Automobile Mechanics California Occupational Guide Number 24 Interest Area 5-D1997
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 $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 was 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 was 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 are 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 Job Service 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.
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