Job Expectations and Salaries for Mercedes-Benz Mechanics
Mercedes-Benz is a company that is known for manufacturing luxury class vehicles, and as such, mechanics who are trained in the art of Mercedes-Benz repair are expected to have luxury class education. It is generally required that you obtain certification from a reputable automotive repair school and then begin the manufacturer-specific training program to be certified to work on Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Because Mercedes is the only manufacturer to have a Master Mercedes-Benz Technician program, a mechanic certified to work on these vehicles will make a much higher grade of pay than the average mechanic. Job expectations and quality standards for Mercedes-Benz mechanics are also at a higher level because of the luxury class nature of the vehicles.
The average mechanic makes around $36,000 annually in the United States, but Mercedes-Benz Master Technicians can make almost twice that, with the average salary of a Mercedes-Benz certified mechanic being $67,000. Hourly a technician who possesses a certificate in automotive repair will expect to make $16-20 per hour in their career, but a Mercedes-Benz mechanic can earn up to $40 hourly depending on a variety of factors. Different areas have different cost of living standards and the hourly rates are adjusted accordingly, but product demand and the employer also factor heavily into one's hourly salary. Some mechanics are paid on a book rate, meaning they get paid for hours they book appointments and repairs. Other Mercedes-Benz mechanics are paid on a commission at the dealership they work for. The mechanic is paid a portion of the labor cost in addition to a base hourly rate, and makes bonuses for the number of repairs done, and when higher grade parts are sold to the customer. A few Mercedes-Benz mechanics have reported making upwards $100,000 a year but this figure is rare, and well above the average rate for these types of mechanics.
Those who wish to become self employed can open repair facilities that specialize in Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Because it is required that you are a certified and trained automotive technician prior to receiving the specialty certification for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, often mechanics who own their own shops are not limited to working on just one particular brand, as they are certified to complete all repairs on many different types of vehicles. Starting your own repair shop is an expensive and time consuming process, requiring hundreds of hours of administrative duties in addition to regular repair work. Part of the Mercedes-Benz Elite training program is that certified technicians are trained in administrative duties and sales, which will provide a background for those looking to open a private repair shop on their own.
Mercedes-Benz has a high level of quality standards when it comes to their vehicle repairs. Mercedes-Benz Mechanics are expected to perform vehicle repairs, preventative measures, and custom work within the time frame given to the customer, and within certain quality standards. Mercedes-Benz mechanics are also expected to stay current on new models, extensive electrical and computerized systems, and new hybrid technology. In addition to advances in vehicle technology, diagnostic tools that are used to complete these repairs have advanced as well, and Mercedes-Benz mechanics must be well-versed in these tools to complete repairs effectively. In their day-to-day work, Mercedes-Benz mechanics are expected to perform repairs on a number of different components, and perform routine maintenance tasks and preventative measures to ensure vehicle performance.
Mercedes-Benz mechanics are responsible for providing cost estimates to customers who require a repair, and must keep accurate records of all repairs made, and parts utilized. In addition to their work of actually repairing and maintaining the vehicles, Mercedes-Benz mechanics must possess excellent customer service skills, and maintain a professional demeanor. Mercedes-Benz mechanics who own and operate their own repair facility, in addition to their everyday work, are also responsible for employee management, shop maintenance and cleaning, and financial paperwork.
The growth of the auto repair industry is forecast to be one of the highest increasing professions in the upcoming decade. As many families grow, and more vehicles are put on the road, the necessity of high quality mechanics increases. The rate of retirement for mechanics is also a factor, with many of today's seasoned mechanics seeking retirement in the near future, opening new job opportunities for new mechanics. Over 100,000 new jobs will be created between now and 2016 in addition to these retirement openings, requiring almost 800,000 quality trained technicians in the field by 2016. As demand increases so do the expectations of technicians, who must be able to perform their work efficiently and accurately, while keeping up-to-date with new and advanced technologies.
Schools Offering Automotive Courses:
Nashville Auto-Diesel College
Where are they located? : Nashville, Tennessee
What do they have to offer?
You can take programs focusing in your career in automotive mechanics, diesel, collision and refinishing repair, and high performance technologies. Eight decades of practical learning.
Coursework
Collision Repair, High Performance, Automotive
Tennessee
Westwood College
Westwood College conducts Automobile repair classes which include study in Automotive Electricity, Automotive Engine Rebuilding, Manual Transmissions and Drive Trains, Automotive Brake Systems, and several other courses. Repair and the automobile diagnostics are practiced by the students in these courses which enables them to solve such problems in the actual workplace. Students absorb knowledge and practice on industry standard tool allowing them to keep their training as leading edge as possible for the auto repair field.
Associate
Associate Degree - Automotive Technology
Colorado
