Mechanic careers are frequently assumed to be limited to the most common type—general automotive mechanics who perform routine maintenance on cars and vehicles. A mechanic, definition, is a person who performs routine maintenance and repairs on machinery to keep it running smoothly. Careers in mechanics cover a wide range of jobs, from fleet mechanics to marine technicians. While these jobs are very different, mechanic jobs can be classified based on the type of work they do.
Automotive mechanics, aircraft mechanics, machinery mechanics, and other mechanics are the four main types of mechanics. Auto body mechanics, auto mechanics, brake specialists, and diesel mechanics are all examples of automotive mechanic jobs. Aircraft mechanics, repair specialists, and airplane technicians are all examples of aircraft mechanics. Industrial machine repairers, refrigerator mechanics, and air conditioning technicians are all examples of machinery mechanic jobs. Marine mechanics and small engine technicians are two other types of mechanics.
Automobile specialists repair and maintain automobiles such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles. Car shops frequently stock all-purpose automotive mechanics. Brake specialists, tuneup mechanics, auto body repairmen, motorcycle technicians, and performance car mechanics are among the more specialized mechanic careers.
Aircraft mechanics are in charge of repairing and maintaining planes and other types of aircraft. In the United States, these mechanics must adhere to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines. Avionics mechanics and aircraft service technicians perform critical work that ensures the safety of the crew and passengers.
Machinery specialists are mostly found in industrial settings, with jobs ranging from industrial mechanics to electronics repair technicians. These mechanics fix and maintain various types of machinery to ensure that it runs smoothly. Aside from industrial applications, mechanics with a focus on machinery can be found in jobs like air conditioning technicians and engineering mechanics.
It may or may not be necessary to attend school to become qualified for a career as a mechanic. Most careers in this field have a range of positions in terms of ranking. Entry-level positions such as service attendants, which do not require much formal education, are common in mechanic careers, as are higher-level positions that do require university-level education. Mechanic schools typically focus on one of the most popular mechanic careers, such as automotive, diesel, aircraft, motorcycle, or marine.