Auto Mechanics?

Question

I wanna be a Vehicle Mechanic and i would like to know if you think it's a good career?
I will be joining the Air Force as a vehicle mechanic for 4 years. So by the time i get out i'll have good experience. They will train me with both gas and diesel engines.

Do vehicle mechanics get paid good?
Is 4 years experience in the military with a diploma enough to get hired and get paid good money?

I would like to know about Auto Body Repairers too, i'll like to do that too. But which one would be better as a career. Body Repairer or Gas/Diesel Mechanic.??

I was thinking about Aircraft Mechanic before, but i just decided to be a Vehicle Mechanic. I hope i made a good decision.

Answer 1

Your right on track, the military is a great place to start. My experience has been with hiring ex-military is that they are taught the military way and this does not always prepare you for the civilian workforce. You go in learn as much as you can and really have the basics down you can make the transition to the dealership without a problem. Technician's today are in a continuous training program. Technology advances and so must their knowledge and expertise. As far as wages go on the low side around 25,000 and on the high side for well trained in a productive dealership you can make $125,000 to $175,000. Of course there is a huge earning range. No doubt you will fall in there somewhere. What your earning potential is, is entirely up to you. The type of work you do in the dealership will also affect your yearly income. Line technicians doing engine rebuilds will typically earn less because they will not flag as many hours above their regular worked hours. I always liked the jobs that would show 4 hours or less in the book because I could get them done faster than book time and increase my earning for the week. In our small community I know several technicians that are in the $24.00 to $30.00 per hour range and this is based on flag hours. I teach automotive technology and diesel equipment technology at the highs school level. I am in close contact with the area shops, independent and dealership. Best of luck.

Answer 2

This is a great question! It is hard to answer however since there can be so many variables. I have been an aircraft mechanic for over 11 years now. I have contracted overseas (Iraq) and made over $175,000 a year working 40 hours a week. I have friends that routinely take contracting jobs overseas and make 6 figures. Can you make that money in the states? Not very easily. High paying aircraft mechanic jobs are military government contractors, mechanics for aircraft assigned to forest fire contracts and of course the airlines, although the airlines have been under economic pressure for some time. Mechanics at an FBO will make less than an car mechanic more likely. FBO jobs are good for gaining experience however. I currently work as a EMS helicopter mechanic. Yes it is possible an auto mechanic makes more than me, however, pay is only part of the equation. I only work typically 3-4 days a week. I am salary. I know car mechanics that make $80,000 but they basically live at work. I personally would rather make less money and spend time with my kids. The other part of the equation is whether or not you enjoy aviation. If you think airplanes and helicopters are cool and you have a safety oriented mindset, aviation can be a very rewarding career and you can make great money at it. Aircraft mechanics are part of a small group of people who enjoy doing what they love. Sure, pilots get all the glory, but we all know that it is because of skilled mechanics that they are able to defy gravity and return to earth safely.

Answer 3

You're making a great career decision. The Air Force will teach you the dicipline you need and train you with hands on experience. I was a Ford tech for 20 years and made a great living doing it. I specialized in electronics and driveability problems. Specializing in one area is a great way to guarantee you'll always get hired and retained. Just like a doctor the more you know about one particular area the more money you will make.

There are more automobiles than aircraft so I think you'll have a better shot at getting a job after the service. Up here in NY there is always a job listing for dealership technicians. Especially BMW and Mercedes Benz.

Autobody is more of an art than anything else, sure anyone can replace panels but it takes a real eye to smooth a body to shape or spray on a beautiful coat of no drip paint.

Answer 4

I've been a mechanic for 10 yrs. Invested$12,000.00 in tools including the toolbox. You gotta have your own tools. No dealership or gas station garage will supply any tools. 4 yrs. is basic experience. But if you become a mechanic you will start from the bottom as a mechanic helper work your way up to a lube tech. I worked for an Acura dealership for 2 yrs. and started as a B tech, worked on trannys and timing belt jobs . Pay is good if you are quick,and hustle all the time. My dealership is almost and always busy. Doing about 70 hrs. a week in 40 hr week. I just upgraded my toolbox to a Matco box costing $5,000.00. It's worth it if you know what you're doing. Makes work easier and the more work you do the more money you bring home. Acura certified technician for 2 yrs, with 10 yrs total experience in the field

Answer 5

Hold up there chief, just because you pay that much, doesn't mean I get it all. Our labor rate is 74.00 an hour, I make about a quarter of that an hour, and that's not clock hours, that is flat rate hours, just when I'm working on a car. If labor manual states a your starter takes 1 hr to install and it takes me 2 hours, I just lost an hour of pay. If labor manual states 2 hrs and it takes me 1 hr, then I'm ok. Then there are the days when you don't have anything to work on, no customers, congratulations, you just worked all day for nothing (Some shops offer a guarantee, but not ours) Other days are good, loaded shop, I'm there for 8 hours and flag 14 hours, good day! You have to take the good with the bad, but you can make a living.

Answer 6

What's goo about being an automechanic - easy to find job (although you will have problem a good first job), if you work for a dealer - they provide training and work is quite easy when you work on same model cars.
Bad side - it doesn't pay much, all profit mostly goes to the dealer / garage owner. You also have to buy about $2000 - 3000 worth of tools, and, come on, it's a dirty job. Then, it's difficult to get out if of these field once you in to it. Body shop? - you will have to breathe with all those chemicals for 40 hours a wheek, also doesn't pay that much.

Answer 7

Well, think about it... You pay a mechanic $50-$100/hr in labor costs alone. Ex: I installed a thermostat that cost $10. My friend payed a mechanic $58 just to do this. $58-$10= a 48 dollar profit on just one job. They can do anywhere from 12-20/day.

Answer 8

learn them all and open your own shop that is the only way you will get paid as a civillian mechanic, or become certified in certian mechanics, such as mercedes, bmw, porche, ect. those are the ones that pay really well.