Automotive Technicians & Mechanics Description OES Code: 853020 Automotive Technicians and Mechanics adjust, repair, and overhaul automotive vehicles. They may be designated according to specialties, such as Brake Repairers, Transmission Mechanics, or Front-end Mechanics. CA Wages/hour median range New, no experience: $7.50 minimum – $15.00 New, experienced: $12.00 minimum – $22.46 3 yrs+ experience: $16.00 minimum – $28.00 Local Wages • CCOIS Survey • OES Survey Hours & Benefits Mechanics working for new car dealers and larger repair shops and garages usually work an 8-hour day and a 40-hour week. Sometimes overtime is paid at either time and one-half or double time. When working on a holiday, sometimes they are paid at two and one-half or triple-time the hourly rate. Mechanics who work for small, independent shops may work up to ten hours a day or longer, on rush jobs. Most employers offer an opportunity to belong to the union and offer plans for health, life, disability insurance and retirement. The employers also usually offer vacation, sick, and holiday leave programs. The benefits are usually bigger in shops that are large or where workers belong to the union. Employment Trends Employment 1996 70,290 Projected Employment 2006 87,930 Growth Rate 1996-2006 25.1% Openings due to Separations 20,640 Employment Trends by California County Automobile Mechanic jobs will grow a little faster than average. Most of the job openings for mechanics are caused by those who leave the jobs and need to be replaced (Separations). Advancement The opportunities for jobs are better for mechanics experienced in all kinds of automotive service and repair and for those possessing State licenses to service smog, brake and lamp systems. The chances are especially good for those trained and experienced in the maintenance and repair of foreign cars. In most areas of the State, there are currently many inexperienced mechanics available. Mechanics with a lot of skills can turn into specialists that do the more difficult diagnoses and repairs in the shop. Those with ability to supervise can promote to shop supervisor or service manager. Mechanics with management and business skills sometimes open their own shops. Getting the Job & Other Information Applicants should: Read the booklet entitled “Applicants Guide to the California Automotive Smog Repair Test Mechanic Qualification Examination”. This booklet can be obtained from the California Bureau of Automotive Repair at 1 (800) 952-5120 For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Click arrow at bottom left of image to begin. Requires QuickTime Education and Training Most employers hire trainees with at least a high school diploma who are familiar with basic automotive repair. Some employers prefer those who have graduated from vocational courses from community colleges or technical colleges or from an adult education program. Formal apprenticeship programs, which combine formal classroom and on-the-job training, are available in some areas. More information is available through the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Apprenticeship Standards. Skills & Other Requirements Auto Mechanics and Technicians identify and fix problems with cars and trucks and do repairs to keep the vehicles in good condition and running smoothly. They have many duties, depending on the size and kind of shop in which they work. In smaller shops, mechanics do all kinds of repair work, like simple engine tune-ups to the tearing down, repairing and rebuilding of complete power systems. They also service and repair electrical systems; align and service suspension, braking and steering systems; repair and adjust transmissions and differentials; repair and service air conditioning, heating and engine-cooling systems; and do all necessary mechanical checks. In larger shops, some of this work may be done by specially trained Auto Mechanics, who mostly do one type of repair or service and may be assigned by their specialty, such as brake repairers, transmission mechanics or front-end mechanics. These specialists are assigned to do other jobs, but they must make sure all of the work is done. Automobile Mechanics use all sorts of tools and equipment, from wrenches, screwdrivers and pliers to electronic engine-testing equipment. Lathes, drill presses, hydraulic hoists and jacks and other power tools are also used. Mechanics are sometimes required to make accurate estimates of the costs of repair work, including how long it will take to fix the car. References Note: The references below (and/or on other parts of this page) will link to pages on the internet outside the Career Video system. California Occupational Guide: Automobile Mechanics #24 Related Occupation: Service Advisors #240 Training: California State Training Inventory       © State of California EDD/LMID, US Department of Labor Unless indicated otherwise, wage data is based on Statewide aggregated CCOIS survey responses between 1995 and 1997. Questions or Comments? Contact us.