If you been thinking about all of the automotive technician jobs that you see in the papers and wish that you could apply for them, it might be time that you got the training you needed. Becoming a mechanic can be a great career, especially for those who enjoy working with their hands and who like to solve problems. If you love vehicles, and you like the potential to earn a good living, then it might be a fit for you.
When it comes to earning a living, you’re probably wondering just how much money a mechanic can make. In the United States, the average annual wage varies between $31,000 per year and $41,000 per year based on location, education, and some other factors. In the state of West Virginia, the mean annual wage for mechanics is $32,680. Of course, there are some in the state who are making more than $50,000 per year. As mentioned, it depends on certifications and knowledge in many cases.
Getting the education and training you need
What does it take to get the knowledge you need to become a mechanic? Fortunately, it is easy, and there are a number of programs available throughout the state.
The following are some of the best schools in West Virginia:
- James Rumsey Technical Institute
- Fayette Institute of Technology
- Carver Career Center
- West Virginia University
- Fred W. Eberle Technical Center
Some may also want to venture outside of the state for the training. Universal Technical Institute, or UTI, is one of the most popular programs in the country. They have a 51-week course that is comprehensive and covers everything a mechanic will need to know to get started in this field.
Once a person gets the training they need, they can then start looking for jobs as an automotive technician. However, they may find that they want to take additional training in the future.
More training often means more money
Something you will find when it comes to working as a mechanic is that the more training you have and the more certifications you have the more in demand you are by employers. They want mechanics to have a substantial amount of knowledge, and they are generally willing to pay for that knowledge. Having the right certifications has the potential to increase the amount that you earn annually, which is something that most people are going to want to do.
ASE certification, which comes from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is a good option. They have nine different areas where they offer certification including electrical and electronic systems, manual drivetrain and axles, engine performance, light vehicle diesel engines, brakes, engine repair, heating and air-conditioning, automatic transmission and transaxle, and suspension and steering. If you get certified in all of these areas, you can then qualify for the ASE Master Technician certification.
With the additional training and certification, you can see your potential income rise quite a bit higher than those who do not pursue more education.
Work as a mobile mechanic
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.
