Also called: Auto Mechanic
Inspects, maintains, and repairs cars and light trucks.
You do brake jobs, diagnose a check-engine light, and replace a water pump. Every car is a different puzzle.
BLS May 2024 median about $50k; pay rises sharply with ASE certifications and experience.
Certificate, about 1 year after high school. Trade school or community college program (6 months to 2 years) plus ASE certifications; some start as lube techs.
Ways in: Trade school, Apprenticeship, Military, Certification. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Automotive Technology (trade school).
Growing about average (about 4% over 10 years). BLS projection; strong demand as older techs retire.
Low risk for 10 years. AI diagnostic tools help find faults; turning wrenches on real cars stays hands-on, and shops are short on techs.
Classes: Auto shop CTE, Physics, Algebra.
Official data: O*NET occupation 49-3023.
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