Driving the Future: Automotive Trade Job Outlook
If your car has ever broken down,
then you know the importance of a good car mechanic. Truckers certainly do,
too. Until car manufacturers can make an infallible automobile or truck, (that
is, eh hem, a loooong way off) our society will need car and truck mechanics.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Statistics, automotive
service technician jobs and related jobs (such as auto body repair persons,
small engine mechanics and motorcycle repair persons) will keep pace with the
growth of other jobs over the next 5 to 7 years.
A vehicle service technician or mechanic’s salary is based
upon the type of employer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in May
2004 the median hourly wage earned by automotive service technicians and
mechanics was $15.60. Automobile body repairers earned a median hourly wage of
$16.68 and automotive glass installers and repairers earned $13.45. Bus and
truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists earned a bit more than automotive
repair personnel. Their salaries vary with the type of employer. The Bureau of
Labor Statistics reports that in May 2004 the median hourly wage earned by such
technicians and mechanics was $17.20. Motorcycle mechanics earned a median
hourly wage of $13.70 in May 2004 and motorboat mechanics earned $14.74.
Salaries usually are commission-based where an employer offers a guaranteed
minimum salary and then pays its employees more based upon the work completed.
Automotive career information can be
found here.
