4 answers
Orlando
Student
Yuma, Arizona
2
Questions
Updated
3571 views
Does the mechanic job pay well?
Hello, my name is Orlando and I am a 7th grader interested in becoming a mechanic. Most likely as an assistant because my job might be too hazardous at 14-15. I can not work on the weekdays because of school and I only want to work 8 hours to save time for family. So my main question is: What is the average pay for a 14-15 year assistant mechanic working 8 hours weekends?
Thank you
Orlando
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4 answers
Donizete Ge-Acaiaba
Automotive mechanic
3
Answers
Hollywood, Florida
Updated
Donizete’s Answer
Working as a mechanic can indeed bring a good income, but the key is to keep learning and specializing. The more experience and knowledge you have — especially with modern cars and automotive technology — the more valuable you will be in the job market. Beyond the money, it is also important to think about doing what you enjoy and finding a place where you are recognized. Dedicating yourself now can open better doors in the future, both in salary and opportunities. But the most important thing in life is to work in what brings you the most joy. The more you dedicate yourself and specialize, the more you become a valued professional and the better you can enjoy life to the fullest.
Kris K
Application Development
4
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Kris’s Answer
Automotive Mechanic (Auto Technician)
These technicians are the foundation of the vehicle repair industry, working on the cars and light trucks that fill Arizona's roads.
Entry-Level: $38,000 - $49,000
Median: $50,000 - $55,000
Advanced/Master: $57,000 - $70,000+ (High-performance or specialized technicians can earn more)
Diesel Mechanic
Specializing in the powerful engines of semi-trucks, buses, and heavy machinery, diesel mechanics are crucial for the state's logistics and construction industries. This role often commands a higher starting salary than general auto repair.
Entry-Level: $52,000 - $63,000
Median: $60,000 - $68,000
Advanced/Senior: $70,000 - $85,000+
Aircraft Mechanic (Aviation Maintenance Technician)
With a significant aerospace and aviation presence, Arizona is a prime location for these highly skilled, federally licensed professionals who ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft.
Entry-Level: $57,000 - $62,000
Median: $66,000 - $75,000
Experienced/Senior: $80,000 - $92,000+ (Specialists in avionics or specific airframes can surpass $100,000)
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
These mechanics maintain and repair the large machinery used in Arizona's robust construction and mining sectors, working on everything from bulldozers and excavators to large mining trucks.
Entry-Level: $42,000 - $50,000
Median: $57,000 - $64,000
Advanced/Senior: $68,000 - $80,000+
Marine Mechanic (Boat Mechanic)
While a landlocked state, Arizona's numerous lakes, like Lake Powell, Lake Mead, and Lake Havasu, create a strong demand for skilled technicians to service recreational watercraft.
Entry-Level: $54,000 - $57,000
Median: $58,000 - $60,000
Experienced/Senior: $63,000 - $70,000+
Factors Influencing Pay in Arizona
Location: Major metropolitan areas like Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Chandler often offer higher wages to offset a higher cost of living compared to more rural areas.
Certifications: Holding multiple ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) or FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) certifications can significantly increase earning potential.
Specialization: Mechanics who specialize in high-demand areas like electric vehicles (EVs), advanced diagnostics, or specific high-performance brands can command premium salaries.
Employer: Working for a large dealership, a corporate fleet, a government entity, or an airline generally results in higher pay and better benefits than smaller, independent shops.
These technicians are the foundation of the vehicle repair industry, working on the cars and light trucks that fill Arizona's roads.
Entry-Level: $38,000 - $49,000
Median: $50,000 - $55,000
Advanced/Master: $57,000 - $70,000+ (High-performance or specialized technicians can earn more)
Diesel Mechanic
Specializing in the powerful engines of semi-trucks, buses, and heavy machinery, diesel mechanics are crucial for the state's logistics and construction industries. This role often commands a higher starting salary than general auto repair.
Entry-Level: $52,000 - $63,000
Median: $60,000 - $68,000
Advanced/Senior: $70,000 - $85,000+
Aircraft Mechanic (Aviation Maintenance Technician)
With a significant aerospace and aviation presence, Arizona is a prime location for these highly skilled, federally licensed professionals who ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft.
Entry-Level: $57,000 - $62,000
Median: $66,000 - $75,000
Experienced/Senior: $80,000 - $92,000+ (Specialists in avionics or specific airframes can surpass $100,000)
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
These mechanics maintain and repair the large machinery used in Arizona's robust construction and mining sectors, working on everything from bulldozers and excavators to large mining trucks.
Entry-Level: $42,000 - $50,000
Median: $57,000 - $64,000
Advanced/Senior: $68,000 - $80,000+
Marine Mechanic (Boat Mechanic)
While a landlocked state, Arizona's numerous lakes, like Lake Powell, Lake Mead, and Lake Havasu, create a strong demand for skilled technicians to service recreational watercraft.
Entry-Level: $54,000 - $57,000
Median: $58,000 - $60,000
Experienced/Senior: $63,000 - $70,000+
Factors Influencing Pay in Arizona
Location: Major metropolitan areas like Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Chandler often offer higher wages to offset a higher cost of living compared to more rural areas.
Certifications: Holding multiple ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) or FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) certifications can significantly increase earning potential.
Specialization: Mechanics who specialize in high-demand areas like electric vehicles (EVs), advanced diagnostics, or specific high-performance brands can command premium salaries.
Employer: Working for a large dealership, a corporate fleet, a government entity, or an airline generally results in higher pay and better benefits than smaller, independent shops.
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Orlando! There is a good college in Yuma that can train you in auto mechanics. SEE https://www.azwestern.edu/degrees-and-certificates/automotive-technology ALSO https://mechaniccareernow.com/mechanic-schools/yuma-az You will find that your pay increases as you graduate up in qualifications and seniority. You will know you have made the grade when you start training apprentices and supervise a workshop. Also, if you are willing to work weekends you shall receive special award rates.
There are specialty subsections you can get qualified in and get more pay for your expertise. The average pay for a mechanic in Arizona is $26.55 per hour. Your younger age would reduce your remuneration rate, but working weekends should bring your pay rate back up again. Another area in the future for you would be the training of students in colleges. I think the specialty of electrical vehicles shall be very substantial now, so it would be an advantage to get qualified in this. There should be a greater pay as a mechanic servicing luxury or prestige motor vehicles like Mercedes Benz. Do not starve yourself on the job, nor overeat. Small snacks every two hours seem to be the best. Getting adequate rest and relaxation too.
Another idea I had was doing mechanic work for NASCAR. That may be only available periodically. The type of work that would be ongoing would probably be research involved with performance.
GOD BLESS!
There are specialty subsections you can get qualified in and get more pay for your expertise. The average pay for a mechanic in Arizona is $26.55 per hour. Your younger age would reduce your remuneration rate, but working weekends should bring your pay rate back up again. Another area in the future for you would be the training of students in colleges. I think the specialty of electrical vehicles shall be very substantial now, so it would be an advantage to get qualified in this. There should be a greater pay as a mechanic servicing luxury or prestige motor vehicles like Mercedes Benz. Do not starve yourself on the job, nor overeat. Small snacks every two hours seem to be the best. Getting adequate rest and relaxation too.
Another idea I had was doing mechanic work for NASCAR. That may be only available periodically. The type of work that would be ongoing would probably be research involved with performance.
GOD BLESS!
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Orlando !
It's great that you've come here to learn about what a car mechanic is and what goes into the work ! Advisor John Constantine Fragos has explained what one needs to do to become a car mechanic. In your state of Arizona, one would not have to obtain the Automotive Service Excellence Certification as it is not required in your state.
In review, you want to work 8 hours on the weekends at a car repair shop as a mechanic's assistant. As a mechanic Assistant, you typically would be expected to do job duties such as assisting with diagnostic tests, performing routine maintenance tasks like oil changes and tire rotations, and helping with more complex repairs under supervision.
They are responsible for preparing tools and equipment, maintaining a clean and organized workspace, managing inventory of parts and supplies, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. You will need to have experience and know how to do these things in order to be hired.
In your state of Arizona, you do not need a work permit but your employer would verify your age from your birth certificate. And at 14 and 15, there are restrictions of what you can do on the job and how many hours you can work. Keep in mind, you only want to work 8 hours on the weekends, but your employer may need you for 16 hours. The employer sets the schedule, not the worker, so you may come across very few potential employers that want someone for only 8 hours and only on the weekends.
If you are not yet qualified to be a car mechanic assistant, you could consider working at a gas station as a cashier or general helper/maintenance. Part of working is to apply for jobs that you know how to do, are willing to do and can follow a schedule of hours that the employer needs the work to be done. Another option that could bring in some money for you and you can set your own hours would be to wash people's cars. Use flyers and posters depending on how your home is set up. You can even consider actually working at a car wash in your town.
Working on cars takes training and knowledge and there are resources to explore this career for the future. Also, no one can really tell you how much money you'd be paid because that goes by an individual basis from employer to employer. They'll all offer a different wage or salary. When you go on interviews for the jobs, the interviewer usually mentions what the salary is. Also keep in mind that many times, if you work in a car shop, you'd be expected to have a drivers license so you could move cars.
Another option to explore for employment would be at the racetracks. Inquire at Cocopah Speedway, Dome Valley Raceway, and Yuma RC Raceway which is located inside the Sunrise Optimist Recreational Complex in Yuma.
I hope this advice helps out and I wish you all the best !
It's great that you've come here to learn about what a car mechanic is and what goes into the work ! Advisor John Constantine Fragos has explained what one needs to do to become a car mechanic. In your state of Arizona, one would not have to obtain the Automotive Service Excellence Certification as it is not required in your state.
In review, you want to work 8 hours on the weekends at a car repair shop as a mechanic's assistant. As a mechanic Assistant, you typically would be expected to do job duties such as assisting with diagnostic tests, performing routine maintenance tasks like oil changes and tire rotations, and helping with more complex repairs under supervision.
They are responsible for preparing tools and equipment, maintaining a clean and organized workspace, managing inventory of parts and supplies, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. You will need to have experience and know how to do these things in order to be hired.
In your state of Arizona, you do not need a work permit but your employer would verify your age from your birth certificate. And at 14 and 15, there are restrictions of what you can do on the job and how many hours you can work. Keep in mind, you only want to work 8 hours on the weekends, but your employer may need you for 16 hours. The employer sets the schedule, not the worker, so you may come across very few potential employers that want someone for only 8 hours and only on the weekends.
If you are not yet qualified to be a car mechanic assistant, you could consider working at a gas station as a cashier or general helper/maintenance. Part of working is to apply for jobs that you know how to do, are willing to do and can follow a schedule of hours that the employer needs the work to be done. Another option that could bring in some money for you and you can set your own hours would be to wash people's cars. Use flyers and posters depending on how your home is set up. You can even consider actually working at a car wash in your town.
Working on cars takes training and knowledge and there are resources to explore this career for the future. Also, no one can really tell you how much money you'd be paid because that goes by an individual basis from employer to employer. They'll all offer a different wage or salary. When you go on interviews for the jobs, the interviewer usually mentions what the salary is. Also keep in mind that many times, if you work in a car shop, you'd be expected to have a drivers license so you could move cars.
Another option to explore for employment would be at the racetracks. Inquire at Cocopah Speedway, Dome Valley Raceway, and Yuma RC Raceway which is located inside the Sunrise Optimist Recreational Complex in Yuma.
I hope this advice helps out and I wish you all the best !