Motor Mechanics
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Motor Mechanics repair, maintain and test motor vehicle and other internal combustion engines and related mechanical components.
Tasks
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detecting and diagnosing faults in engines and parts
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dismantling and removing engine assemblies, transmissions, steering mechanisms and other components, and checking parts
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repairing and replacing worn and defective parts and reassembling mechanical components, and referring to service manuals as needed
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performing scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications and engine tune-ups, to achieve smoother running of vehicles and ensure compliance with pollution regulations
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reassembling engines and parts after being repaired
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testing and adjusting mechanical parts after being repaired for proper performance
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diagnosing and testing parts with the assistance of computers
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may inspect vehicles and issue roadworthiness certificates or detail work required to achieve roadworthiness
Characteristics
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Vocational Education and Training (VET)
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Practical
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Medium
-
Heavy
Outlook
JSA produces employment projections to show where likely future job opportunities may be. The latest data are for the five years from November 2021 to November 2026. Over this period, the number of workers in this occupation is likely to remain stable.
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Notes: The number employed includes people who work in this occupation as their main job. People who work in more than one job are counted against the occupation they work the most hours in.
Employment projections figures are rounded to the nearest 100. Calculations based on these rounded figures may result in differences to the numbers that are displayed on this page. Employment projections data (including occupations) can be downloaded from the Employment Projections page.
Number of Workers
Year | Employment |
---|---|
2011 | 93,700 |
2012 | 84,500 |
2013 | 89,700 |
2014 | 105,100 |
2015 | 96,300 |
2016 | 79,900 |
2017 | 108,800 |
2018 | 109,300 |
2019 | 100,700 |
2020 | 98,400 |
2021 | 111,300 |
2026 | 110,600 |
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, ABS seasonally adjusted data to November 2021 and Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
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Around 90% of people employed as Motor Mechanics work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 24 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 44 hours per week in their main job. This is the same as the all jobs average.
Median full-time earnings are $1,265 per week, this is much lower than the all jobs median ($1,593):
- 3 in 4 workers earn more than $1,115
- 1 in 4 earn more than $1,578
Median hourly earnings are $32, this is lower than the all jobs median ($41 per hour).
Sources: Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average. Full-time median earnings and median hourly earnings: ABS, Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021. Compared to all jobs median.
Weekly Earnings (Before Tax)
Earnings | Motor Mechanics | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Full-Time Earnings | 1,265 | 1,593 |
Total Earnings | 0 | 0 |
Source: Based on ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021, Customised Report. Median weekly total cash earnings for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. Earnings are before tax and include amounts salary sacrificed. Earnings can vary greatly depending on the skills and experience of the worker and the demands of the role. These figures should be used as a guide only, not to determine a wage rate.
Industries
Main industries
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Most Motor Mechanics work in the Other services industry. They are also employed in industries like:
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, annual average 2021.
Regions
Employment across Australia
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Employment by State and Territory (% Share)
State | Motor Mechanics | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 29.7 | 31.6 |
VIC | 25.9 | 25.6 |
QLD | 20.9 | 20.0 |
SA | 7.3 | 7.0 |
WA | 11.6 | 10.8 |
TAS | 2.1 | 2.0 |
NT | 1.3 | 1.0 |
ACT | 1.1 | 1.9 |
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Around 49% of Motor Mechanics live outside of capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 38%.
The regions with the largest share of workers are:
- Melbourne - South East
- Melbourne - West
- Melbourne - Outer East
- Melbourne - North East
- Mornington Peninsula.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian states, territories and regions, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Worker profile
Age and gender
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The median age of Motor Mechanics is 36 years. This is younger than the all jobs average of 40 years.
A large share of workers are aged 25 to 34 years.
Females make up 1% of the workforce. This is 47 percentage points below the all jobs average of 48%.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile and gender share compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile (% Share)
Age Bracket | Motor Mechanics | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 6.8 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 14.8 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 24.6 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 19.2 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 18.5 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 8.0 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 5.1 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 3.0 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 36 | 40 |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Employment Pathways
Education, training and experience
A certificate III in a relevant mechanical field is usually needed to work as a Motor Mechanic. These courses are often completed as part of an apprenticeship.
Registration or licencing may be required.
Visit
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Automotive Retail, Service and Repair and Automotive Manufacturing Sector VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Motor Mechanics | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 0.3 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 1.7 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 4.5 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 75.7 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 8.0 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 3.1 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 6.6 | 12.5 |
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Skills and Knowledge
Employers look for Motor Mechanics who are hardworking with a good work ethic, reliable and provide good customer service.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
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59%
RepairingFixing machines or systems.
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57%
Equipment maintenanceMaintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.
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54%
TroubleshootingFiguring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
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52%
Operation and controlControlling equipment or systems.
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52%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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50%
Quality control analysisDoing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
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48%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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48%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
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46%
Equipment selectionDeciding on the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
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46%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
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46%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
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43%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
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43%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
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43%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
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43%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
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43%
Serving othersLooking for ways to help people.
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43%
SpeakingTalking to others.
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41%
InstallationInstalling equipment, machines, wiring, or programs.
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39%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
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32%
Social perceptivenessUnderstanding why people react the way they do.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
-
84%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
-
57%
Computers and electronicsCircuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
-
56%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
-
55%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
-
48%
PhysicsThe physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
-
48%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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46%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
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45%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
-
45%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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44%
ChemistryChemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
-
39%
Production and processingRaw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
-
38%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
-
37%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
-
35%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
-
32%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
-
31%
Personnel and human resourcesRecruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
-
28%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
-
28%
Sales and marketingShowing, promoting, and selling including marketing strategy, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
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27%
TelecommunicationsTransmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
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25%
Communications and mediaMedia production, communication, and dissemination. Includes written, spoken, and visual media.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
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73%
Extent flexibilityBend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
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61%
Control precisionQuickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
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57%
VisualizationImagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
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55%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
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54%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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54%
Multilimb coordinationUse your arms and/or legs at the same time while sitting, standing, or lying down.
-
54%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
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52%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
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52%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
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52%
Colour discriminationNotice differences between colours, including shades of colour and brightness.
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52%
Flexibility of closureSee a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) hidden in other distracting material.
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52%
Hearing sensitivityTell the difference between sounds.
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52%
Inductive reasoningUse lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
-
52%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
-
50%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
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50%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
-
50%
Trunk strengthUse your abdominal and lower back muscles a number of times without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
-
48%
Perceptual speedUse your eyes to quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
-
48%
Reaction timeQuickly move your hand, finger, or foot when a sound, light, picture or something else appears.
-
41%
Depth perceptionDecide which thing is closer or further away from you, or decide how far away it is.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
-
79%
Handling and moving objectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
-
77%
Working with mechanical equipmentServicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment.
-
72%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
-
69%
Controlling equipment or machinesOperating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).
-
69%
Doing physically active workUse your arms, legs and whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling objects.
-
68%
Working with electronic equipmentServicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing electronic devices and equipment.
-
62%
Building good relationshipsBuilding good working relationships and keeping them over time.
-
62%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
-
57%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
-
57%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
-
53%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
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53%
Collecting and organising informationCompiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.
-
49%
Driving vehicles or equipmentRunning, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
-
47%
Working with computersUsing computers to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
-
46%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
-
44%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
-
42%
Making sense of information and ideasLooking at, working with, and understanding data or information.
-
41%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
-
39%
Documenting or recording informationEntering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
-
36%
Explaining things to peopleHelping people to understand and use information.
Interests and demands
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
-
100%
PracticalPractical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
-
52%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
-
43%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
-
43%
EnterprisingStarting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
-
19%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
-
14%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
Values
-
62%
IndependenceWork alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
-
57%
SupportSupportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
-
55%
Working conditionsJob security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
-
52%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
-
48%
RelationshipsServe and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
-
43%
RecognitionAdvancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
Demands
-
99%
Exposure to contaminantsBe exposed to pollutants, gases, dust or odours.
-
93%
In an enclosed vehicle or equipmentWork in a closed vehicle (e.g., car).
-
93%
Spend time standingSpend time standing at work.
-
93%
Wear common protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
-
92%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
-
92%
Using your hands to handle, control, or feelSpend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
-
90%
Indoors, not heat controlledWork indoors without heating or cooling (e.g., warehouse without heat).
-
90%
Frequent decision makingFrequently make decisions that impact other people.
-
90%
Loud or uncomfortable soundsBe exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
-
88%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
-
86%
Impact of decisionsMake decisions that have a large impact on other people.
-
85%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
-
83%
Time pressureWork to strict deadlines.
-
82%
Minor burns, cuts, bites, or stingsBe exposed to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings.
-
81%
Dangerous equipmentWork near dangerous equipment like saws, machinery with open moving parts, or moving traffic.
-
80%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
-
80%
Dangerous conditionsWork near dangers like high voltage electricity, flammable material, explosives or chemicals.
-
79%
Consequence of errorWork where mistakes have serious consequences.
-
78%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
-
73%
Bending or twisting your bodySpend time bending or twisting your body.
O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 49-3023.01 - Automotive Master Mechanics.
Links and downloads
Research and reports
The Skills Priority List provides a current labour market rating and a future demand rating for nearly 800 occupations nationally. Current labour market ratings are available for occupations at a state and territory level.
Downloads
-
Occupation profiles data are available for download.
The Employment Projections are available for download.