7 Steps To Become an Auto Mechanic
Wondering how to become a mechanic? Here are seven steps you can take toward become an auto mechanic – even if you start with no experience!
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 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.
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:
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.
Mechanics serve an important role in helping to keep cars, diesel trucks and other equipment operating properly. According to the BLS, there are:
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.
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.
What do you need to be a mechanic? Keep reading below!
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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
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 our grads are prepared to pursue entry-level roles. As with any industry, over time, technicians may be able to advance in their automotive mechanic career with experience and hard work.77
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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.