How to Become a Mechanic (2024 Guide)

For those who picture themselves in a hands-on environment, pursuing a career as a mechanic might be the perfect fit. On a daily basis, mechanics get to help solve problems by maintaining and repairing different kinds of vehicles or other equipment.

If this career path is something that interests you, it can help to learn more about what mechanics do, the avenues you can pursue and the steps you can take to make your goal a reality.

That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide that will get your questions answered and help you plan for your future and learn how to be a mechanic!

Key Points

• Mechanics are skilled professionals who diagnose, repair and maintain various types of vehicles and equipment, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, airplanes and boats. They require technical knowledge, problem-solving skills and strong hand-eye coordination.
• There are several types of mechanics, including automotive, diesel, marine, auto body, aviation and motorcycle mechanics, each working in different industries and on different types of equipment.
• There is demand for skilled mechanics, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting over 67,000 average annual openings for automotive technicians and over 24,000 average annual openings for diesel technicians in the U.S.^41,43 Salaries vary by specialization. According to the BLS, the median annual salary in the United States was $47,770 for automotive service technicians and mechanics and $58,970 for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists as of May 2023.^25,29 This means half of diesel technicians earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.
• To become a mechanic, one should first decide on the type of mechanic they want to be, research and attend a trade school like Universal Technical Institute (UTI) for the necessary training and consider gaining additional experience through apprenticeships. UTI offers programs in Automotive and Diesel Technology, among others, with options for manufacturer-specific training.¹
• After completing training, graduates are prepared to apply for mechanic jobs, with many starting in entry-level positions. UTI’s Career Services department assists students and graduates in finding employment opportunities, and the training can also prepare graduates for ASE certification exams, enhancing their resumes.

What Is a Mechanic and What Do They Do?

Mechanics are skilled professionals who diagnose and repair all types of vehicles, from cars and trucks to motorcycles, airplanes and boats. They have a deep knowledge of how the systems in their respective equipment or vehicles work.

They also provide routine maintenance services like oil changes and tire rotations, which help keep vehicles running smoothly for longer periods of time. The role of a mechanic requires technical knowledge, problem-solving skills and strong hand-eye coordination to effectively diagnose and repair vehicles and/or other equipment.

Different Types of Mechanics

Aspiring mechanics have a variety of career paths they can choose to explore. Mechanics can be found in a range of industries and can work on many different types of equipment. Types of mechanics include:

• Automotive mechanics
• Diesel mechanics
• Marine mechanics
• Auto body mechanics
• Aviation mechanics
• Motorcycle mechanics

Mechanic Industry Overview

Having an idea of what the industry is looking like for mechanics can be helpful when deciding on which avenue you’d like to pursue. Below, we provide some information on job availability and salary outlook specifically for automotive and diesel mechanics. Additional information regarding the other types of mechanics mentioned above can be found through the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website.

Job availability and growth

Mechanics serve an important role in helping to keep cars, diesel trucks and other equipment operating properly. According to the BLS, there are:

• 67,000+ estimated average annual automotive technician job openings in the United States.⁴¹
• 24,000+ estimated average annual diesel technician job openings in the U.S.⁴³

The BLS can be a helpful resource to look at when it comes to keeping up to date with job availability and growth in your selected industry.

Mechanic salary outlook

Salary is another important consideration when thinking about a career. While having an idea of what you might earn in a position can help inform your decision, it’s also important to keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

Automotive mechanics: According to the BLS, the median annual salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics in the U.S. was $47,770 in May 2023.²⁵ This means half of automotive technicians earned more and half earned less.

Diesel mechanics: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in the U.S. was $58,970 in May 2023.²⁹ This means half of diesel technicians earned more and half earned less.

Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

6 Steps To Become a Mechanic

What do you need to be a mechanic? Keep reading below!

1. Determine what type of mechanic you want to be

If you’ve decided that pursuing a career as a mechanic is right for you, then the next step is to think about which industry you’d like to work in. As mentioned, there are several options you can choose from depending on where your interests lie. Those who have a passion for cars might pursue the automotive route, or if you want to work on the water, a career as a marine mechanic might suit you best.

2. Research various mechanic schools

Once you’ve determined what kind of mechanic role you want to pursue, the next step is to start researching a trade school that can help you get the training you need.

A technical school like Universal Technical Institute can provide comprehensive learning and hands-on training for students interested in becoming mechanics in various fields.^1,18 UTI is also accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), which helps ensure that our programs meet educational quality standards.

3. Consider which mechanic school’s offerings fit your goals

Getting information on a variety of trade schools can help you make the best decision on where to attend. Think about what you want a career to look like when you’re thinking about what’s offered from each school, as well as factors like:

• How long do I want to be in school?
• What funding options are available to me?
• Does the school offer any additional specialized training?
• Are there career services that can help me once I graduate?

At UTI and its family of schools, students can complete training programs in 24 months or less, which is great for those looking to enter the workforce sooner. Our options for Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training allow those in certain UTI programs to extend their learning to gain specialized experience with leading industry brands.¹¹

We also have a Financial Aid team that can assist with exploring different funding options, from loans to scholarships and grants.¹⁰ Our Career Services team is available to help with finding employment both during your time at school as well as after you graduate.

4. Attend a mechanic school

Once you’ve decided where you want to attend trade school, it’s time to enroll! Training from a trade school program can help you when entering the workforce and applying for mechanic roles.

Most trade school programs, including those at UTI, provide students with either a degree, a diploma or a certificate to signify that they’ve completed their training and built a foundation of knowledge that can be applied to their careers.

Having this experience on your resume can help you when trying to establish yourself as a mechanic. If you’re wondering how to become a certified mechanic, enrolling in the Automotive Technology or Diesel Technology programs at UTI can help prepare you.

Graduates of the auto and diesel programs are prepared to complete ASE examinations and can substitute their training for one of the two years required to become ASE certified, which can add an additional benefit to your resume.

5. Gain experience through apprenticeships

While gaining experience beyond your trade school education is not a requirement for becoming a mechanic, having real-world experience can further enhance your resume.

UTI’s Career Services department provides help for students looking for employment or apprenticeship opportunities both while they’re in school and after graduation.

Career Services provides resources like interview training, career coaching, resume development and more, along with access to opportunities with local employers.

UTI also offers the Early Employment Program that students in select programs can participate in. This program allows students to gain 20 to 30 hours of paid work experience, as well as consideration for full-time employment after graduation.³⁶

6. Apply for mechanic jobs

Once you’ve gained the right training, you’ll be ready to start applying for mechanic jobs in your chosen industry! As we mentioned, UTI’s Career Services team can help you through the process as needed.

When applying for mechanic positions, keep in mind that most of our grads start out working in entry-level roles. As with any industry, over time, you may be able to advance in your career with experience and hard work.

Automotive and Diesel Mechanic School With UTI

UTI offers training programs for a range of industries that can help students pursue entry-level roles as mechanics. Two of the main programs that interest students are the Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology programs.

Automotive and diesel mechanic courses offered

Both the Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology programs feature courses that provide students with a foundation of knowledge that can help them in future roles as mechanics.

Automotive Technology courses

The Automotive Technology program is offered at 13 UTI campuses across the country and provides training for students in 51 weeks.⁷ There are also several specialized training options for those interested in expanding their knowledge. Course topics in the core program include:

• Automotive engines service and repair
• Professional automotive service writing
• Automotive powertrains and transmissions
• Vehicle steering and suspension service and repair
• Vehicle brake systems vehicle
• Electronic systems and technology
• Automotive climate control systems and repair
• Automotive power/performance tuning and emissions repair
• Hybrid vehicle system maintenance

Diesel Technology courses

The Diesel Technology program is offered at 12 UTI campuses and trains students to become diesel mechanics in 45 weeks.⁷ Like the automotive program, there are options for specialized training. Core program course topics include:

• Gasoline and diesel engine service and repair
• Diesel truck manual transmission
• Diesel truck brake systems and chassis
• Diesel truck steering and suspension systems
• Automotive climate control systems and repair
• Diesel hydraulic systems
• Vehicle electronic systems and technology
• Diesel truck transport refrigeration
• Diesel truck preventative maintenance

FAQs

How long does it take to be trained as a mechanic?

The time frame for mechanic training is something that can vary depending on the trade school you attend and the specific program in which you choose to enroll. Adding manufacturer-specific training can extend the length of training. However, at UTI and its family of schools, all core programs can be completed in 24 months or less.

How hard is it to be a mechanic?

Without the right background knowledge and training, becoming a mechanic can be more difficult. Enrolling in a training program can help make the transition smoother.

As far as your day-to-day, the role of a mechanic can be a physically demanding job where you’re on your feet or in uncomfortable positions most of the time. However, for those with a passion for the craft, this isn’t a huge deal to be able to do something they enjoy.

Does becoming a mechanic involve math?

While math is not a main part of a mechanic’s role, understanding basic math skills can be helpful for completing certain tasks. Mathematical theory and processes are covered on an as-needed basis in various UTI program courses.

Interested in Becoming a Mechanic?

If training for a career as a mechanic interests you, then don’t wait — start getting the training you need for the industry so you can be ready for the workforce!

UTI can help provide you with the training and education that employers are looking for. Request more information today to get in touch with an Admissions Representative who will help get your questions answered!