Interested in taking advantage of the many automotive technician jobs in Ohio? For those who are mechanically inclined and have a passion for automotive technology, this can be a great career choice. The automotive industry in Ohio is growing rapidly, and earnings are on par with the rest of the country. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average pay for a mechanic is about $37,000 per year. The annual auto mechanic salary average in Ohio is $37,050. With that being said, it is possible to earn more or less than this average, so it is crucial that you are able to make yourself the most appealing job candidate for hirers.
Your education matters greatly
Once, you needed little more than hands-on experience to become a mechanic. That’s not the case today. In fact, some areas have made it mandatory that mechanics have their ASE certification. While you don’t need to go straight for your ASE test, you do need to complete the basic training necessary to learn the fundamentals of automotive repair. These courses usually last around six months to a year, and you’ll find a number of trade schools, community colleges and technical schools in Ohio offering automotive courses. Your options include:
- Ohio Technical College
- Tolles Career and Technical Center
- University of Northwestern Ohio
- Columbus State Community College
- Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
After completing your training, your job is not done. Now is the time to pursue ASE certification. You’ll find many different courses and certification options available, allowing you to specialize in one or two areas if that is your preference, or pursue your ASE master technician certification. While any ASE certification will increase your employability and help you earn a higher auto mechanic salary, master technician certification is the most in demand by hirers in the industry.
You may also want to consider pursuing dealership certification if it is your goal to specialize in one particular brand of vehicle. For instance, many technicians find that they prefer one automaker to another, and earning their dealership certification makes them more employable with all dealerships that carry that specific brand. This can also be of benefit for those working in non-dealership repair shops.
Supplement your income with work as a mobile mechanic
Plan your career, get your training and education, and earn your ASE certification. When you make yourself the most appealing job candidate, you’ll have a wide range of employment options.
While there are many career options for mechanics, one option you might consider is working with YourMechanic as a mobile mechanic. YourMechanic technicians earn up to $60 an hour and complete all work onsite at the car owner's location. As a mobile mechanic, you control your schedule, set your service area, and serve as your own boss. Learn more and apply.
