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Do you love tinkering on things and have no problem getting your hands dirty? Consider becoming an automotive technician.
Automotive technicians — also referred to as automotive mechanics — repair, inspect and maintain vehicles. In addition to performing maintenance and repair services, they meet with customers to explain the mechanical issues with their cars and keep them in the loop throughout the repair process. This is a career that requires both technical skills and communication skills in order to keep the customer satisfied.
Some auto technicians specialize in a certain area, such as engines or brakes. However, most auto technician positions require a general knowledge of all mechanical components of a vehicle.
When choosing any career, it’s important to ensure that it aligns with your passion and goals for the future. Keep reading to learn all about how becoming an auto technician can be an exciting career choice!
There are many benefits that come with being an auto mechanic. If you’re looking for a rewarding career that requires little schooling, this is a great occupation to consider.
The terms mechanic and technician are often used interchangeably in the automotive industry. The difference between the two is a highly debated topic — some believe mechanic and technician mean the same thing, while others believe there is a critical difference.
In general, mechanics tend to do more hands-on work, like oil and brake pad changes. Technicians also do these types of repairs, but they focus more on the electrical side of things. Due to the high-level technology found in late-model vehicles, the term “technician” better describes this profession, but you’ll also hear those who work on cars referred to as “mechanics.”
Check out this blog to learn more about the technician vs. mechanic debate.
Becoming an auto mechanic might sound intimidating to those who have never worked on cars before. But if you’re interested in this field, don’t let a lack of prior experience stop you!
If you want to be a mechanic but know nothing, here are a few steps to take to get started:
The length of time it takes to become an automotive mechanic can vary. Some choose to go into the field with no formal training and work their way up to a mechanic role, which can take several years. Others decide to enroll in a training program to learn skills in a shorter amount of time.
UTI’s Automotive Technology program is designed to be completed in just 51 weeks — less than a year! Graduates of this program are prepared to pursue entry-level technician positions in the field. During their training, they take courses on a variety of topics, from engine service and repair to brake systems, service writing and even power and performance.
After completing UTI’s core program, students can choose to continue their training with a manufacturer specific program. Created in conjunction with brands like BMW, Ford and Toyota, these programs are designed to equip you with skills specific to the technology of today’s leading manufacturers.15
Read: How Long Does It Take to Become an Automotive Technician?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics in the United States was $44,050 in May 2020.25 This means half of automotive technicians earned more and half earned less.
Keep in mind that salary can vary based on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area. To get an idea of how much auto technicians are earning in different areas, check out this state-specific salary guide.
If you’re thinking about becoming an auto technician, it can be helpful to learn from someone who has successfully done it.
Jackson Chartier spent his childhood working on Corvettes, Skylarks and custom street rods with his father and grandfathers, but attending a school for automotive technician training wasn’t part of his original plan.
But it was part of his Plan B. And he brought his A-game.
Judging by his collection of awards, Jackson doesn’t have anything but an A-game. He was captain of his high school cross-country team and a varsity wrestler. He also won a team dedication and spirit award and received multiple scholarships — including one from the mikeroweWORKS Foundation (more on that later).
It’s an impressive list that’s evidence of Jackson’s determination, and a list that becomes even more impressive once you learn he has accomplished all these things despite having to live with a major distraction. Jackson has cerebral palsy, which affects body movement and muscle coordination.
Jackson won’t tell you that cerebral palsy has held him back. He actually gives it credit for his persistence. “I can either use my CP as an excuse or as motivation. I’m not sure if I would have been able to accomplish all these things without it, as weird as that sounds.”
He also gives cerebral palsy credit for ruining his Plan A. “I wanted to be an Army Ranger in the 75th Ranger Regiment, and I started preparing myself when I was in the seventh grade. I knew I had to be fit and strong, so I got fit and strong.”
Unfortunately, Jackson’s disability made him ineligible to serve, but he didn’t dwell on the disappointment. Instead, he shifted gears and kept his foot on the gas. His affinity for cars and anything mechanical made pursuing a trade school and a career as an auto and diesel technician an easy decision, not to mention those types of skills being in high demand. It was the perfect Plan B.
While still a junior, Jackson spent his mornings training in the automotive technology program at College of Lake County in Grayslake, Illinois, near his home and attending his regular high school classes in the afternoon. By the time he was a senior, he had added a part-time job at O’Reilly Auto Parts to his schedule. That same year, when searching for automotive schools, Jackson became aware of UTI and the programs it offered.
“UTI gave a presentation at school and I was immediately impressed. They use late-model technology and have a bunch of relationships with manufacturers. Plus, they’re accredited,” Jackson says. “I really liked the fact they’re an ASE test center and the Lisle (Illinois) campus is a pretty easy drive” from home.
It all made sense. In less than two weeks, Jackson completed his campus interviews and made his decision to enroll in UTI’s Automotive Technology II Program.
As expected, Jackson was eager to begin his training at UTI, but something unexpected happened. His high school guidance counselor asked him if he had heard of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation scholarships. He hadn’t.
Jackson learned his being a state qualifier in the SkillsUSA Illinois competition demonstrated a commitment to hard work — making him just the type of student the mikeroweWORKS Foundation likes to support.
Following his counselor’s suggestion, Jackson applied for the Work Ethic Scholarship, and to Jackson’s surprise he was named a recipient. “I’m not even sure I would’ve applied for the scholarship if my counselor didn’t urge me to,” Jackson says. “Then I won. It was a total surprise.”
Jackson graduated from high school in June 2016, and within a month was attending UTI classes and working as an Express Lube Technician at a local Nissan dealership.1 He had considered taking similar training programs at both two- and four-year schools but recognized that UTI had state-of-the-industry technology and that he could be prepared to work sooner.
Being as ambitious as he is, Jackson decided to supplement his auto technician training with diesel training, which UTI offers in a combined program. The Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training programs that UTI offers also were appealing, especially the Mercedes-Benz DRIVE program. Jackson always had admired the brand and its engineering. His dad even had an R350, which Jackson would tinker with.
So, that Plan B? Jackson has followed it to perfection. He was a top performer in the Automotive and Diesel Technology II program and ended up moving from the suburbs of Chicago to Grapevine, Texas, to attend the highly competitive Mercedes-Benz DRIVE program at the manufacturer’s brand new facility.6
Jackson’s family has a saying: “There is no can’t, only I can!” Jackson is quick to add, “And there really is no Plan B. Whatever you’re doing today, that’s Plan A. You only get out what you put into it: Work hard and work smart. But it certainly helps when you have support and resources like those provided by UTI.”
If you’re ready to get on track to a career like Jackson’s, there’s no better time than now. UTI’s Automotive Technology program starts every three to six weeks, so you can start training and prepare for your career sooner. To learn more, visit our program page and request information to get in touch with an Admissions Representative today.
Yes, you can make a good living as a mechanic. The BLS reports that the median annual salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $42,090 in 2019, which breaks down to $20.24 per hour.25
Auto technicians have the potential to make a great income. As with any career, this can vary depending on the employer, demand in the area and level of experience the technician has. Check out this blog to learn more about what auto mechanics are earning in each state.
Many mechanics will tell you that a career in the automotive industry is worth it. If you’re detail oriented, a problem solver and love working with your hands, this can be a great career path. Auto mechanics do much more than change oil — changes in technology have led to exciting advancements in the industry.
Being an auto mechanic requires a specific set of skills. Some qualities that make a good mechanic include:
You don’t necessarily have to go to college to be a mechanic, but a training program, like one offered at a trade school, can be a great way to prepare for a career in the field. Most of these programs can be completed in two years or less.
Choosing an auto mechanic school is a big decision, and it requires research. When looking into different schools, be sure to consider the school’s reputation, industry connections and the support it offers graduates. You’ll also want to consider the cost of the program and if scholarships and grants are available.10
Looking for a tool to help you in your search? Check out this list of 13 questions to ask when choosing a trade school.
Skilled trades are in more demand now more than ever, and there are scholarships that could help you prepare for a career in those skilled trades.
You can work as a mechanic without ASE certification, but having it distinguishes you from other technicians. It also could help improve employability.
Want to pursue a career that's in demand? Becoming a technician in the automotive field might be right for you. The need for qualified technicians has continued to grow, but don't take our word for it.
