What Is a Journeyman Auto Mechanic?

by Fred Decker, studioD

There are several avenues to earning a skilled trade, including formal and informal apprenticeships, as well as technical programs taught in vocational and community colleges. After a combination of training and work experience, apprentice or student mechanics who demonstrate the necessary skills will be designated as journeymen -- or increasingly, journeypersons -- and licensed to work independently as mechanics.


Journeyman auto mechanics have the skills and training necessary to perform repair and maintenance procedures on most cars and light trucks. They're required to diagnose problems through reference to the vehicle's onboard computer systems, and by more traditional methods including visual inspections and test-driving the vehicle. They must understand and adhere to environmental and legal guidelines for workplace safety, hazardous waste disposal and other regulatory issues. Journeymen supervise the work of apprentices, interact with customers, and maintain their own skills through manufacturers' seminars, factory bulletins and similar avenues.


Formal apprenticeships operate under the oversight of the Federal Department of Labor, though each state administers its own apprenticeship programs. Admission to training programs can be sporadic, depending on the level of demand in that state or region at the time. Apprentices work full-time in an approved automotive service facility, completing a minimum of 2,000 hours of paid working time per year. Apprenticeships include a set minimum of classroom instruction as well, typically 144 hours per year or more. Programs vary in length, but four years is typical. After completing the educational and work requirements, new mechanics must pass a set of examinations to become journeymen.

College Training

Many vocational and community colleges offer training programs in automotive technology. These can be one-year programs leading to a diploma or certificate, or two-year programs awarding associate degrees. Programs offer a combination of classroom learning and hands-on practical instruction, sometimes providing real-world repairs to drivers in their community. Well-funded training programs often have more up-to-date equipment than working repair shops, providing students with better opportunities to learn the advanced electronics used in modern cars. Graduates from these training programs must still earn work experience in the field before they can become certified. In practice, overall training is similar for apprentices or technical-school students.


Journeymen, like doctors, can remain generalists or gain a specialized skill set in one type of repair or class of vehicle. In either case, certification is optional but highly beneficial. It demonstrates a high level of competence and professionalism, important to customers and potential employers alike. National certifications are administered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. There are dozens of ASE certifications in different areas. Automotive mechanics can complete eight individual certifications in areas such as engine repair, manual and automatic transmissions, and brakes and electrical systems. Journeymen who complete all eight -- a ninth in light diesel engines is optional -- are granted Master Automobile Technician status.

Career Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected 17 percent growth in demand for auto mechanics between 2010 and 2020, just slightly faster than the average for all occupations. The bureau reports strongest demand for mechanics with the formal training necessary to work with the latest cars and their new technologies. In its May 2011 figures, the bureau reported an average wage of $38,560 per year for auto mechanics. The top 10 percent reported earnings of $59,600 or more.

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