MAST Career
Opportunities
Did you
know?
 "Roughly half the auto technicians working in the nation’s repair shops will be
eligible for retirement in the next decade, according to the bureau. There’s
already a shortfall of people to replace those leaving the field, said Tony
Molla, spokesman for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence,
the industry’s certification organization.
Wages for the job, which has become increasingly technical as cars include more
electronic parts, range from about $25,000 at entry level to more than $100,000
for the highest-skilled master technicians.
“Vehicles are being built better and require less repair, so we’ve been getting
by with a shrinking work force,” Molla said. “But the number of cars in this
country keeps increasing. There is definitely going to be more demand for
automotive technicians when these large numbers start retiring.”
Link to
full article:
http://www.richmondregister.com/business/local_story_128070850.html
Employment
numbers 2002-2012
|
United States |
Employment |
Percent
Change |
Total new jobs |
Replacement
openings |
Total openings |
|
2002 |
2012 |
|
Automotive Service Technician |
818,200 |
919,400 |
+ 12 %
|
101,200 |
122,730 |
223,930 |
Current
Job Openings
|
Jobs 2005 |
Jobs April 2005 |
|
31,890
|
9,032 |
The
U.S. Department of Labor states that over 220,000 new technicians will be needed
through the year 2012. It is estimated that close to 32,000 positions are
currently unfilled because of a lack of candidates.
And
better yet, auto repair technicians are among the highest-paid vocational
positions in the country. The average hourly wage is $15.18, with some
positions making over $25 an hour.
What are
the jobs?
Automotive Mechanic:
You might want to go to work for a local garage or a regional dealership to get
more experience and then even start your own repair business. Mechanics who
work in this environment get great all-around experience in repairing many
different makes and models of vehicles.
Fleet Mechanic:
Large companies and rental agencies need service people to keep their fleets of
cars and trucks running smoothly. In this type of job, you will become very
familiar or even become an expert with certain types of vehicles.
Auto
Parts Specialist:
If you like working with people, this is your job. Auto parts stores,
dealerships, manufacturers and distributors offer jobs for selling, ordering and
stocking parts. You must be customer-friendly and pay close attention to
details.
Stock Car Technician:
These mechanics are the best at “winging it” – finding ingenious ways to repair
cars that are destined to go fast (and be damaged) in next weekend’s race. For
this job, you must be creative and be able to work under the pressures of time.
Emissions Inspector:
Many states require vehicles to be tested for emissions and safety features
(brakes, horn, lights, etc.). In some cases, these tests are performed in
state-owned centers. A technician in this environment will use computers to
perform the same tests on a large number of vehicles per day.
Specialty Repair Technician:
Let’s say you like working with the same types of repairs most of the time.
Many shops specialize in one or several types of repair (mufflers, tires, oil
changes, etc.). These jobs give you the chance to become an expert in that
area.
Customization Specialist:
If you like to install alarms, radios, sound systems, and other accessories, you
may want to work for an electronics store, discount or dealership that offers
this custom work.
Racing Pit Crew:
Even these pros had to learn the basics at some time! By starting on the repair
team, you could work your way onto the front line. This is the ultimate in high
pressure and excitement, where repairs have to be done in seconds, not hours.
Pay Levels
2003
|
Pay
Period |
2003 |
|
10% |
25% |
Median |
75% |
90% |
|
Hourly |
$8.42 |
$10.98 |
$15.18 |
$20.30 |
$25.75 |
|
Yearly |
$17,500 |
$22,800 |
$31,600 |
$42,200 |
$53,600 |
Typical
Training Levels
Some trade and technical
school programs provide concentrated training for 6 months to a year. Community
college programs normally spread the training over 2 years. Universal Technical
Institute provides 1-2 year programs for about $21,000.
|
Occupation |
Percent of employees aged 25 to 44 in the occupation whose highest level
of educational attainment is- |
|
High
School
or Less |
Some
College |
Bachelor Degree
or More |
|
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics |
66.8% |
30% |
3.2% |
Trade
Associations:
§ National Institute for Automotive
Service Excellence (ASE), 101 Blue Seal Dr. SE., Suite 101, Leesburg, VA 20175.
Internet:
http://www.asecert.org
§ Automotive Retailing Today, 8400
Westpark Dr., MS #2, McLean, VA 22102. Internet:
http://www.autoretailing.org
§ National Automobile Dealers
Association, 8400 Westpark Dr., McLean, VA 22102. Internet:
http://www.nada.org
© dti Publishing Corp. 2008, All Rights Reserved
|
