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how much do auto mechanics make per year (So. Calif.)? and what are bariers for women?
I have a somewhat technical job at a dotcom but am interested to know how much mechanics make bc I know cars are becoming more and more computerized. It might be fun to work on cars and maybe that could be my side job so I can buy a used car and work on it myself so I don't have to stick to buying Japanese cars to save on maintenance!! So... any barriers to entry for women? I wouldn't mind wearing that mechanic outfit and getting dirty. I think it could be very interesting!! Thanks.
1 Answer
- 1 decade agoFavorite Answer
Mechanics with 20+ years of experience can earn 100 grand or more, depending on their level of expertise. Mid level mechanics earn about 40-50 grand per year. Entry level mechanics can expect to earn 25-30 grand.
In my 10 years of automotive experience, I have only met one female mechanic, so it is possible, but be aware that there will be many barriers to entry into this field if you are serious about getting into the auto repair business. The number one problem you are going to have is getting people to take you seriously.... Once you get over that hurdle, it should be a bit easier. Tools is another barrier to entry into the automotive repair business. I personally have about $30,000 worth of tools that I had to buy to become a professional mechanic. Quality tools are not cheap, but they are worth the cost because they save the aggrivation of buying new ones every few months because the cheap tools break all the time.
If you are seriousl about becoming a mechanic, the best advice I could give would to be to go apprentice under an experienced mechanic. Preferably with a guy who has been in the field longer than you've been alive. A mechanic with that much experience will be able to teach you more in a short amount of time than you will ever learn at some technical school or night college auto repair course. I personally went to a technical schhool to learn how to repair cars, but it turned out that I learned more with the "hands-on" approach than I ever did in a classroom. So, drive around to some reputable shops in your town and see if any shops will allow you to apprentice under an experienced mechanic. Eventually you will find someone that needs some part-time help and you will be started off with simple tasks such as maybe changing tires, fixing flats, doing brake jobs, etc.... but eventually you will move into the more complex repairs (where the real money is.) Stick it out for a few years and soon you'll be able to call yourself a professional mechanic.
Good luck to you.
