Do you have an inclination toward working with your hands and understanding the mechanics of things? There are plenty of different opportunities to develop those natural skills into a long-term career path if you're interested in pursuing an automotive or manufacturing career!

From general automotive to specializations in diesel, motorcycle, or marine mechanics, there's a wide range of possibilities to think about when planning your future. Here are just some of the options you should consider for an automotive or manufacturing career in the Houston area.

What do automotive mechanics do?

Auto mechanics and technicians identify problems, plan repairs, and perform maintenance tasks—ensuring proper testing and process completion along the way. They also explain issues to customers, examine parts, and monitor electronic and computer systems.

Mechanics may choose to specialize in areas such as diesel, motorcycle, or marine technology, performing similar tasks and executing maintenance and repair work on specific types of vehicles and equipment. Some are looking toward the future—and the electric car trend—and seeking training specific to vehicles that aren't solely reliant on gas. Others choose to remain general mechanics, working on a wide variety of vehicles.

How much does an auto mechanic make in Houston, Texas?

With a national median wage of more than $42,000 per year, according to 2019 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, automotive technician and mechanic jobs can be a great option for those who are mechanically inclined and want to work on cars, trucks, or other vehicles.

For prospective mechanics in Texas, note that the Houston metropolitan area is among the top ten areas with the highest employment of automotive service technicians in the country, according to the BLS. Plus, the BLS says Houston mechanics earned an annual mean wage of more than $45,000—higher than the national average.

How do I get started?

Career training programs for automotive, motorcycle, diesel, and marine technicians (or other similar tracks) can be completed in as little as a year. You can expect to spend that time getting hands-on training specifically designed to prepare you for the certifications and skills you need to work in the industry. Learn about the equipment, brands, and best practices you'll need to be familiar with on the job!

Worried about the cost of going to school? The Imagine America Foundation offers scholarship and award programs to help lower the cost of tuition when you enroll at one of our member institutions! These programs are designed to support recent high school graduates, adult learners, and current or honorably discharged military personnel—providing a $1,000 discount on their tuition.

Thousands of students receive the awards each year, helping them attend career training programs at schools all across the country. In fact, we’ve given more than 5,000 such awards to automotive students right in the Houston area alone. Join Imagine America today and be matched with automotive schools that offer our scholarship and award programs!