Those who have been contemplating a new career path and who are thinking about becoming a mechanic will naturally want to know more about automotive technician jobs. The career can be quite rewarding, and it could be a good option for those who enjoy working with their hands and who love vehicles. Naturally, people who are interested in becoming mechanics will also want to have a better understanding of just how much it can pay.
The median salary for mechanics in the United States is currently between $31,000 to more than $41,000. And number of factors go into the varied pay. The location is one of those factors. In the state of Tennessee, the current mean wage for mechanics is $39,480 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, mechanics in the state can make up to $61,150. One of the major reasons for the variance in pay is due to knowledge and certifications. Employers tend to want people who have as much knowledge and skill as possible, so they look for people who have quality training and certifications.
If you would like to become a mechanic, you will need to have proper training. Fortunately, it is quite easy to find.
Increase your earning potential with training and certification
If you have quality training and certification, you stand to make more money when you become a mechanic in Tennessee. The amount of training needed to enter into the field can vary, but it is generally between six months in a year. This is just to enter the field. There are also certification programs available that can provide people with even more training.
For example, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence offers ASE certification (Automotive Service Excellence) in nine different fields. You can complete one, several, or all of the ASE certification courses. Those who complete all of the courses are deemed master mechanics. Naturally, those who have the certification are highly sought after and stand to make a substantial amount of money over those who are fresh to the field and who have no certifications.
The ASE offers certification for electronic systems, engine performance, manual drivetrain and axles, engine repair, light vehicle diesel engines, heating and air-conditioning, brakes, steering suspension, and automatic transmission and transaxle. Gaining certifications over the course of a career can be a great way to continue increasing earning potential.
Training options for automotive technician jobs
There are a number of automotive tech schools located in Tennessee, including Lincoln Tech which is in Nashville. A very popular school that offers an automotive program that last s 51 weeks is UTI, or the Universal Technical Institute. It has campuses located around the country and it offers hands-on and classroom work.
It is possible to find training through vocational schools, technical schools, and aforementioned specialty schools. In addition, some community colleges will also offer training in this field. Take the time to learn more about the training that you need to enter the field and become an automotive technician so you can start earning.
The following are some top schools for training:
- Southwest Tennessee Community College
- Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Nashville
- Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Memphis
- Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Murfreesboro
- Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Covington
You might want to work with 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.
