Mechanic Jobs in the United States

Mechanic Jobs Overview

In a world where computer work is becoming more common and many jobs are automated, a position as a mechanic is an opportunity to work in a highly hands-on-position. Moreover, mechanic jobs are on a slower path to automation than many other professions because of the complexity of vehicles, especially as they become increasingly computerized.

As a mechanic you’ll be performing diagnostics tests, repairs, and general maintenance tasks on vehicles or machines. You’ll enjoy this job if you like being on your feet and working with your hands, and if you have a passion for vehicles. The most common types of mechanics are:

• Car mechanics repair and maintain cars. They may work either at dealers, in repair shops, or parts shops.
• Diesel mechanics specialize in diesel engines. They usually work on large and heavy vehicles, for example farm equipment, trucks, ships, and buses.
• Airframe and powerplant mechanics (A&Ps) are trained in working on aircrafts. You can also specialize in either of those two areas.
• Small engine mechanics work on smaller vehicles, for example boats, motorcycles, or outdoor power equipment.

How Much Do Mechanic Jobs Pay?

Monster’s salary data gives you information on what different types of mechanics make. For example, you’ll learn that a small engine mechanic makes a median of $15.90 an hour, an auto mechanic makes a median of $19.71, and a diesel mechanic makes $23.32 an hour. Some of the cities with the highest demand for mechanics include Houston, Phoenix, San Antonio, Los Angeles, and Austin.

Check out Monster’s Salary Tools for more information.

How to Find Mechanic Jobs That Fit You

The workplace you choose will have a big impact on how your workday will look. The most common workplaces for mechanic jobs are:

• independent car mechanic and maintenance shops
• chain mechanic and maintenance shops
• car dealerships

Working for a large company such a car dealership or a chain car mechanic shop can give you more benefits and room for advancement. On the other hand, working for a small business can offer a slower pace and less evening or weekend work.

If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary or you want to work on different types of vehicles, consider looking for a job at:

• a race arena for race cars
• an airline repairing air crafts
• a rental place for hobby vehicles such as motorboats or ATVs

How to Apply to Mechanic Jobs

Once you find the job you want, put together a compelling job application. Since car mechanics can work with a variety of assignments, such as inspections, diagnostics, and repairs, include a detailed description of job responsibilities you’ve had, parts that you’ve worked on, titles you’ve held, and cars you’re specialized in.

Update Your Mechanic Jobs Resume

Monster can help you update your resume. Look at this mechanic sample resume and mechanic cover letter for some industry-specific tips. In these documents you can for example see how to:

• include a list of mechanic and related skills
• list relevant education and certificates
• create a compelling resume summary
• showcase ways that make you stand out in comparison to your colleagues

Diagnose Your Resume

Is your resume missing something, but you’re not sure of what? Sign up with Monster’s Professional Resume Writing Services to get expert insight. A resume writer familiar with the auto industry will create a customized resume for you and your profession. You’ll also get popular mechanic resume keywords that can help set your resume apart from the competition.

Ready to Find Mechanic Jobs? Monster Can Help

Search our job listings to find open positions in your area. Don’t forget to create a profile so you can connect with employers, get custom job alerts, upload your resume, and more.

How to Follow up With an Employer

Always be polite and prompt in your communication with prospective employers. This applies to everything from getting a call to an interview for that job offer you’ve been waiting for. Try to respond as soon as possible and at least within 24 hours.

In addition, following up with an employer after you submit a job application, and again after an interview, can help you score a job. It shows persistence, dedication, and assertiveness. But you walk a thin line between being persistent and overly eager. Find a good balance by checking in on your application once, saying thank you for an interview once, and following up once more to inquire about the status if you don’t hear anything within a week or two.

Interviewing Tips for Mechanic Jobs

Preparing for a job interview involves several steps. Getting ready to answer interview questions is the first one. Some job interviews focus on general questions about your personality, strengths, and weaknesses. While those questions may come up, you should also prepare for questions that are more specific and technical in nature.

Examples of Interview Questions for Mechanics

At an interview for a car mechanic job, be prepared to answer questions like:

• What types of testing equipment are you familiar with?
• What types of maintenance does a car need on a regular basis?
• How often does a car need service?

Other Steps to Take Before an Interview

Before you go to your interview, make sure to:

• research the employer
• come up with a few questions for the employer
• decide what to wear
• identity the main characteristics and skills that you have to offer, also called your unique value proposition
• bring a copy of your resume if you’re meeting in person
• test your equipment in advance if you’re doing a virtual or phone interview

For more tips on how to prepare, take a look at Monster’s article on how to ace a job interview.

What to Do When You Get an Offer

Once you get a job offer, evaluate the full package of the offer. This is the time to discuss benefits and salary, if you haven’t already. You can also ask about details such as the schedule, what you should wear to the job, and other details. The first thing you should do, however, is to thank the employer for the offer and say that you’re looking forward to working with them.

If you want to negotiate the offer, make sure to know the reasonable salary for your location and position. Keep in mind to consider the full package of salary and benefits when comparing different offers to each other. You may be able to negotiate additional benefits if the salary isn’t negotiable.

Check your offer to verify that it includes details such as your job position, starting date, job responsibilities, and location.

Mechanic Jobs and Career Paths

To be successful in this field, you’ll need good technical skills, basic math skills, and an eye for detail to notice and solve mechanical issues. Learn more about what skills employers look for in Monster’s sample of a mechanic job description.

Most employers will require a high school degree. Many are also looking for employees with vocational training and some will require a college degree. The more advanced the job is, the more likely it is that you will need post-secondary education. For example, since diesel engines are more complex, diesel mechanics often have either a college degree (usually an associate degree) or vocational training, in addition to a certificate.

While not all states require certification to become a mechanic, many employers do. There are several different companies and organization to get one from, depending on what you want to specialize in. Some of the most common ones are:

• The Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). This organization offers certificates in specific areas, for example brakes, engine performance, and electrical systems. Many jobs for auto and diesel mechanics require ASE certification.
• United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If you’ll repair AC systems on the job your employer might ask you to have this certification, which certifies you to purchase, handle, and dispose of the refrigerants used.
• Auto makers: You can get a certificate from a specific auto maker, especially if you want to work directly for them.
• FAA (Federal Aviation Administration): to work as an A&P mechanic you need a certificate from FAA. The agency will require you to pass a written test and a practical test, and complete 30 months of training. (To specialize in either airframes or powerplants, you’ll need 18 months of training). Since A&P mechanics have more education, they earn more on average than other mechanics.

To learn more about the career path to become an auto mechanic, read Monster’s article “How to become a mechanic.”

Advancement Opportunities for Mechanics

With experience, you can progress into a position with more responsibilities and pay. These are some examples:

• Repair manager: Repair managers supervise a team of car repair mechanics.
• Maintenance manager: Maintenance managers supervise a team of car maintenance mechanics.
• Diagnostic technicians: Diagnostic technicians do more than repair cars; they also investigate and determine the cause of car problems. Because of the higher responsibilities involved, they typically make more than other car mechanics.

Similar Occupations to Mechanics Jobs

You can expand your job search by looking for other maintenance jobs. For example, consider searching for:

• boat painter jobs
• auto detailer jobs
• technician jobs