5 answers
Johnny
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
2200 views
What are the main benefits and disadvantages of being a mechanic?
Hello my name is Johnny I am an eighth grade student at crane middle school in Yuma Arizona and I have wanted to be a mechanic since 3rd grade and I am wondering what degree i have to get and what is the average pay? Thank you!
5 answers
Jim Salyers
Industrial Maintenance Technician
4
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Jim’s Answer
Hey Johnny, I’ve been a mechanic for 17 years, and I’ve loved it since I was about your age. My dad found a rundown old go kart with a 3hp Briggs and Stratton engine that barely ran. I worked on it day and night (after school of course). It was in those moments I knew it wouldn’t be a “job” for me because I love it. The best parts are working with your hands, fixing stuff most people can’t, and always learning new tricks and having fun learning about how things actually work, behind the scenes. Plus, there’s work for mechanics pretty much everywhere, and one day you could even run your own shop. Nothing beats the feeling of handing someone their keys back and watching them smile — especially if their car used to sound like a dying lawnmower.
It’s not all sunshine, though. You’ll bust your knuckles, get oil in places you’ll wish you hadn’t, and spend way too much money on tools (seriously, they’re like Pokémon… you’ll want to collect them all). You don’t have to get a college degree; I didn’t, though looking back it might have helped me level up faster. Just take auto shop in high school, maybe go to a trade school, and get ASE certified. You might start at $15–$20 an hour, but with experience you can make $25–$35 or more. If you’re a good mechanic and smart you will be wanted everywhere. I can say this for sure, when you’re old enough to be in the workforce, mechanics, good mechanics, will be worth as much as a doctor. Trust me….. If you love solving problems and don’t mind a little dirt under your fingernails, it’s an awesome career.
P.S. If you’ve wanted this since 3rd grade, don’t let anyone talk you out of it. There are also many different types of mechanics as well…. Work hard, keep learning, and remember that cars will break down… and a good mechanic his hard to find.
Take care Johnny
Your Friend,
Jim
It’s not all sunshine, though. You’ll bust your knuckles, get oil in places you’ll wish you hadn’t, and spend way too much money on tools (seriously, they’re like Pokémon… you’ll want to collect them all). You don’t have to get a college degree; I didn’t, though looking back it might have helped me level up faster. Just take auto shop in high school, maybe go to a trade school, and get ASE certified. You might start at $15–$20 an hour, but with experience you can make $25–$35 or more. If you’re a good mechanic and smart you will be wanted everywhere. I can say this for sure, when you’re old enough to be in the workforce, mechanics, good mechanics, will be worth as much as a doctor. Trust me….. If you love solving problems and don’t mind a little dirt under your fingernails, it’s an awesome career.
P.S. If you’ve wanted this since 3rd grade, don’t let anyone talk you out of it. There are also many different types of mechanics as well…. Work hard, keep learning, and remember that cars will break down… and a good mechanic his hard to find.
Take care Johnny
Your Friend,
Jim
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
520
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Becoming a mechanic is a promising career choice, especially with the increasing demand for electric and hybrid vehicles. You don't need a college degree, but you can choose to pursue one if you like. After high school, attending a technical school or community college, such as Arizona Western College, to study automotive technology is a wise decision. Getting hands-on experience at a local garage or through vehicle maintenance programs will help you develop practical skills. An ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification can open doors to better job opportunities and higher pay. In the U.S., mechanics typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 a year, depending on experience, location, and specialization.
While the job can be physically demanding and sometimes requires working in tight spaces, it offers the chance to learn continuously and work with exciting new technologies. Mechanics often deal with dirty or greasy clothes but gain satisfaction from solving problems and helping people. As a middle school student, you can start preparing by watching car repair tutorials and exploring virtual experiences on YouTube, AutoEd, or RepairPal. Focus on excelling in math, physics, and computer technology, and learn to use diagnostic tools like OBD-II scanners and manufacturer software. In high school, take classes in auto shop, math, science, and computer studies, and consider joining programs like SkillsUSA for hands-on experience and competitions. Volunteering or interning at local auto shops can provide valuable real-world experience and networking opportunities. Start collecting basic tools and connect with local mechanics for advice or mentorship. With curiosity, dedication, and hard work, you can build a successful and rewarding career in the automotive field.
While the job can be physically demanding and sometimes requires working in tight spaces, it offers the chance to learn continuously and work with exciting new technologies. Mechanics often deal with dirty or greasy clothes but gain satisfaction from solving problems and helping people. As a middle school student, you can start preparing by watching car repair tutorials and exploring virtual experiences on YouTube, AutoEd, or RepairPal. Focus on excelling in math, physics, and computer technology, and learn to use diagnostic tools like OBD-II scanners and manufacturer software. In high school, take classes in auto shop, math, science, and computer studies, and consider joining programs like SkillsUSA for hands-on experience and competitions. Volunteering or interning at local auto shops can provide valuable real-world experience and networking opportunities. Start collecting basic tools and connect with local mechanics for advice or mentorship. With curiosity, dedication, and hard work, you can build a successful and rewarding career in the automotive field.
Your advice was so helpful!
Johnny
Don Holland
Member Service Representative/Food Runner
244
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello Johnny,
It is good that you are thinking ahead when it comes to possible careers that would interest you. Depending on where your work, the degrees you have and the experience you have the pay can vary. Usually for entry-level positions you might need a mixture of a high school diploma, associates degree or certificate from a vocational school. For advanced positions you will need a bachelors degree and added training to get in these higher positions. In terms of different advantages and disadvantages of being a mechanic there will be many things to consider. Advantages include having in-demand skills, good potential income, rewarding work and you will have different transferrable skills. Disadvantages include low starting pay which could be $30,000 to 46,000 at the start, it is physically demanding, long hours are needed and can very stressful work that you do. You will need to weigh up whether this is something that you want to do and the best thing to do is to get experience when it is available. Best of luck to you in your school year and future!
It is good that you are thinking ahead when it comes to possible careers that would interest you. Depending on where your work, the degrees you have and the experience you have the pay can vary. Usually for entry-level positions you might need a mixture of a high school diploma, associates degree or certificate from a vocational school. For advanced positions you will need a bachelors degree and added training to get in these higher positions. In terms of different advantages and disadvantages of being a mechanic there will be many things to consider. Advantages include having in-demand skills, good potential income, rewarding work and you will have different transferrable skills. Disadvantages include low starting pay which could be $30,000 to 46,000 at the start, it is physically demanding, long hours are needed and can very stressful work that you do. You will need to weigh up whether this is something that you want to do and the best thing to do is to get experience when it is available. Best of luck to you in your school year and future!
Larry Apfel
Aircraft Mechanic
17
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Larry’s Answer
Hi Johnny.
I'm glad to have your question about the plusses and minuses of being a mechanic. I have been a car mechanic as well as an aircraft mechanic. I love doing mechanical work not only on the family cars but also the bicycles, the lawnmowers, and just about anything that breaks! I used to work on cars when I was in high school for all of my friends. I made some extra spending money and I had a lot of friends too. There was never anything I personally considered a negative about being a mechanic. Even if you don't do it for a living it is always useful to know how to work on things.
If I have to point out things that are negative about being a mechanic then I will list them in no particular order. You have to buy a lot of tools as well as toolboxes. You're constantly around filth like oily things, gasoline, and exhaust fumes. Cars don't always need repairing in a nice & quiet temperature controlled building. Many times the car you're working on is outside in the rain or the snow or the heat.
There will always be a need for good mechanics so the work will always be there for you if you decide to make a career of it. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. Hope this helps.
Larry A.
I'm glad to have your question about the plusses and minuses of being a mechanic. I have been a car mechanic as well as an aircraft mechanic. I love doing mechanical work not only on the family cars but also the bicycles, the lawnmowers, and just about anything that breaks! I used to work on cars when I was in high school for all of my friends. I made some extra spending money and I had a lot of friends too. There was never anything I personally considered a negative about being a mechanic. Even if you don't do it for a living it is always useful to know how to work on things.
If I have to point out things that are negative about being a mechanic then I will list them in no particular order. You have to buy a lot of tools as well as toolboxes. You're constantly around filth like oily things, gasoline, and exhaust fumes. Cars don't always need repairing in a nice & quiet temperature controlled building. Many times the car you're working on is outside in the rain or the snow or the heat.
There will always be a need for good mechanics so the work will always be there for you if you decide to make a career of it. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. Hope this helps.
Larry A.
Max a. Hernandez
auto body business owner
1
Answer
Aurora, Illinois
Updated
Max a.’s Answer
I highly recommend start working on bikes ,lawn mowers ,electrical tools like trimmers,power tools with finesse ,easy progress from there ,start buying tools ,harbor freight to local tool stores you will need them for your life .use your hands ,be available to give of your time to develope skills with integrity ,honesty ask in your neighborhood for work ,do some auto body /paint on little car models ,progress from there a good mechanic knows how to take a car apart and put it back together perfectly ,start practicing I am a auto body /paint collision center inc owner lots of money opportunities to serve our community
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