Vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers

Most workers learn their job in 1 of about 170 schools certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Job opportunities should be excellent for persons who have completed an aircraft mechanic training program, but keen competition is likely for the best paying airline jobs.
Job opportunities are likely to be the best at small commuter and regional airlines, at FAA repair stations, and in general aviation.

To become a fully skilled automotive body repairer, formal training followed by on-the-job instruction is recommended because repair of newer automobiles require more advanced skills to fix their new technologies and new body materials.
Repairers need good reading ability and basic mathematics and computer skills in order to follow instructions and diagrams in print and computer-based technical manuals.

Formal automotive technician training is the best preparation for these challenging technology-based jobs.
Opportunities should be very good for automotive service technicians and mechanics with diagnostic and problem-solving skills, knowledge of electronics and mathematics, and mechanical aptitude.
Automotive service technicians and mechanics must continually adapt to changing technology and repair techniques as vehicle components and systems become increasingly sophisticated.

A career as a diesel service technician or mechanic can offer relatively high wages and the challenge of skilled repair work.
Opportunities are expected to be very good for persons who complete formal training programs.
National certification is the recognized standard of achievement for diesel service technicians and mechanics.

Opportunities should be good for persons with formal postsecondary training in diesel or heavy equipment mechanics, especially if they also have training in basic electronics and hydraulics.
This occupation offers relatively high wages and the challenge of skilled repair work.
Skill in using computerized diagnostic equipment is important in this occupation.

Employment is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations, and persons with formal training as a mechanic should enjoy good job prospects.
Use of motorcycles, motorboats, and outdoor power equipment is seasonal in many areas, so mechanics may service other types of equipment or work reduced hours in the winter.

Fatalities

2004 Fatal occupational injuries by occupation and event or exposure

Occupation	Fatalities: Event or exposure
Occupation	Total	Tran.	Viol.	Cont.	Falls	Expo.	Fires
Vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers	120	22	20	49	6	8	15

source: Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities Program; about this section