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Average
Salary & Job Outlook
Automotive
Median wages (2005)
$15.89 hourly
U.S. Minimum wage (2005)
$5.15 hourly
In 2005, median pay rate in the auto industry was about $15.89
an hour. Those with more experience and higher commissions
earned up to $33,460. For technicians working
in dealerships the average earning is $55,000 yearly.
Position openings for automotive industry are expected to
grow steadily during the next decade. National trends predict
there will be a 16% increase in jobs through 2014.
This job growth may be attributed to population growth that
is expected to boost demand for vehicles. Also, families in
which both spouses commute to work are becoming increasingly
common.
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Jobs
with an automotive degree
For those of us who have stalled at the side of
the road, been in a car accident or just need some
maintenance care, automotive technicians can be a
life saver. The number of cars being bought everyday
is on the incline and with increasing sales there
is an obvious need for more technicians in the auto
industry.
Here’s a quick look at some jobs you can get
in the automotive industry after you have completed your training at an Automotive school.
Automotive service technicians diagnose
the different sources of auto problems swiftly and
accurately. They write up vehicle damage repair estimates,
maintain service records, test vehicles and repairing
electrical wiring, circuits and fixtures. Electronic
systems are being integrated into vehicles to measure
performance. Auto service technicians must have an
increasingly broad knowledge of new vehicle technologies.
Automotive body technicians work
on the bodies of cars and trucks that are physically
damaged through weather, car accidents or acts of
vandalism. They remove dents, straighten frames,
replace damaged panels and repair other damaged external
parts. As with the rest of the auto service industry,
computers and computerized equipment are being used
more often in this job. These technicians have to
be able to use specialize equipment as well as have
computer knowledge.
Automotive workers are unique in that they partly
determine their own income. Most technicians are
paid on commission, so the more work they do, the
more they’ll get paid. Additionally,
many employers offer weekly salaries.
Other automotive occupations
Here is a list of other occupations available with automotive
degree training:
- Air-conditioning repair
- Body repair service
- Automotive engineering
- Glass installation
- Car and truck mechanics
- Painting and coating
- Small engine mechanics
- Diesel service technician
- Mobile equipment service
- Heavy vehicle mechanics
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