There are several types of automotive and vehicle repair technicians. These include general auto mechanics, diesel engine mechanics, motorcycle mechanics, and specialty mechanics. General auto mechanics usually perform preventative maintenance, such as rotating tires, changing filters, replenishing fluids and much more. Diesel engine mechanics service diesel engines only, found on commercial trucks and buses. Motorcycle mechanics perform regular maintenance and repair for motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles. Specialty mechanics are technicians to service a specific aspect of vehicles.
Online Education Options for Automotive and Vehicle Degree Programs
There are no online Automotive and Vehicle degrees available at this time as there are no college majors that relate to the career. Thus aside from online degrees in Automotive and Vehicle studies, a person can at least obtain a cerificate online that verifies completion the preparation necessary to work in the field.
- Online Certifications degree in Automotive and Vehicle:
There may also be courses and degrees at your local junior college or vo-tech; however, these courses may not be available online. Training may also be available by working in your local garage or body shop under a mentoring program. Since the career is so hands on, it is difficult to provide training via the computer. Pictures and videos can't depict the tasks of an automotive engineer as well as real life experiences can, and there are just some jobs that a computer simply cannot offer.
Automotive and Vehicle Degree Career and Salary Information
As an automotive repair technician, you may have the opportunity to work in a public setting, such as a tire and lube shop, a car dealerships service department, for your local paint and body shop. Moreover, your state and local government also employ mechanics for maintenance and repair of government vehicles. Qualified auto repair technicians also teach automotive trade courses at your local vo-tech or junior college.
Depending on your location and experience, auto repair technicians can earn a reasonable to prosperous salary. On the lower end is an auto mechanic earning $9.50 to $25.05 per hour depending on experience. A diesel mechanic starts out at $10.00 per hour, but can make upwards of $25.00 per hour. Motorcycle mechanics however, bring home approximately $23,000 to $57,000 per year. The yearly salary for a pit crew member varies by team; however the base ranges are $30,000 to $90,000 per year. There is also the excitement of the race. As a body shop mechanic, you can expect to earn a salary of $45,000 to $70,000 per year. Last week, the average auto repair shop owner earns approximately $100,000 per year with the freedom of being your own boss.