Auto Repair Technician: Duties & salary

by Barbara Bellesi

Clunk! Bang! Thunk! If you can't figure out what's going wrong with your car, chances are you'll take it to an auto repair technician. Auto mechanics aren't magicians, but they do have a way of making car troubles disappear.

What does an auto repair technician do?
Auto repair technicians have a knack of fixing just about any problem you have with your car. From squeaky brakes to noisy engines, auto repair technicians find the source of your problem and either repair or replace the necessary parts.

In today's fast-paced world, people can't usually last too long without missing their cars. That is why it is so important for auto repair technicians to really know their stuff when it comes to what's under the hood of any car out there on the road. Auto mechanics must work quickly to diagnose the problem and plan a way to solve it.

How much do auto repair technicians get paid and what kinds of auto repair jobs can I get?
It's a good time to become an auto repair technician, particularly in this slumping economy when people are holding on to their older cars because they can't afford new ones. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for auto repair technicians and mechanics will increase by 14 percent by the year 2016, which is a greater increase than most other industries will experience. Higher employment rates for auto repair technicians will also be encouraged by the fact that many older mechanics are reaching retirement age and will vacate their jobs.

The majority of auto repair technicians are employed by repair shops and car dealerships. Other places for employment opportunities in auto repair include stores that sell parts, accessories, and tires. There are also job openings at gasoline stations, though they usually are not equipped to have a staff as large as some of the other options. Some industries that utilize company cars often, such as government agencies, may also retain a staff of auto repair technicians to make car maintenance more convenient. About 17 percent of auto repair technicians are self-employed contractors, who choose when, where, and on what type of cars to work.

Most jobs in auto repair pay salaries on an hourly basis. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the 2006 median earnings for an auto repair technician was around $16. A small percentage of highly skilled auto body mechanics earn above $27 an hour. Factors that determine salary are location, skill level, and the type of cars in question; if a car is a rare make or model, then chances are an experienced technician will be hired for a higher hourly rate.

Some people look at cars while other people look in and under them. If you fall into the second category, then check out a career in auto body repair at a school near you.