Karl Benz (of Mercedes-Benz) became the world’s first auto mechanic in 1885. After Benz created a self-propelled gasoline carriage that same year, his background in tinkering with stationery gasoline engines enabled him to repair his new creation after it broke down in just a few days’ time.
A History of Auto Mechanics
Auto mechanics were, in the earliest days of the industry, usually people like Benz who simply had experience tinkering with engines. Blacksmiths, interestingly enough, often turned to auto mechanics. After all, they were used to working with metal and often had a supply of gasoline in their shops. And since they were used to working with the horse and carriage trade, working with automobiles was a natural career progression.
In 1893, Sylvanus Bowser invented the fuel pump that was the precursor to the modern gasoline pump for filling stations. As a result of his invention, fuel stations became commonplace anywhere that vehicles were commonly driven. In fact, fuel pumps are still called “Bowsers” in Australia and New Zealand today.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) was formed in 1902, when eight car clubs banded together. The AAA became an advocate of the formation of the Department of Transportation. One of its earliest functions was referring mechanics among club members.
In 1909, the first auto repair school was founded in America; and in 1917, the first union of auto mechanics was founded in Seattle. Just three years later, the union boasted 500 members.
When World War I broke out in 1914, it was the first war to extensively utilize the automobile. As a result, the US Military Motor Pool was created – and along with it, a slew of mechanics’ jobs.
After WWII, vehicles became a popular purchase for veterans returning home. With the implementation of the US Highway System, the automobile became more of a necessity than a luxury for many American families. Around this same time, the advent of television made it possible for service stations to begin advertising on TV. Sponsoring television shows made these oil companies – and the mechanics who worked for them – common household names.
After the 1950s and 1960s, the oil company-owned service station declined in popularity and many filling stations ceased to offer repair services. This means that the field has diversified a lot, increasing the number of different specialty and standalone repair shops.
Auto Mechanics: Current Job Prospects
Currently, the auto mechanic industry is almost exclusively male-dominated. In fact, 99% of mechanics are men. (The first female mechanic was Bertha Benz, who used bobby pins to repair her vehicle as she drove from Mannheim to Plottzborgin, Germany in 1888.)
Within the auto repair industry, some sub-industries stand out as the best for hourly pay and job growth. These include:
- Car dealership: $13.32 to $21.07
- Electrical repair: $12.72 to $20.09
- Domestic auto: $12.96 to $20.82
- Restoration: $12.01 to $19.20
- Retail tire sales: $10.33 to $15.98
Within those fields, your level of education can greatly boost your income. Following are the most common educational certifications, with estimated hourly wage:
- ASE: $13.80 to $21.22
- ASE Certified: $14.06 to $19.65
- Automotive Tech: $13.84 to $21.07
- Automotive: $13.24 to $19.76
- AAS: $11.08 to $18.99
On average, 39% of auto mechanic jobs offer no benefits. Of those that do, 59% offer medical, 40% offer dental, and 25% offer vision.
The Auto Mechanic Industry in the Future
In 2008, there were 763,700 auto mechanic jobs in the United States. By 2018, this number is expected to climb to 799,600 – a growth of 5%. If you enjoy working with cars and are seeking a job in the industry, this growth is great news. This means that the field is expected to grow for the foreseeable future, so pursuing a career as an auto mechanic can mean financial and job security.