Job Expectations and Salaries for Toyota Mechanics
The field of automotive mechanics is growing and always in demand. Toyota is no different, offering a Toyota- and Lexus-based curriculum with their T-Ten education program being offered at many vocational and technical schools around the country. If you are looking for a career as a Toyota mechanic there are several key things to consider.
What kind of salary can a Toyota mechanic expect?
What type of job expectations do many employers have in regards to their Toyota mechanics?
What are the key differences in working at a dealership or repair facility versus self employment?
What is the outlook for future job growth in regards to Toyota mechanics?
The expected salary for a Toyota mechanic varies depending on a number of factors. Location pays a big part in it, with Toyota mechanics in Alaska making an average of $36,000 annually versus a Toyota mechanic located in Nebraska who might make $28,000 annually. Be sure to account for the cost of living in the area you intend to work when seeking work as a Toyota mechanic. The average national salary for Toyota mechanics was reported as $36,000 in 2006. Another factor in determining salary is the level of education. It is possible to be certified to work on Toyota vehicles with only a single semester certificate program, but many Toyota mechanics hold higher degrees in order to earn a higher rate of pay. In addition to the base salary paid by the employer, Toyota mechanics can also receive bonuses and commission for parts sold, repair costs, and the amount of work completed which can contribute significantly to their annual income. Some Toyota dealerships offer a commission-based system, where the mechanic is guaranteed a minimum salary, but is paid a majority of their salary through job performance and the number of repairs completed.
There is a huge difference in working for an established company as a Toyota mechanic and owning your own business or doing private Toyota repair work. Owning a business that specializes in Toyota vehicles requires both a monetary investment as well as an investment of time. Owning your own Toyota repair shop can be a profitable venture once the work is put in, but many find that working for an established dealership or automotive repair facility to start can give them the knowledge and background they need to succeed on their own. In addition to repairing and maintaining Toyota vehicles, owners of repair facilities will need to have a basic knowledge of business practices, management of employees, and maintaining parts and inventory levels necessary for any climate. Many Toyota mechanic training schools offer a hands-on internship to prepare graduates for work in the real world, and can provide the knowledge for running a private Toyota repair shop.
Toyota mechanics are required to handle many responsibilities and job duties regardless of the employer. They are trained on all Toyota models, new features, and must have the knowledge of repair and preventative maintenance that is required of all Toyota mechanics. Toyota mechanics are essentially problem solvers, who diagnose the symptoms of a vehicle issue and correct that issue using both technical knowledge and personal experience. Toyota mechanics are also responsible for preventative maintenance like oil changes and tune-ups in addition to major repair work.
A Toyota mechanic must practice excellent customer service values to ensure customer loyalty and increase their customer base, keep accurate records of all repairs made and parts used, and ensure that the quality of their work is never compromised. In addition to basic repair knowledge and day-to-day business practices, advances in technology require that Toyota mechanics have knowledge of complex electronic systems and computers both in-vehicle and out, as well as new innovations in automotive technology. A Toyota technician will continue to further their education as technology advances, earning new certifications, attending classes, or on the job training.
The job market for Toyota and other automotive technicians is expected to increase by 14 percent by the year 2016. This is an incredible growth, almost 4 percent more than many other job markets. Demand for Toyota mechanics is expected to grow as more and more new models are introduced to the market, and the population increases, thus increasing the number of cars on the road. A large portion of the current population that currently works in the field will be seeking retirement in the coming years, providing new jobs to new Toyota mechanics. Almost 110,000 new auto technician jobs will be created between now and 2016, in addition to the 700,000 that currently work in the field today.
Schools Offering Automotive Courses:
Advanced Technology Institute
What's their location? Virginia Beach, VA.
What do they have there?
Diploma programs and work as you learn degree programs. Select from ASE and NATEF certified courses in Automotive Technology, HVAC and Refrigeration, Diesel/Heavy Vehicle and High Performance Repair. Intensive employment placement help is offered, along with financial assistance for those pupils who are eligible.
A wide range of programs are available including Automotive, Diesel / Heavy Vehicle and HVAC at Advanced Technology Institute.
Associate, Diploma
Automotive Technology - Associate's, Automotive Technology - Diploma
Virginia
