Motor Mechanics

ANZSCO ID 3212

Overview

Snapshot

Employed
112,000
Future Growth
-0.7%
Weekly Earnings
$1,265
Full-Time Share
85%
Female Share
1%
Average age
36

Summary

Motor Mechanics repair, maintain and test motor vehicle and other internal combustion engines and related mechanical components.

Tasks

  • detecting and diagnosing faults in engines and parts

  • dismantling and removing engine assemblies, transmissions, steering mechanisms and other components, and checking parts

  • repairing and replacing worn and defective parts and reassembling mechanical components, and referring to service manuals as needed

  • 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

  • reassembling engines and parts after being repaired

  • testing and adjusting mechanical parts after being repaired for proper performance

  • diagnosing and testing parts with the assistance of computers

  • may inspect vehicles and issue roadworthiness certificates or detail work required to achieve roadworthiness

Characteristics

Job Type
Technicians And Trades Workers
Skill Level
Medium skill
ANZSCO Occupation group
Unemployment Rate
Below average
Industries
Pathway(s)
  • Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Interests
  • Practical
Physical Demand
  • Medium
  • Heavy

Outlook

Employment 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.

Projected Change
-0.7%
(or -700 jobs)
From
111,300
in 2021
To
110,600
in 2026

Number of Workers

Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, ABS seasonally adjusted data to November 2021 and Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
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

  • 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)

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.
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

1
Other Services
62.8%
2
Retail Trade
14.3%
3
Manufacturing
5.3%
4
Transport, Postal and Warehousing
5.1%
5
Other industries
12.6%

Regions

Employment across Australia

NSW

29.7% All occupations: 31.6%

VIC

25.9% All occupations: 25.6%

QLD

20.9% All occupations: 20.0%

SA

7.3% All occupations: 7.0%

WA

11.6% All occupations: 10.8%

TAS

2.1% All occupations: 2.0%

NT

1.3% All occupations: 1.0%

ACT

1.1% All occupations: 1.9%

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



Worker profile

Age and gender

Age In Years
36
All Jobs Average is 40
Female Share
1%
All Jobs Average is 48%
  • 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)

Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
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)

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.
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.

  • 59%

    Repairing

    Fixing machines or systems.

  • 57%

    Equipment maintenance

    Maintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.

  • 54%

    Troubleshooting

    Figuring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.

  • 52%

    Operation and control

    Controlling equipment or systems.

  • 52%

    Operation monitoring

    Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

  • 50%

    Quality control analysis

    Doing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.

  • 48%

    Critical thinking

    Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.

  • 48%

    Judgment and decision making

    Figuring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.

  • 46%

    Equipment selection

    Deciding on the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

  • 46%

    Active listening

    Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.

  • 46%

    Complex problem solving

    Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.

  • 43%

    Active learning

    Being able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.

  • 43%

    Coordination with others

    Being adaptable and coordinating work with other people.

  • 43%

    Monitoring

    Keeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.

  • 43%

    Reading comprehension

    Reading work related information.

  • 43%

    Serving others

    Looking for ways to help people.

  • 43%

    Speaking

    Talking to others.

  • 41%

    Installation

    Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs.

  • 39%

    Time management

    Managing your own and other peoples' time to get work done.

  • 32%

    Social perceptiveness

    Understanding why people react the way they do.


Knowledge

These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.

  • 84%

    Mechanical

    Machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

  • 57%

    Computers and electronics

    Circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

  • 56%

    Engineering and technology

    Use engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.

  • 55%

    Customer and personal service

    Understanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.

  • 48%

    Physics

    The physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.

  • 48%

    English language

    English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

  • 46%

    Mathematics

    Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.

  • 45%

    Education and training

    Curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

  • 45%

    Technical design

    Design techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

  • 44%

    Chemistry

    Chemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.

  • 39%

    Production and processing

    Raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.

  • 38%

    Public safety and security

    Use of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.

  • 37%

    Administration and management

    Business principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.

  • 35%

    Transportation

    Moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.

  • 32%

    Law and government

    How our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.

  • 31%

    Personnel and human resources

    Recruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.

  • 28%

    Clerical

    Word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.

  • 28%

    Sales and marketing

    Showing, promoting, and selling including marketing strategy, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

  • 27%

    Telecommunications

    Transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

  • 25%

    Communications and media

    Media production, communication, and dissemination. Includes written, spoken, and visual media.


Abilities

Workers use these physical and mental abilities..

  • 73%

    Extent flexibility

    Bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

  • 61%

    Control precision

    Quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.

  • 57%

    Visualization

    Imagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed.

  • 55%

    Finger dexterity

    Put together small parts with your fingers.

  • 54%

    Manual dexterity

    Quickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

  • 54%

    Multilimb coordination

    Use your arms and/or legs at the same time while sitting, standing, or lying down.

  • 54%

    Oral comprehension

    Listen to and understand what people say.

  • 52%

    Arm-hand steadiness

    Keep your hand or arm steady.

  • 52%

    Problem spotting

    Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.

  • 52%

    Colour discrimination

    Notice differences between colours, including shades of colour and brightness.

  • 52%

    Flexibility of closure

    See a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) hidden in other distracting material.

  • 52%

    Hearing sensitivity

    Tell the difference between sounds.

  • 52%

    Inductive reasoning

    Use lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.

  • 52%

    Sorting or ordering

    Order or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

  • 50%

    Near vision

    See details that are up-close (within a few feet).

  • 50%

    Deductive reasoning

    Use general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.

  • 50%

    Trunk strength

    Use your abdominal and lower back muscles a number of times without 'giving out' or fatiguing.

  • 48%

    Perceptual speed

    Use your eyes to quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.

  • 48%

    Reaction time

    Quickly move your hand, finger, or foot when a sound, light, picture or something else appears.

  • 41%

    Depth perception

    Decide 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 objects

    Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.

  • 77%

    Working with mechanical equipment

    Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment.

  • 72%

    Keeping your knowledge up-to-date

    Keeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.

  • 69%

    Controlling equipment or machines

    Operating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).

  • 69%

    Doing physically active work

    Use your arms, legs and whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling objects.

  • 68%

    Working with electronic equipment

    Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing electronic devices and equipment.

  • 62%

    Building good relationships

    Building good working relationships and keeping them over time.

  • 62%

    Making decisions and solving problems

    Using information to work out the best solution and solve problems.

  • 57%

    Monitoring people, processes and things

    Checking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.

  • 57%

    Planning and prioritising work

    Deciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.

  • 53%

    Researching and investigating

    Looking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.

  • 53%

    Collecting and organising information

    Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.

  • 49%

    Driving vehicles or equipment

    Running, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

  • 47%

    Working with computers

    Using computers to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

  • 46%

    Communicating within a team

    Giving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.

  • 44%

    Checking for errors or defects

    Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.

  • 42%

    Making sense of information and ideas

    Looking at, working with, and understanding data or information.

  • 41%

    Looking for changes over time

    Comparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.

  • 39%

    Documenting or recording information

    Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

  • 36%

    Explaining things to people

    Helping 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%

    Practical

    Practical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

  • 52%

    Analytical

    Ideas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.

  • 43%

    Administrative

    Following set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.

  • 43%

    Enterprising

    Starting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.

  • 19%

    Helping

    Working with people. Helping or providing service to others.

  • 14%

    Creative

    Working with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.


Values

Work values are important to a person’s feeling of satisfaction. All six values are shown below.
  • 62%

    Independence

    Work 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%

    Support

    Supportive 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 conditions

    Job security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.

  • 52%

    Achievement

    Results oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.

  • 48%

    Relationships

    Serve 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%

    Recognition

    Advancement 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

The physical and social demands that workers face most often are shown below:
  • 99%

    Exposure to contaminants

    Be exposed to pollutants, gases, dust or odours.

  • 93%

    In an enclosed vehicle or equipment

    Work in a closed vehicle (e.g., car).

  • 93%

    Spend time standing

    Spend time standing at work.

  • 93%

    Wear common protective or safety equipment

    Wear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.

  • 92%

    Being exact or accurate

    Be very exact or highly accurate.

  • 92%

    Using your hands to handle, control, or feel

    Spend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.

  • 90%

    Indoors, not heat controlled

    Work indoors without heating or cooling (e.g., warehouse without heat).

  • 90%

    Frequent decision making

    Frequently make decisions that impact other people.

  • 90%

    Loud or uncomfortable sounds

    Be exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.

  • 88%

    Freedom to make decisions

    Have freedom to make decision on your own.

  • 86%

    Impact of decisions

    Make decisions that have a large impact on other people.

  • 85%

    Face-to-face discussions

    Talk with people face-to-face.

  • 83%

    Time pressure

    Work to strict deadlines.

  • 82%

    Minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings

    Be exposed to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings.

  • 81%

    Dangerous equipment

    Work near dangerous equipment like saws, machinery with open moving parts, or moving traffic.

  • 80%

    Contact with people

    Have contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.

  • 80%

    Dangerous conditions

    Work near dangers like high voltage electricity, flammable material, explosives or chemicals.

  • 79%

    Consequence of error

    Work where mistakes have serious consequences.

  • 78%

    Teamwork

    Work with people in a group or team.

  • 73%

    Bending or twisting your body

    Spend time bending or twisting your body.

Occupational Information Network
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.


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