Five Trades
Mechanic Careers by Trade
The mechanic trades differ most in how a person gets in: a certificate or degree from an accredited program, an apprenticeship, years on the job, or, for aircraft, an FAA certificate. Pick a trade to see the route, the credentials and the pay.
By Trevor Rupe, Contributor at Savo Media Group
Careers
- Auto Mechanic Inspects, maintains and repairs cars and light trucks. Median $50,620, BLS May 2025.
- Diesel Mechanic Repairs and overhauls buses, trucks and other diesel vehicles. Median $61,770, BLS May 2025.
- Aircraft Mechanic Diagnoses and repairs aircraft, with an FAA A&P certificate. Median $79,870, BLS May 2025.
- Collision Repair Technician Restores damaged vehicle bodies and frames and refinishes them. Median $54,890, BLS May 2025.
- Heavy Equipment Mechanic Repairs construction, farm and rail equipment. Median $65,510, BLS May 2025.