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Skyler
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
4
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What are the working conditions like, as an automotive mechanic?
I want to become an automotive mechanic and want to know if the working conditions are good.
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1 answer
Susan P
Contract Management
29
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Susan’s Answer
Hi Skyler,
It depends on what type of auto mechanic you are and where you work. For instance, you can work in a small business shop that does everything from oil changes to installing new engines. Depending on the amount of cars the shop has, you could work 40 hours a week, less than 40 or even come in on Saturdays for overtime. A lot of smaller shops have the garage doors open in the summer and when the weather is nice. That means no Air conditioning and depending on where you live it could be hot. Usually, the garage doors are closed in the winter and the heat is on. Be prepared to get your hands dirty and wash them at the end of your day at work. If you work at a larger car dealership or collision center, that might be different. Keep in mind also that some business such as dealerships pay you per car or job that you do, and not per hour. You might also have to bring your own tools to your job. If you are wondering about pay, again, it varies on what type of mechanic you are. You could be an auto glass installer, work at a collision center that puts the outside of the cars back together, a car painter, or a general mechanic to name a few. With that being said, trades such as a mechanic are in high demand and the hourly rates tend to be higher than they were in the past. You can look into your local trade or technical school and also ask the instructors for their opinions as most of them are retired mechanics that teach. It is definitely not your 9-5 sit at a desk all day job. I grew up in this environment and know it's hard work but can definitlely be worth it. After some time, you could open your own business as well!
It depends on what type of auto mechanic you are and where you work. For instance, you can work in a small business shop that does everything from oil changes to installing new engines. Depending on the amount of cars the shop has, you could work 40 hours a week, less than 40 or even come in on Saturdays for overtime. A lot of smaller shops have the garage doors open in the summer and when the weather is nice. That means no Air conditioning and depending on where you live it could be hot. Usually, the garage doors are closed in the winter and the heat is on. Be prepared to get your hands dirty and wash them at the end of your day at work. If you work at a larger car dealership or collision center, that might be different. Keep in mind also that some business such as dealerships pay you per car or job that you do, and not per hour. You might also have to bring your own tools to your job. If you are wondering about pay, again, it varies on what type of mechanic you are. You could be an auto glass installer, work at a collision center that puts the outside of the cars back together, a car painter, or a general mechanic to name a few. With that being said, trades such as a mechanic are in high demand and the hourly rates tend to be higher than they were in the past. You can look into your local trade or technical school and also ask the instructors for their opinions as most of them are retired mechanics that teach. It is definitely not your 9-5 sit at a desk all day job. I grew up in this environment and know it's hard work but can definitlely be worth it. After some time, you could open your own business as well!