Working as an auto technician and mechanic

Being an auto mechanic is still a hands-on job that requires sliding under cars, getting greasy and wielding power tools. But increasingly, the job also requires high-tech skills, since -- like most machinery these days -- automobiles rely more and more on computers and electronics. That's good news for highly skilled automotive technicians and mechanics, especially those who have been through formal training programs. These workers will continue to see good job prospects, despite the shrinking auto industry.

What they do:

Auto mechanics fix, maintain and inspect cars and light trucks. Some of their routine maintenance duties are relatively straightforward, like rotating tires or changing oil. Other tasks are more complex. More advanced mechanics must diagnose problems: figure out why an air conditioning system is malfunctioning, why a steering wheel is shuddering, or why a toxic smell is coming out of the vents, for just a few examples.

Sometimes this means running mechanical tests of the car's various components. In other cases, especially with newer-model or luxury vehicles, it means working with computers or integrated electronics systems. On most cars, computers control the engine, brakes, transmission and other major parts. Computerized diagnostic testing can point an auto mechanic toward the source of a problem.

Auto mechanics also rebuild transmissions, order parts, smooth out dents and damage from car accidents, and perform numerous other tasks related to car repair.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008 about a third of the nation's roughly 763,700 automotive service technicians and mechanics worked for auto dealers. Another third worked for repair shops, and 7 percent worked for tire and parts stores. The remainder worked for gas stations, rental companies, government agencies or other employers. 

What they need:

Given the high-tech nature of cars these days, many employers prefer that entry-level mechanics have post-secondary training through a vocational school or community college. However, some high school programs also provide good preparation, especially through the Automotive Youth Education Service, a partnership between schools, manufacturers and dealers.

AYES programs are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, which also offers certification to professional mechanics. Certification is highly desirable for professional mechanics in large, urban job markets, according to the BLS. For advanced mechanics, continuing education is common because of the need to keep up with rapidly evolving auto technology.

What they earn:

According to CBSalary.com, the national average salary for an automotive mechanic in April 2011 was $47,344, with the 25th and 75th percentiles at $38,455 and $64,829 respectively. 

Job outlook:

Trouble in the auto business has been big news in recent years, with the federal government swooping in to bail out big car makers, and the industry as a whole undergoing major restructuring and consolidation. That's why the BLS reports that job growth for automotive service technicians and mechanics will be slower than average: 5 percent over the decade from 2008 to 2018.

However, more cars will be on the roads, and many of them will be more technically complex, which means that trained, skilled mechanics will likely have good job prospects, according to the BLS.