For many, working under the hood of a car doesn’t sound like an ideal situation. In fact, thoughts of car trouble make most people shudder. But a career in the automotive industry can be a great option for people who enjoy building and fixing things (while earning a decent paycheck with excellent perks).
Working and running an auto shop has changed considerably over the last fifty years. There are far more specialist jobs than there used to be. There are the obvious hands-on jobs in the shop, but there are also the other important factors such as financial management, making sure that the company’s motor trader insurance is sufficient and up to date (should you feel like you would like some guidance with this, you may wish to get in touch with someone like one sure insurance), as well as service management roles, and a whole host of other roles behind the scenes that keep the business running on a daily basis.
Below are the most common jobs in this line of work and what they pay:
Automotive Technician – An automotive technician is responsible for the repair of automobiles, trucks, buses, and other vehicles. They can either repair any part of the vehicle or specialize in a certain area. Automotive technician salaries typically fall into the $20,000-$50,000 range depending on experience.
Mechanic – Similar to an automotive technician, a mechanic will diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles. They can operate as an employee of a larger service center or independently as a business owner. Mechanic salaries are similar to automotive technicians, falling into the $20,000-$50,000 range.
Parts Technician – A parts technician typically works in a customer service-oriented position, assisting others with the sourcing and purchasing of automotive parts. They must be knowledgeable about vehicle issues and where to find the parts to fix them. Parts technician salaries also fall into the $20,000-$50,000 range depending on experience.
Service Manager – An automotive service manager is responsible for the direction and management of automotive service staff and operations. Many service managers were previously employed as either a mechanic, automotive technician or parts technician, and were promoted due to length of service or performance. These positions are typically well-paid, ranging anywhere from $30,000-$90,000 annually.
If you’ve been considering a career in the automotive industry, it’s time to get in gear! These jobs are usually in demand and require minimal training. You’ll have the ability to earn a handsome paycheck while perfecting your trade and helping others get back on the road.