A promising and relatively stable career field is that of automotive technician. The amount of money earned by those with automotive technician jobs can vary quite a bit. The median salary for those working in the field in the United States is between $31,000 and $41,000. In some areas people make more, and some make less than other areas. A number of factors contribute to this including location, experience and training, as well as whether or not they are certified.
Those who are seeking automotive technician jobs in Rhode Island will find that even though it might be a tiny state, it has a nice average salary for those who are auto mechanics. The mean salary in the state is $40,550 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are some in the state who make a substantial amount more, more than $58,000 annually.
Training increases earning potential for auto mechanics
The time for training can vary greatly based on the type of training a person is going to receive. In some cases, it could take as little as six months. However, in other cases it could take up to two years if somebody wants to get an Associate’s degree through a local community college. People tend to want to make the most money possible in their career, so it makes sense to attempt to get in as much training as possible.
There are a number of different types of programs available, and most will include not only work in the classroom but also hands-on experience. One of the best ways to increase earning potential is to have an ASE certification. This type of certification is provided by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. The certification is available for nine different areas. These areas include electronic systems, diesel engines, engine performance, manual drivetrain and axles, heating and air-conditioning, engine repair, automatic transmissions and transaxles, and brakes.
Training as a mechanic
Those who are considering this area for a career and who would like to eventually have an auto technician job need to have the right type of training. While there are few options for full auto technician training in Rhode Island, there are some vocational programs that people can begin learning in high school, as well as some online programs.
In addition, it is always possible to travel outside of the state for full automotive technician schooling. For example, UTI, the Universal Technical Institute, has a 51-week program that is able to get people up to speed with the knowledge they need to compete in this field.
In addition to specialized schools, community colleges often have programs that can help with training as well. Those who are serious about a career in the automotive technician field and who have always wanted to become mechanics should start looking into their various training options today. Better training means more knowledge and more knowledge means better job opportunities and a higher income.
The following are some of the tops schools in Rhode Island.
- Lincoln Technical Institute
- MTTI – Education for Employment
- New England Institute of Technology
- Porter and Chester Institute
- Universal Technical Institute
Work for YourMechanic
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.
