Types of careers in automotive

07/15/2013

Are you thinking about a career in the automotive industry, but just can't figure out which job is right for you? Well, there are hundreds of different types of careers to choose from. I'll be talking about my top 5 picks. After reading this, maybe it can better help you make a decision or at least guide you toward your new career.

My top picks from top to bottom are as follows:     

1. Auto mechanic: This is the most common choice for someone considering going back to school for automotive. Since it is a very common career, there are always opportunities for mechanics to get jobs. The responsibilities of an auto mechanic vary. There are three main levels of mechanics, and when you graduate from school, you have to work your way up the ladder through these levels.

                                         

       Unless you are extremely talented, all mechanics start out their                      career as a C-tech. Their main job is very simple, and like all jobs                  where you have to start from the bottom, can get boring real quick.              The job duties mainly entail oil changes and lube jobs, topping off                fluids, checking tire pressures, and cleaning up shop. C-techs are the              lowest paid mechanics, starting around $9-$10/hr.

        Next is the B-tech. A lot of mechanics are actually content with                     working their whole career as a B-tech. The reason why is because               they do most aspects of repair work without having to get as technical           as an A-tech. Their duties include tune-ups, brake jobs, steering and             suspension work, parts swapping, and much more. B-techs can start             around $10-$15/hr, but can make up to $20/hr.

        An A-tech is someone who has extensive knowledge about anything               automotive. They can use advance tools for diagnosis, rebuild                       engines and transmissions, perform HVAC repairs, as well as any B-             tech work. A-techs start out at around $20/hr, and can make up to                 around $30/hr. They are highly paid and have multiple certifications.

   2. Auto body repair tech: Jobs in this field are in high demand.

      The skill it takes to                 become an auto body             repair tech is precise. The       main duties include spot         repair, rust repair,                   painting, collision work,         frame straightening, and         estimating. Auto body             repair techs usually start         out at $15/hr, and can             make as much as                   $25-$30/hr. They're the bread and butter of any body or collision shop. 

    3. Automotive specialist: A specialist is someone who specializes in a             certain aspect of automotive repair. Technically, auto body is a specialty,       but that for the most part has to do with body work, not mechanical.

Specialists include engine builders, transmissions, brakes, tires, electrical, parts, HVAC, diagnostic, alignment, and more. Usually specialists either have their own shop, or work for one.       They're usually an A-tech and have certifications in their specialty as well as years       of experience.

   4. Auto dealership: There are plenty of jobs inside a dealership besides           selling cars. If selling cars is your thing, then read no more. However,           dealerships offer more options. You can work in the

      service department as an         auto tech, the parts                 department as a parts             specialist, or you can             become a delivery driver         who delivers parts,                 usually to other repair             shops. Dealerships can be       a hit and miss. They can         pay well from the start, or you might have to work your way up. They         do, however, offer benefits. So you might want to think about that as           well.

   5. Auto parts sales: If you go into AutoZone, Pep Boys, Advance Auto,           etc...you will see a parts sales person. These jobs start out around                 $10/hr, but can increase the longer you're there. Assistant managers      

make around $11-$14/hr, and managers make around $19-$25/hr. These jobs are ideal for someone with customer service backgrounds and for someone who doesn't want to break their back working on cars. They also offer benefits as well for full-time employees.

Whatever it is you decide you want to do in the automotive industry, just make sure you really do your homework before pursuing that path. Almost most jobs in automotive require at least some kind of schooling. That means putting yourself into debt. So search around for more career choices, and really study the ones you're really interested in. See what it takes to get there and how long. Does the path to that career meet your standards, or do you need something less difficult? You know what's best for you.

Thanks again for reading and choose wisely,

     Cesar