Automotive Technicians & Mechanics
Description OES Code: 85302
Automotive Technicians and Mechanics adjust, repair, and overhaul automotive vehicles. They may be designated according to specialties, such as Brake Repairers, Transmission Mechanics, or Front-end Mechanics.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $8.91
25th Percentile $9.92
50th Percentile $14.71
75th Percentile $20.13

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $10.36
25th Percentile $11.69
50th Percentile $14.54
75th Percentile $20.21

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Mechanics working for new car dealers and larger repair shops and garages usually work an 8-hour day and a 40-hour week. Sometimes overtime is paid at either time and one-half or double time. When working on a holiday, sometimes they are paid at two and one-half or triple-time the hourly rate. Mechanics who work for small, independent shops may work up to ten hours a day or longer, on rush jobs.

Most employers offer an opportunity to belong to the union and offer plans for health, life, disability insurance and retirement. The employers also usually offer vacation, sick, and holiday leave programs. The benefits are usually bigger in shops that are large or where workers belong to the union.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 70,200
Projected Employment 2008 85,400
Percent Change 1998-2008 21.7%
Separations 1998-2008 19,300

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 1,090
Projected Employment 2006 1,270
Percent Change 1999-2006 16.5%
Separations 1999-2006 200

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Most Automobile Mechanics work for independent repair shops and new car dealers. While all shops have indoor work areas, the larger shops usually have more modern and comfortable working conditions. Mechanics often have to work in awkward, cramped positions. Also, mechanics are often exposed to oil, grease, harsh chemicals, and cleaning products.It is very important that mechanics pay close attention to safety. Problems could include burns from hot engines, cuts from tools and sharp-edged parts and flying particles from electric grinders. A lot of the work done by Automobile Mechanics is very physical and hard on the body. Many of the parts which must be removed and repaired are very heavy, but hydraulic and electrical jacks and hoists (pulleys) are used for lifting heavy parts, such as engines, transmissions and differentials.

Advancement
The opportunities for jobs are better for mechanics experienced in all kinds of automotive service and repair and for those possessing State licenses to service smog, brake and lamp systems. The chances are especially good for those trained and experienced in the maintenance and repair of foreign cars. In most areas of the State, there are currently many inexperienced mechanics available.

Mechanics with a lot of skills can turn into specialists that do the more difficult diagnoses and repairs in the shop. Those with ability to supervise can promote to shop supervisor or service manager. Mechanics with management and business skills sometimes open their own shops.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Applicants should:

  • Read the booklet entitled “Applicants Guide to the California Automotive Smog Repair Test Mechanic Qualification Examination”. This booklet can be obtained from the California Bureau of Automotive Repair at 1 (800) 952-5120

For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Most employers hire trainees with at least a high school diploma who are familiar with basic automotive repair. Some employers prefer those who have graduated from vocational courses from community colleges or technical colleges or from an adult education program. Formal apprenticeship programs, which combine formal classroom and on-the-job training, are available in some areas. More information is available through the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Apprenticeship Standards.

Skills & Other Requirements
Auto Mechanics and Technicians identify and fix problems with cars and trucks and do repairs to keep the vehicles in good condition and running smoothly. They have many duties, depending on the size and kind of shop in which they work. In smaller shops, mechanics do all kinds of repair work, like simple engine tune-ups to the tearing down, repairing and rebuilding of complete power systems.

They also service and repair electrical systems; align and service suspension, braking and steering systems; repair and adjust transmissions and differentials; repair and service air conditioning, heating and engine-cooling systems; and do all necessary mechanical checks. In larger shops, some of this work may be done by specially trained Auto Mechanics, who mostly do one type of repair or service and may be assigned by their specialty, such as brake repairers, transmission mechanics or front-end mechanics. These specialists are assigned to do other jobs, but they must make sure all of the work is done.

Automobile Mechanics use all sorts of tools and equipment, from wrenches, screwdrivers and pliers to electronic engine-testing equipment. Lathes, drill presses, hydraulic hoists and jacks and other power tools are also used.

Mechanics are sometimes required to make accurate estimates of the costs of repair work, including how long it will take to fix the car.

References
California Occupational Guide: #24

Related Occupation: Service Advisors

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)