centers, and other businesses in the industry. Of course, you will need to continue your education in order to earn as much as possible.
One of the best paths to success is to earn ASE certifications. Sponsored by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, these courses are designed to provide you with in-depth knowledge and expertise in myriad areas of automotive technology, from electronics to transmission repair and everything in between. You’ll find many different options here for specialization, and then you can earn your ASE master certification. From dealerships to private shops, ASE-certified mechanics are in very high demand and can command very good salaries.
Dealership certification is another option you might consider pursuing. This is training specific to a particular automaker, and is usually provided for technicians working with branded dealerships.
Supplement your income with work as a mobile mechanic
With a little planning and forethought, as well as the commitment necessary to get your education, automotive technician jobs can be very rewarding, both personally and professionally.
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.
