8 answers
Orlando
Student
Yuma, Arizona
2
Questions
Updated
5832 views
Does the mechanic job pay good?
Does the mechanic job pay well?
I am a 12 year old 7th grader, first year into middle school. I want to be a mechanic when I’m old enough to apply for a job application for a mechanic, but I don’t know the salary, or average monthly pay. I want to work on cars. I need enough money to purchase my own things for myself because when I am old enough to apply for a job, I know my dad will want me to start buying my own things as he is now, but more strict. Honestly, any amount of money is fine but because I will be in school, I will probably work only 2 days a week on the weekends for only about 8 hours. If I make minimum wage, that is fine because I have an income. So please, could someone help me understand the average weekly pay for a mechanic that is going to be a teenager? And I know pay depends on my age. Since I will be working young, I do not think I will be a full mechanic, maybe like an assistant. Also, I will start my job around 14-15 years old. So, does the mechanic job pay well as a 14-15 year old working on the weekends for 8 hours?
8 answers
Carlos Mazariegos
Manager
3
Answers
Centreville, Virginia
Updated
Carlos’s Answer
Hi there, Good to see kids interested in being an Auto technician. I was an auto technician for a long time and really enjoyed my time in the role. When I first started as a technician, I was making about $ 40,000 per year as a junior technician at a Honda dealership. At the end of my career, I was earning about $ 80,000 per year. Once you get to High school, take advantage of all the auto tech classes offered at your school and earn as many ASE certifications at the school as possible. Those certifications will help you land jobs faster because they provide the employer with some proof that you at least know the basics about auto service and maintenance. Also, make sure you get your driver's learner permit as soon as you can, because if you can drive a car, how will you work on them? Regarding tools, you can start by using the cheap stuff for now, like from Harbor Freight and Home Depot. Don't get too caught up in the expensive brands ontill later, when you can justify spending that much on tools. Safety first, make sure you learn all about safety, like wearing goggles and gloves when working, and also knowing how to safely handle the different liquids you will be exposed to. Also, make sure you always wear a back brace and knee pads if needed. Use a mask and don't inhale brake dust and fumes.
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
150
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Orlando,
You raise an interesting point. I would like you to look at the role of a mechanic this way: the role of a mechanic exists because there are automobiles. Automobiles fulfill the human need for mobility. Therefore the career you are aspiring for is a very important one. Your interest in this trade is an excellent starting point. It's also important to love and enjoy what you do.
The income you get from your work will eventually depend on your level of expertise. Deep knowledge of your field of work is essential and the quality of your experience will determine how high you progress in your career. Ideally you should get as high as your potential allows you to. This potential needs to be nurtured through your formal education, internships and professional training. It has to be a lifelong commitment.
The career you are aspiring for needs you to be reasonably good at such subjects as mathematics and physics. It can easily take you into such areas as design and robotics.
Just remember that success depends on the effort you put in.
You raise an interesting point. I would like you to look at the role of a mechanic this way: the role of a mechanic exists because there are automobiles. Automobiles fulfill the human need for mobility. Therefore the career you are aspiring for is a very important one. Your interest in this trade is an excellent starting point. It's also important to love and enjoy what you do.
The income you get from your work will eventually depend on your level of expertise. Deep knowledge of your field of work is essential and the quality of your experience will determine how high you progress in your career. Ideally you should get as high as your potential allows you to. This potential needs to be nurtured through your formal education, internships and professional training. It has to be a lifelong commitment.
The career you are aspiring for needs you to be reasonably good at such subjects as mathematics and physics. It can easily take you into such areas as design and robotics.
Just remember that success depends on the effort you put in.
Mark Glamm
Telecommunications Engineer
2
Answers
Twinsburg Heights, OH
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Orlando,
Yes it can. There are very good trade school options available that will help hone your mechanical skills and make sure you have the essential practices which follow industry standards, efficiency, and safety. I would encourage you to think about becoming a small business owner with the eventuality of running your own service business and having other mechanics working for you. Mobile mechanical services are becoming more popular, taking service to the customer location. Dream big!
Yes it can. There are very good trade school options available that will help hone your mechanical skills and make sure you have the essential practices which follow industry standards, efficiency, and safety. I would encourage you to think about becoming a small business owner with the eventuality of running your own service business and having other mechanics working for you. Mobile mechanical services are becoming more popular, taking service to the customer location. Dream big!
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello again, Orlando !
Although you have already asked this same question I am happy to return to help you understand the information about it. Advisor John Constantine Fragos provided you with good information about the career and I had given you some information about employment and working and referrals for other types of job once you turn 14 which is the legal age to work in your state.
You were previously asking about being a Mechanic Assistant. You are now asking about being a car Mechanic, which is different but there's information about it on your first post. There are definite steps you will need to take to be a mechanic and it wouldn't be until after you've graduated High School. While in high school, concentrate on taking classes in mathematics, science, and technology, and consider enrolling in vocational or technical courses related to automotive repair if available. You can also ask your parents to help you find a vocational high school that offers a program in Auto Mechanics.
After High School, you would enroll in an Auto Mechanics program which is offered at community colleges, technical institutes, or trade schools, which typically lasts from six months to two years and covers essential topics such as engines, electrical systems, transmission diagnostics, and alternative-fueled vehicles. At this program you will start to get experience working on cars. You would then start applying for work at auto places as a s Shop Aide or Express Technician. If you go to be a Car Mechanic, your state of Arizona does not require certification but I recommend that you go for certification as it may open more doors for work for you.
You'll need the training because you'll have to know how to work on sedans, pick up trucks, vans, SUVs, EVs and also new cars but probably some older models too.
Pay does not depend on your age. Pay will depend solely on what the employer is offering to pay you as I've mentioned in my first response. Every business has a different budget for payroll and whatever they offer as pay, you'll know during the job interview. And as for you choosing your hours years before time, I will repeat what I wrote in your first post: Keep in mind, you only want to work 8 hours on the weekends, but your employer may need you for many more 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. No one can tell you what your hours or pay would be. You'll have to read employment notices and go on job interviews to find out the pay from each individual employer.
You have mapped out and ordered an employment experience without really being well-informed. That's why it is great that you come here to ask questions. As for you will "be working young", it wouldn't be until you're about 20 or 21 for this field of work due to the training and experience you will need. Also, a Car Mechanic is very different from a Car Mechanic Assistant and you'd have to choose one or the other to pursue. You can visit one of your local car shops and Shadow the mechanic for a day to get an idea of what is entailed in this work.
As I suggested in the last post, once you are 14 you may want to consider working at a gas station as a cashier or general helper/maintenance. I also provided another option that could bring in some money for you and one that you can you can set your own hours for 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.
To understand work/employment and how it works, have a discussion with your counselor at school because the employment services programs in your town are for teens starting at age 16. Your teacher or counselor could explain how everything works with employment so that you can understand the process better. You can also return here and ask more questions.
I hope this helps and if you do not understand something about this information or advice, definitely ask for specific clarification. I wish you all the best !
ADVICE ALREADY GIVEN FOR YOU ABOUT THIS INQUIRY https://www.careervillage.org/questions/1128341/does-the-mechanic-job-pay-well
Although you have already asked this same question I am happy to return to help you understand the information about it. Advisor John Constantine Fragos provided you with good information about the career and I had given you some information about employment and working and referrals for other types of job once you turn 14 which is the legal age to work in your state.
You were previously asking about being a Mechanic Assistant. You are now asking about being a car Mechanic, which is different but there's information about it on your first post. There are definite steps you will need to take to be a mechanic and it wouldn't be until after you've graduated High School. While in high school, concentrate on taking classes in mathematics, science, and technology, and consider enrolling in vocational or technical courses related to automotive repair if available. You can also ask your parents to help you find a vocational high school that offers a program in Auto Mechanics.
After High School, you would enroll in an Auto Mechanics program which is offered at community colleges, technical institutes, or trade schools, which typically lasts from six months to two years and covers essential topics such as engines, electrical systems, transmission diagnostics, and alternative-fueled vehicles. At this program you will start to get experience working on cars. You would then start applying for work at auto places as a s Shop Aide or Express Technician. If you go to be a Car Mechanic, your state of Arizona does not require certification but I recommend that you go for certification as it may open more doors for work for you.
You'll need the training because you'll have to know how to work on sedans, pick up trucks, vans, SUVs, EVs and also new cars but probably some older models too.
Pay does not depend on your age. Pay will depend solely on what the employer is offering to pay you as I've mentioned in my first response. Every business has a different budget for payroll and whatever they offer as pay, you'll know during the job interview. And as for you choosing your hours years before time, I will repeat what I wrote in your first post: Keep in mind, you only want to work 8 hours on the weekends, but your employer may need you for many more 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. No one can tell you what your hours or pay would be. You'll have to read employment notices and go on job interviews to find out the pay from each individual employer.
You have mapped out and ordered an employment experience without really being well-informed. That's why it is great that you come here to ask questions. As for you will "be working young", it wouldn't be until you're about 20 or 21 for this field of work due to the training and experience you will need. Also, a Car Mechanic is very different from a Car Mechanic Assistant and you'd have to choose one or the other to pursue. You can visit one of your local car shops and Shadow the mechanic for a day to get an idea of what is entailed in this work.
As I suggested in the last post, once you are 14 you may want to consider working at a gas station as a cashier or general helper/maintenance. I also provided another option that could bring in some money for you and one that you can you can set your own hours for 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.
To understand work/employment and how it works, have a discussion with your counselor at school because the employment services programs in your town are for teens starting at age 16. Your teacher or counselor could explain how everything works with employment so that you can understand the process better. You can also return here and ask more questions.
I hope this helps and if you do not understand something about this information or advice, definitely ask for specific clarification. I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
517
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
According to U.S. labor laws, if you are under 18 years of age, you can work but with limits to protect your safety and schooling. During the school year, you can work up to 8 hours on weekends but no more than 18 hours total per week. So, working 8 hours both days means you can only work 2 hours on school days.
You must be paid at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, though many states pay between $8 and $15 for entry-level jobs like mechanic’s assistant. These rules apply to all young workers legally allowed to work in the U.S., regardless of citizenship.
However, at this stage, you shouldn’t worry too much about the pay. It’s more important to focus on learning, gaining good knowledge, and getting hands-on experience. Once you build those skills, the money will come later.
You must be paid at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, though many states pay between $8 and $15 for entry-level jobs like mechanic’s assistant. These rules apply to all young workers legally allowed to work in the U.S., regardless of citizenship.
However, at this stage, you shouldn’t worry too much about the pay. It’s more important to focus on learning, gaining good knowledge, and getting hands-on experience. Once you build those skills, the money will come later.
Terez Little
Strategic Communication
5
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Terez’s Answer
Hello. Yes, a mechanic job pays very well as it is a part of supply and demand. Cars are all over the world and they will always require maintenance or a repair thus our need for mechanics. Being a mechanic also offers the opportunity to learn constantly as new cars are built and technology advances, new parts and ways to create longevity in vehicles will allow for increased cost for parts and labor as a knowledgeable mechanic. Diesel mechanics make a lot of money as well because of the unique skill required to work on those special engines.
Salvador Hernandez Sanchez
Quality Engineering
3
Answers
Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
Updated
Salvador’s Answer
Hi Orlando,
It's great to hear that you want to become a mechanic. I've met many mechanics over the years, and jobs in maintenance often come with good pay. Since you're starting out, you might not earn a lot right away, but as you gain more experience, your salary will grow too. Stay open to new opportunities and embrace them. The key is to love what you do and know what you want to achieve. Keep going!
It's great to hear that you want to become a mechanic. I've met many mechanics over the years, and jobs in maintenance often come with good pay. Since you're starting out, you might not earn a lot right away, but as you gain more experience, your salary will grow too. Stay open to new opportunities and embrace them. The key is to love what you do and know what you want to achieve. Keep going!
Craig Golubic
7
Answers
Katy, Texas
Updated
Craig’s Answer
The pay in good. But you have to enjoy reading & learning to keep up with modern technology
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