What Does it Take to Be an Automotive Master Mechanic?
Occupation Description Repair automobiles, trucks, buses, and other vehicles. Master mechanics repair virtually any part on the vehicle or specialize in the transmission system.
Daily Life Of an Automotive Master Mechanic
- Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices.
- Rebuild parts, such as crankshafts and cylinder blocks.
- Repair radiator leaks.
- Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
- Perform routine and scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups.
- Confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.
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Skills Needed to be an Automotive Master Mechanic
These are the skills Automotive Master Mechanics say are the most useful in their careers:
Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Related Job Titles
- New Car Make Ready Mechanic
- Reconditioner
- Automotive Drivability Technician
- Squeak, Rattle, and Leak Repairer
- Vehicle Mechanic
Job Opportunities for Automotive Master Mechanics
In the United States, there were 749,900 jobs for Automotive Master Mechanic in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 45,900 new jobs for Automotive Master Mechanic by 2026. The BLS estimates 75,600 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Automotive Master Mechanic are Utah, Georgia, and Idaho. Watch out if you plan on working in District of Columbia, Maine, or Kansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Automotive Master Mechanics Make A Lot Of Money?
The salary for Automotive Master Mechanics ranges between about $23,420 and $66,950 a year.

Automotive Master Mechanics who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.
How much do Automotive Master Mechanics make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $41,050 |
Alaska | $55,910 |
Arizona | $44,360 |
Arkansas | $37,710 |
California | $48,720 |
Colorado | $48,040 |
Connecticut | $49,980 |
Delaware | $44,260 |
District of Columbia | $59,350 |
Florida | $39,990 |
Georgia | $42,600 |
Hawaii | $46,250 |
Idaho | $41,060 |
Illinois | $46,300 |
Indiana | $40,910 |
Iowa | $41,360 |
Kansas | $40,670 |
Kentucky | $38,030 |
Louisiana | $39,880 |
Maine | $38,940 |
Maryland | $50,050 |
Massachusetts | $45,780 |
Michigan | $42,220 |
Minnesota | $42,520 |
Mississippi | $38,640 |
Missouri | $43,080 |
Montana | $39,920 |
Nebraska | $42,400 |
Nevada | $46,270 |
New Hampshire | $45,170 |
New Jersey | $48,620 |
New Mexico | $40,680 |
New York | $44,350 |
North Carolina | $41,620 |
North Dakota | $44,970 |
Ohio | $40,420 |
Oklahoma | $40,240 |
Oregon | $45,670 |
Pennsylvania | $40,580 |
Rhode Island | $40,560 |
South Carolina | $40,040 |
South Dakota | $41,450 |
Tennessee | $40,930 |
Texas | $44,260 |
Utah | $42,840 |
Vermont | $41,000 |
Virginia | $47,730 |
Washington | $49,680 |
West Virginia | $34,470 |
Wisconsin | $41,180 |
Wyoming | $46,490 |
What Tools do Automotive Master Mechanics Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Automotive Master Mechanics may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Internet browser software
- Recordkeeping software
- Estimating software
- Vehicle management software
- Technical manual database software
- AutoZone ALLDATA
- Online service manual database software
- Alliance Automotive Shop Controller
- Snap-On ShopKey
How do I Become an Automotive Master Mechanic?
Individuals working as an Automotive Master Mechanic have obtained the following education levels:

What work experience do I need to become an Automotive Master Mechanic?

Where do Automotive Master Mechanics Work?

Automotive Master Mechanics work in the following industries:

Similar Careers
Those interested in being an Automotive Master Mechanic may also be interested in:
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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