Every year, thousands of people choose to invest their time and money to become mechanics.

For people who love cars and other vehicles, the ability to understand the inner workings of their vehicles is the only benefit they need. However, an understanding of one's own car is not the only benefit of becoming a mechanic. Being a mechanic has several benefits such as employment availability, employment stability, a competitive salary, variety, standard employment benefits, unofficial garage benefits, and the ability to fix one's own vehicles.

Job and Training Opportunities

The first benefit of becoming a certified mechanic is job availability. The market for automotive mechanics continues to grow at approximately 5% per year. At the national level, hundreds of thousands of mechanic positions are open any given year. As a result, individuals who complete their trade school training as mechanics have a high probability of finding work after graduating. Furthermore, mechanics will be needed as long as we use motor vehicles, so mechanics enjoy a moderate level of employment stability as compared to other fields.

Once a mechanic finds a position, his or her opportunities continue to increase. Some mechanic companies will pay for additional training, specializations, or certifications. This means that mechanics can potentially increase their marketability and earning potential without investing more of their own money.

Competitive Salary

In addition to employability, becoming a professional mechanic can lead to a competitive salary. On average, mechanics make $38,470 per year. Professional schooling and trade certification can also increase a mechanic's starting salary. In 2016, the top 10% of mechanics earned over $64,000 per year.

Variety

Mechanics have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings. Mechanics can work for the government, for car rental companies, for automotive dealerships, for auto repair shops or private garages, or even auto retail stores. This provides professional mechanics with several employment options and career paths. If a mechanic doesn't like his or her first position, there are several different opportunities waiting.

Mechanics can also choose a variety of specialties. Mechanics can specialize in several aspects of the vehicle, such as auto glass, brakes and fluids, auto body, diesel engines, or even vehicle type. This specialization can enable a mechanic to focus on what he or she loves and can result in a pay increase.

Standard Employment Benefits

Many mechanics receive comprehensive benefits, including 401K plans for retirement and health savings plans. These benefits increase the value of a position beyond its salary.

Unofficial Garage Benefits

In addition to these traditional benefits, many mechanics also receive unofficial benefits. Often times, mechanics at private shops or garages are given free or reduced cost access to their facilities and machinery. For individuals who love working on their own vehicles, this can be a major perk.

Through trade school, mechanics gain the basic knowledge needed to repair their own vehicles. This means they can save time and money on their own cars. Some mechanics are successfully able to purchase, repair, and resell old or used vehicles for profit.

Being a mechanic comes with several benefits. The industry for mechanics continues to grow, so mechanics with professional schooling and certifications are likely to find a job and to experience employment stability. Many mechanics may be able to have additional education and certifications covered by their work places, which increases their marketability and potential income. Many mechanics receive partial or comprehensive benefits in addition to unofficial garage benefits. Mechanics gain the knowledge to fix their own cars as well as the potential to purchase, repair, and resell old cars for profit. Finally, mechanics can work in a variety of settings and choose from a variety of specialties, which enables each mechanic to choose a career path that is right for him or her.