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Automobile Mechanics

THE JOB

AUTOMOBILE MECHANICS repair and service automobiles and other gas-powered 
vehicles.  They identify and fix problems with cars and trucks and do 
repairs to keep the vehicles in good condition and running smoothly.  
Automobile Mechanics have many duties, depending on the size and kind of 
shop in which they work.  In smaller shops, mechanics do all kinds of repair 
work, like simple engine tune-ups to the tearing down, repairing and 
rebuilding of complete power systems.  They also service and repair 
electrical systems; align and service suspension, braking and steering 
systems; repair and adjust transmissions and differentials; repair and 
service air conditioning, heating and engine-cooling systems; and do all 
necessary mechanical checks.  In larger shops, some of this work may be done 
by specially trained mechanics, who mostly do one type of repair or service 
and may be assigned by their specialty, such as brake repairers, 
transmission mechanics or front-end mechanics.  These specialists are 
assigned to do other jobs, but they must make sure all of the work is done.

Automobile Mechanics use all sorts of tools and equipment, from wrenches, 
screwdrivers and pliers to electronic engine-testing equipment.  Lathes, 
drill presses, hydraulic hoists and jacks and other power tools are also 
used.

Mechanics are sometimes required to make accurate estimates of the costs of 
repair work, including how long it will take to fix the car.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Most Automobile Mechanics work for independent repair shops and new car 
dealers.  While all shops have indoor work areas, the larger shops usually 
have more modern and comfortable working conditions.

Mechanics often have to work in awkward, cramped positions.  Also, mechanics 
are often exposed to oil, grease, harsh chemicals, and cleaning products.

It is very important that mechanics pay close attention to safety.  Problems 
could include burns from hot engines, cuts from tools and sharp-edged parts 
and flying particles from electric grinders.  A lot of the work done by 
Automobile Mechanics is very physical and hard on the body.  Many of the 
parts which must be removed and repaired are very heavy, but hydraulic and 
electrical jacks and hoists (pulleys) are used for lifting heavy parts, such 
as engines, transmissions and differentials.

Most mechanics have to buy their own tools.  As an apprentice, the mechanic 
may have to spend up to $500 or more on tools.  By the time they reach journey-
level, a mechanic may have spent up to $10,000 on tools.  Mechanics with a 
specialty like those who work on foreign cars may spend even more on tools 
because foreign cars need metric tools. 

Union membership is different throughout the State.  Some shops in 
California have union contracts with the International Association of 
Machinists and Aerospace Workers, especially those of large bus or trucking 
companies.


EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market 
Information Division of the Employment Development Department, estimates 
that the number of Automobile Mechanics in California will reach 84,350 by 
2005, an increase in new jobs of 18,370 over the number there were in 1993.

There will also be an estimated 24,380 job openings due to people retiring 
or leaving the occupation.  Added to the 18,370 new jobs expected, this 
makes for an estimated total of 42,750 job opportunities through 2005.

(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)

Automobile Mechanic jobs will grow a little faster than average.  Most of 
the job openings for mechanics are caused by those who leave the jobs and 
need to be replaced.

With the number of cars on the State's highways growing and getting older 
and with the designs of new cars, there is a growing need for mechanics.  As 
cars become more difficult to understand because they have complicated 
accessories and systems, mechanics without this type of repair experience 
will not be able to do that kind of repair and service work.  There will be 
a need for experienced mechanics who know about these complex components, 
such as emission control systems.

The opportunities for jobs are better for mechanics experienced in all 
kinds of automotive service and repair and for those possessing State 
licenses to service smog, brake and lamp systems.  The chances are 
especially good for those trained and experienced in the maintenance and 
repair of foreign cars.  In most areas of the State, there are currently 
very many inexperienced mechanics available.


WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS

Automobile Mechanics are paid according to their experience.  The pay for 
Automobile Mechanics changes a lot between the different areas of the 
state.  Those workers barely starting out can expect a pay of minimum wage 
up to $15.50 hourly, while mechanics with some experience earn between 
minimum wage and $22.00 an hour.  Mechanics at the journey level can earn 
between $5.50 to $31.25.

Mechanics working for new car dealers and larger repair shops and garages 
usually work an 8-hour day and a 40-hour week.  Sometimes overtime is paid 
at either time and one-half or double time.  When working on a holiday, 
sometimes they are paid at two and one-half or triple-time the hourly rate.

Mechanics who work for small, independent shops may work up to ten hours a 
day or longer, on rush jobs.

Most employers offer an opportunity to belong to the union and offer plans 
for health, life, disability insurance and retirement.  The employers also 
usually offer vacation, sick, and holiday leave programs.  The benefits are 
usually bigger in shops that are large or where workers belong to the union.


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

Most employers hire trainees with at least a high school diploma who are 
familiar with basic automotive repair. Some employers prefer those who have 
graduated from vocational courses from community colleges or technical 
colleges or from an adult education program.

Formal apprenticeship programs, which combine formal classroom and on-the-
job training, are available in some areas.  Details about local apprentice-
ship programs are available through the California Department of Industrial 
Relations, Division of Apprenticeship Standards.

The Bureau of Automotive Repair certifies smog mechanics, and brake and lamp 
mechanics. Smog mechanics must be certified.  Brake and lamp mechanics need 
to be certified only if they repair vehicles for owners who have been given 
a traffic ticket for equipment violation.  It is not necessary to have 
training or experience to take the examination to be certified for brake and 
lamps. 

Two years of tune-up and emissions experience in a shop that is registered 
by the Bureau of Automotive qualifies mechanics to take the smog test 
certification exam.  If they graduated from the 80-hour clean air car course 
approved and recommended by the Bureau of Automotive Repair they are 
also eligible to take the exam.  The Bureau of Automotive Repair provides a 
list of approved schools that offer the course.


ADVANCEMENT

Mechanics with a lot of skills can turn into specialists that do the more 
difficult diagnoses and repairs in the shop.  Those with ability to super-
vise can promote to shop supervisor or service manager.  Mechanics with 
management and business skills sometimes open their own shops.


FINDING THE JOB

Experienced mechanics usually find work either by applying directly to 
employers or through referral by the union.  Other sources of information 
on job openings are newspaper classified ads and the California Employment 
Development Department Workforce Services Offices.


ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

A booklet entitled "Applicants Guide to the California Automotive Smog 
Repair Test Mechanic Qualification Examination" can be obtained from:

California Bureau of Automotive Repair
10240 Systems Parkway
Sacramento, CA  95827
(800) 952-5210


RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Automobile Body Repairers            No.  68
Automobile Parts Counter Workers     No. 237
Auto Service Advisers                No. 240


OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1)
Automobile Mechanic              620.261-010
Brake Repairer                   620.281-026
Front-End Mechanic               620.281-038
Transmission Mechanic            620.281-062
Tune-Up Mechanic                 620.281-066

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Automobile Mechanics                  853020


Source:  State of California, Employment Development Department
         Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
         (916) 262-2162.