Career Options

As a certified locksmith, you have many career options. You can be self-employed, privately employed or publicly employed. You can work with standard locks, electronic locks or even safes with additional training. Your locksmithing choices are wide and varied. Only a few are listed below.

Entrepreneur: Owning your own business may be a strong motivating factor. Obtaining the knowledge, training and certification tells your potential customers that you are fully qualified to help them in their times of need. You can open locks, make key copies or configure a new key by resetting tumblers in current locks. With additional accreditation, you might even enter the world of building and opening safes.

Your typical income depends on your location, cost of living and demand, paired with successful servic marketing efforts.

Business owners who also have at least rudimentary knowledge of business and financial operations and records keeping are more successful financially than those who don’t. Additional training in these areas as well as marketing can make a huge difference in your business’ outlook.

Investigation and Security: Whether as an employee or contractor for a private investigation firm or security firm, you often perform the same functions. If contracted with a firm, you may still operate your own business and is often a result of your reputation and marketing.

In this field, your average income approximates $37,000 per year.*

Government Service: Working at a local, state or federal level, a government locksmith is often responsible for room, section and building security. You can install high-performance locks, design security systems or install, maintain and open high-security safes in government offices and buildings in addition to other career applications.

Depending on your government level, mean salaries range from $47,350 to $52,230 per year.*

Training and Education

You will need at least a certificate of completion from an accredited school to qualify for your state certification as a locksmith. Either before taking the course or during its term, many locksmiths advise an intern position with an experienced professional. As an intern, you would most likely earn minimum wage for your area and be required to perform whatever task is assigned.

Be very politely ambitious in seeking knowledge: The person who teaches you will probably become a competitor one day and might want to hoard his or her knowledge if allowed.

Once you have the practical experience and good exposure to the locksmith profession, begin your formal education if you haven’t started your studies already.

You might consider taking a correspondence course, but the contemporary attitude toward them is not as immediately favorable as it once was. The course material might be quite acceptable, but even online courses are viewed more positively, so long as the school is accredited. Once you complete your chosen course, seek certification through tests designed and administered by the Associated Locksmiths of America or ALOA.

As a locksmith, your first level of accreditation is the Certified Registered Locksmith (CRL). A CRL is considered an entry-level certification, but it allows legitimate employment in the field.

Your next level of locksmith accreditation is the Certified Professional Locksmith or CPL. Testing for CPL accreditation comprises many more advanced tests than previously experienced.

After the CPL comes the Certified Master Locksmith (CML). The CML accreditation designates you as a highly skilled professional who can tackle complex and intricate lock scenarios. Only the ALOA accreditation provides industry acceptance as a master locksmith. Many people claim the status without formal training or proof they “know their stuff.”

Most education institutions provide courses that are more than adequate to pass your ALOA accreditation tests.
Certified Safetech Accreditation with SAVTA

If you are interested in extending your career opportunities, you can complete course material that teaches you about safes via the Safe and Vault Technician’s Association. This experience and additional testing in the field can lead to a designation of Certified Professional Safetech and beyond.

Summary

Whether you pursue a career as a locksmith or a safe technician in the private or public sector, you career outlook is excellent. Between the job titles, job types or employment sphere, you enjoy myriad choices.

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*Salary figures are compliments of the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, found at: http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499094.htm, accessed July 9 and 10, 2012.

What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?

In order to determine if becoming a dental hygienist is the right career move for you, it’s necessary that you have a good explanation of the duties a hygienist performs on a daily basis. Your duties are generally determined by the state in which you live and the particular office you work in. However, most hygienists are involved in two different activities: educating patients about personal dental care and performing dental procedures.

A hygienist instructs patients in proper brushing, flossing, gum care and nutrition for good dental health. Procedures performed are removing plaque and tartar, cleaning and polishing teeth. Examining the mouth for potential problems and taking x-rays are also a part of daily duties. Depending on the state in which you practice, hygienists may also administer anesthetic to gums and teeth in preparation for dental work.

Most people choose to have dental work only when it’s absolutely necessary. A dental hygienist must possess the type of personality that can put most people at ease. Psychology classes during training are essential to study the behavior of people in times of stress and how to put them more at ease during dental procedures.

Educational Requirements

There are necessary prerequisites before entering a dental hygienist training program. The applicant must be at least 18 years old and have earned a high school diploma or GED. A minimum of a 2.0 grade point average, acceptable SAT or ACT scores and passing grades in mathematics, chemistry, English, psychology and biology in high school may also be required by some states. You may also need an interview, a written essay and a dexterity exam to test hand/eye coordination.

Keep in mind when choosing training that the institution you choose should be accredited by your state. Accreditation insures that the courses you take provide the best training possible and your earned credits are transferable to other accredited schools just in case you decide to continue your education later. An associate degree can be upgraded to a master degree in dental hygiene or you may want to become a dentist in the future.

Accredited colleges are usually eligible to receive government grants, loans and scholarships to help finance your education.

Schools offer a well-rounded education with core courses including speech, English and sociology. Legal aspects of dentistry are taught. Science courses are important such as dental anatomy, head and neck anatomy and pharmacology. Sterilization techniques of tools and equipment are also taught.

A hygienist may be asked to maintain medical records, sign in patients at the front desk or set up appointments. Some schools include medical office training for hygienists.

The entry-level hygienist earns an associate degree and passes a certification exam. You may choose to earn a bachelor degree and a master degree. Of course, the higher the degree the more salary you can expect.

Salary

The median pay for a dental hygienist is $68,250 per year, or $32.81 per hour according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Median pay means half of all dental hygienists earn more than this amount and half earn less. Your pay will be determined by where you live and what degree you’ve earned.
Certification

Certification in most states requires that you pass a written test and clinical examination and have two years of experience in a dental office.

Similar Career Choices

Occupations that have many duties in common with the dental hygienist are:

• Dental Assistants
• Medical Assistants
• Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides
• Physician Assistants
• Radiation Therapists
• Registered Nurses

This information has supplied a general overview of the duties of the dental hygienists and the training you’ll need to enter this career field. As stated before, every state has its own requirements. Discovering your state’s requirements is a good place to begin to explore the possibilities of a career that is in-demand, fulfilling and provides a good income.

CAD/Drafting Education Programs

Vocational and technical schools and technical schools commonly offer CAD and drafting training programs. These schools concentrate on the core topics including design basics, CADD software, engineering, mathematics, architecture and sketching. Students learn how generate drawings based on the specifications and measurements established by engineers. They also learn to create 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional designs using CAD programs.

Associate Degree

Drafters who complete a two-year program in drafting commonly earn an Associate of Applied Science degree. Common courses include sketching, blueprint reading, mathematics, geometry, and computer-aided drafting. Many drafters directly enter the field after earning this degree and others enroll in four-year drafting programs.

Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree in drafting is commonly awarded the Bachelor of Science degree in computer-aided drafting and design. Examples of common coursework includes engineering, technical design, computer-aided manufacturing, product drafting, and statistics. Some aspiring drafters seeking a bachelor’s degree major in a more specialized field such as architecture or engineering.

Employer Training

New drafters common receive on-the-job training from employers and experienced workers usually supervise newly hired professionals. These professionals usually start out as junior drafters and more up to intermediate and senior drafters.

Certification

Many drafters obtain professional certification from the American Design Drafting Association to demonstrate their knowledge of the field and understanding of standards and practices that are recognized at an international level. The examination is open to all individuals, no matter the education and experience. Upon passing the examination with a score of a 75 or better, individuals receive a certificate that is valid for five years. Certified drafters may gain a competitive edge for potential employers.

Typical Responsibilities of the Job

Drafters use various types of CAD software to adapt the designs created by engineers and architects. They prepare the designs into plans and technical drawings using their know-how of manufacturing and engineering methods. They add important structural details and create numerous types of designs for architects and engineers to look over. They also determine the dimensions, needed materials, and steps for creating new projects. A lot of drafters are called CADD Operators who use electronic software to create and store drawings. Drafters commonly work for engineering and drafting companies, manufacturing firms, architectural companies, and government organizations.

Salary Information

As of May 2010, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the median yearly salary for drafters at $47,880. The highest 10 percent earned more than $74,820 and the lowest 10 percent made less than $30,950. For additional information, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Similar Jobs

• CAD and drafting technician
• Civil drafter
• Mechanical drafter
• Electrical drafter
• Computer-aided illustrator

Work Environment and Job Duties

A plumber can be self-employed or work for a company. In most cases, a plumber will be required to travel to get to the different jobs. A reliable work vehicle and carrying tools for any job is necessary.

Experienced plumbers may work in the construction industry. In this case, they must understand how to read blueprints and be capable of determining where plumbing features should be placed in order to make them functional and comply with local coding laws.

When doing plumbing work, you will often be working in tight spaces. Pipes carrying water are run from the home or business and usually hidden from sight under cabinets or behind walls. You will need to understand how the plumbing pipes and fixtures are installed, how to access them in the easiest way and troubleshoot problems so that repairs and replacements are done correctly.

Plumbing is a physically demanding job. It requires bending, stooping, climbing and carrying heavy tools and equipment. The risk of injury in this profession is high. The most common injuries associated with this profession are burns, cuts and bruises, and injuries caused by falling off of ladders.

Water itself is usually clean, but there are times when plumbing problems require working in conditions that are not pleasant. An example of this is backed up septic systems and broken garbage disposals that often have food inside.

The majority of plumbers work full time. They are also available to work over-time hours and are on-call 24 hours a day to handle emergencies.

Requirements and Education

Some plumbers begin their training by taking courses at a technical college, but this profession is most often based on an apprenticeship. Plumbers are required 1700 to 2000 hours of paid, on-the-job training and at least 246 hours of technical education. Hours in technical school can often be a part of meeting this educational requirement.

The most common places to find apprenticeship programs are through unions and businesses in the plumbing industry.

In order to enter an apprenticeship program, the student must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma and pass a basic math test. The passing of a drug test is also required.

Technical education will focus on subjects such as pipe system design, safety, reading blueprints, tool use and welding.

Once the apprenticeship has been completed, you are considered a journey worker and are free to work on your own.

Most states require a license to work as a plumber. While each state varies, most require you to have two to five years of work experience and to pass an exam. This exam is designed to ensure expertise in your field and knowledge of plumbing codes. It is important to check with the state in which you want to work to make sure all licensing qualifications are met.

Salary and Career Outlook

According to the  Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average starting salary for a plumber is $46,660 per year. The estimated growth is listed at 26 percent, which is faster than average when compared to all other jobs. Job experience and continuing education to become a master plumber are both ways to increase pay.

A massage therapist is a professional who have been trained to use touch to manipulate the soft tissues in the body. The goal of the massage therapist is to help clients relax and improve their overall health. Massage therapists can work in personal care offices, chiropractor offices, hotels and fitness centers. A small percentage of massage therapist are self-employed.

What type of education and training is needed to practice as a massage therapist?

The education and training needed to become a massage therapist can vary, depending on the state. However, almost all states require that massage therapists complete 500 or more hours of professional training. This training is typically completed at a community or technical college.

Additionally, most states require that massage therapists be certified. The National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and Massage And Bodywork Licensing Examination are the nationally-recognized certification tests.

It takes a lot more than the right education to become a successful massage therapist. Massage therapists are required to have great decision making and communication skills. They also spend a great deal of time on their feet, so physical stamina is another skill that people who are interested in this field should have.

How much do massage therapist make?

The median pay for a massage therapist is around $34,000 per year or $16.00 per hour. New massage therapists typically start off making less than $17,000 per year, and seasoned massage therapist can make over $70,000 per year.  A person’s place of employment will also determine their salary. Additionally, massage therapists can earn extra money in tips.

It is important to note that massage therapists are typically paid by the hour, and most of them work part-time. In fact, only 25 percent of massage therapists currently work full-time.

What is the job outlook like for a massage therapist?

The field of massage therapy as a whole is expected to grow by 20 percent within the next 10 years. This is much faster than the national average for all other professions. There has been an increased demand for qualified massage therapists to work in spas.

Furthermore, the licensing requirements for a massage therapists are becoming stricter. This means that the practice of massage therapy is likely to become more respected and accepted as a means to reduce pain and improve overall health. Currently, there are over 153,000 massage therapists in the United States (http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm#tab-6)

Radiologic technologists — also called x-ray technicians, CT technicians and MRI technicians — perform x-rays and other diagnostic imaging exams on patients. Most technicians work in hospital settings, but some are employed in doctors’ offices or diagnostic imaging centers. An x-ray technician’s work environment is comfortable, the pay is exciting and the job outlook is great.

Job Duties

Radiologic technologists perform numerous duties in their profession. They maintain and operate x-ray machines and other imaging equipment, prepare patients for examination procedures and look after patient records and medical histories. Technicians work closely with physicians and radiologists to determine image type and location.

These healthcare professionals use various equipment to make a diagnosis. Some technicians specialize in x-ray, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment. Others specialize in mammography, low-dose x-rays of the breast. Many imaging technicians have certification in multiple specialties.

Education Requirements

X-ray technicians and other radiologic technologists must complete formal training before starting their career. A two-year associate’s degree is the most common educational path. However, some enter their profession through a bachelor’s degree program. Students experience both classroom and clinical training. Coursework includes anatomy, radiation physics, pathology, patient care and image evaluation.

Most states require licensing and certification for diagnostic imaging technicians. The requirements vary from state to state, but all candidates must graduate from an accredited training program and pass a state certification exam. X-ray, CT and MRI technicians must continue to meet continuing education requirements throughout their career.

Salary and Job Outlook

According to the United States Department of Labor, radiologic technologists earn a median annual salary of $54,340. The lowest ten percent earned $36,510 and the top ten percent earned $76,850 in 2010. Most technicians work full-time hours. They may be required to work evening or weekend shifts, and many are on-call for emergencies.

The federal government projects a 28 percent job growth for x-ray technicians by 2020. This is due to an aging population with more medical conditions and more need for diagnostic testing. The employment outlook for radiologic technologists is slightly better than that for health technologists and technicians, and twice the expected growth for all other professions.

What do Dental Assistants do?

Dental assistants are most often responsible for tasks such as prepping patients for procedures, assisting the dentists during procedures through handing instruments or holding suction equipment, sterilizing equipment following visits, and assisting with x – rays. They are responsible for being familiar with the equipment in the office, keeping track independently of their personal responsibilities, and knowing the schedule and flow of the office to help everything move smoothly.

How Does a Person Become a Dental Assistant?

The education for dental assistants varies by state. In some areas, it is a requirement that dental assistants to have a certification or registration, though in others they can work without a college degree. There is a push to require a degree of certification universally, as dental assistants do deal with important functions, such as equipment sterilization. Failing to perform these tasks properly can result in health risks for the patients and others in the office. Those interested in pursuing this career choice also have the option of becoming a Certified Dental Assistant. To become a CDA, an individual must either complete a two year training program or have at least two years of on the job training experience, which will permit them to take the national board exam. Many interested in this option are able to find dental offices willing the pay while training a new dental assistant who shows an outstanding work ethic and basic skills.

How Much do Dental Assistants Make?

Dental assistants’ salary tends to vary widely based on factors such as region, training, and experience. On average, the salary tends to be around $33,470 per year, or $16.09 per hour. Becoming a certified dental assistant opens many more prospects in terms of increasing wages.

What are Some Similar Jobs?

Those interested in working in dental offices, but are not sure if becoming a dental assistant is right for them, have a number of other options available. If the individual is not interested in the medical aspects of dentistry and prefers to deal with helping patients out front, they can consider becoming a receptionist for a dental office. Often receptionists do not require specific training, although a degree and proficiency with writing, computers, and etiquette can definitely help you stand out among applicants. Receptionists make around $25,240 per year across the nation, or $12.41 per hour.

Dental hygienists are professionals much more involved with patient care. They are required to have a degree from a program certified by the American Dental Association, pass written and clinical board exams, and be certified by the state they wish to practice in. With their additional certifications, dental hygienists handle a large part of patient care. They are responsible for assessing the patient’s history and current oral health through taking x – rays and performing clinical exams, determining the proper treatment and advising on the treatment. They work very closely with the dentists in their office in caring for the patients. Hygienists make an average of $68,250 per year or $32.81 per hour.

There are a variety of jobs available to those interested in working in oral health. Those interested in becoming dental assistants should carefully investigate the path to finding a career in this field. It is an interesting job, allowing for exciting work days that do not require long hours sitting behind a desk. Rather, it is hands on experiences helping other people, making it a rewarding and fulfilling career for many. Speak with local dentist offices to see what the educational requirements are in your area and take the first steps to your new career today.

Some medical assistants specialize in a specific area of study such as pediatrics. This allows them to better understand the patient’s needs as well as offer the doctor the support needed in treating the patient.

Medical assistants must understand the laws regarding privacy. They deal with various conditions, patients and treatment plans and must refrain from discussing patients with anyone outside of the medical staff.

Work Environment and Job Duties

Medical assistants most often work in doctor’s offices, hospitals and other medical facilities. Working hours depend on the type of environment. Some assistants work standard working hours while others work longer hours with rotating shifts.

As a medical assistant, you will interact with people from different cultural and economic backgrounds. It is important that you are able to treat each patient with respect. Empathy for others is a vital component to becoming a successful medical assistant.

Another important skill is communication. Being able to give instructions, understand symptoms and communicate with patients, family members and doctors is essential.

Scheduling appointments, filling out paperwork and preparing samples for lab testing all require good organization and decision making. In most cases, you will also need to understand at least the basics of insurance coding in order to fill out patient paperwork properly.

Medical assistants are often on their feet for the majority of their working day. The job can sometimes be stressful due to seeing many patients, emergencies and other daily tasks. The ability to cope with stressful situations and calm patients is essential.

Requirements and Education

While most states have no requirements for becoming a medical assistant, most doctors and hospitals give preference to those who have completed a training course. Programs can be found at technical schools, community colleges and universities. Certification courses take around one year to complete while associate programs take two years.

In areas where the medical assistant would like to specialize, certification and education requirements may be different depending on state. Some states require graduating from an accredited program and passing an exam to become licensed.

The need to be certified is determined by the state. While it is not always required that a medical assistant be certified, most employers will give preference to those who have completed certification. To become certified as a medical assistant, you must be 18 years of age and have at least a high school diploma.

The following certification exams are available through the Institute for Credentialing Excellence: Certified Medical Assistant, Registered Medical Assistant, National Certified Medical Assistant and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant.

The requirements for the Certified Medical Assistant differs from the other three. In order to take this exam, you must have graduated from a program that is accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. The other three have no such restrictions.

Salary and Career Outlook

According to http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm, the average starting salary for a medical assistant is $28,860 per year. Job growth is estimated at 31 percent through the year 2020. This is faster than average when compared to all other careers.

Occupational therapy is the art and science of assisting people overcome limitations, allowing them to perform the everyday tasks they need to live full lives. Clients usually include people who have been injured, have developed illnesses or disabilities. They may require anything from temporary assistance during recovery, to daily help for people living with chronic illness such as Cerebral Palsy or Arthritis.

Occupational therapy goes beyond office visits and therapeutic activities. In many circumstances, the therapist and/or the assistant visits the client’s home and workplace to determine any adjustments needed in order to make their daily work and home lives more manageable. They examine these areas of the client’s needs and create a treatment plan, including treatment goals, what actions need taking to meet them, and how to determine the goals are met. Recommendations for any equipment, plus education and support for family caregivers are part of this treatment plan.

What does an Occupational Therapy Technician Do?

While the occupational therapist takes the lead in the planning and implementation of patient plans, the therapy technician is an important part of the process, acting as a skilled assistant in performing crucial duties that help smooth the implementation of therapist’s plan, and help and observe the client’s progress. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are two general areas of occupational therapy technicians: therapy assistants and therapy aides.

Therapy assistants are directly involved with the treatment of patients, working with the occupational therapist to design the patient plan, help the client with exercises, and complete the evaluation of the patient plan as it progresses. Therapy aides, on the other hand, handle the administrative part of the occupational therapist’s job. They assist clients in understanding the billing and insurance process, maintain patient public and treatment areas, cover reception duties such as scheduling, and help clients to and from treatment.

How Do You Become an Occupational Therapy Technician?

In order to become an occupational therapist technician, one should focus on the biological and health sciences in high school. Volunteering in a health care situation such as a V.A. Hospital, nursing home, or recovery facility is always a plus in helping a prospective student get into the educational program of their choice. Even more ideal is to work in a physical or occupational therapist’s office.

To gain licensure as an occupational therapy assistant, a student must complete an Associate’s Degree or two-year professional degree program in a community college or technical school, including both classroom studies and fieldwork. Occupational therapy aides usually have at minimum a high school education and gain their training on the job.

Occupational therapy assistant licensure requires that the graduate receive their education from an accredited institution, take an exam after degree completion, and many states require continuing education throughout their career.

Job Prospects and Salary Information

In our current job market, it is always important to know the prospects for finding a position in your chosen field. Fortunately, the health care industry is one of few that continues to grow exponentially, and appears to have a continued upward trajectory in the future as the population ages. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “employment of occupational therapy assistants is expected to increase 43 percent…[and] employment of occupational therapy aides … 33 percent, [both] much faster than the average for all occupations.” Assistants will be in higher general demand than occupational therapists themselves as a cost-saving measure, as one occupational therapist may oversee several assistants and cover the same or larger patient load.

The average salary for an experienced occupational therapy assistant in 2010 was approximately $51,000. For aides, the median was about $27,000.

In the healthcare industry, occupational therapy is set to grow at a huge rate in comparison with other fields, and occupational therapy technicians are a large part of that increase. Not only is it a growth industry with terrific earning potential, but those in the profession often report high job satisfaction. There is little that can be as rewarding as helping to improve the quality of a person’s life.

What do Diesel Mechanics Do?

Diesel mechanics are very familiar with the inner workings of cars, trucks, and buses with diesel engines. They are responsible for test driving vehicles to check for difficulties or malfunctioning parts, diagnosing problems, basic maintenance such as oil changes, repairing damaged parts or systems, performing inspections, understanding results from computerized or manual diagnostic tests, and more. These mechanics know the vehicles inside and out to ensure efficiency and safety.

How do You Become a Diesel Mechanic?

In terms of official schooling, you usually do not need formal education beyond a high school diploma. With increasing frequency, however, employers prefer to hire candidates who have some continuing education in mechanics. Many local community colleges, and even some high school technical programs, offer courses in diesel mechanics that can be very valuable for gaining experience and help you stand out over other applicants. The National Institute For Automotive Service Excellence does certify mechanics who have demonstrated exceptional proficiency in their knowledge and capabilities in the field. This certification is not required, but definitely catches the eyes of employers. Since diesel mechanics often are required to test drive the vehicles they are working on, they may need to acquire a commercial driver’s license to certify their capability in driving large trucks and buses.

Most education for diesel mechanics, however, is hands on and on the job. Those just beginning may start with basic tasks such as cleaning or simple maintenance, and gradually receive greater responsibilities as they show proficiency. Even the continuing education classes often spend a number of hours working with actual machines. The value of experience cannot be underestimated in this field.

How much do Diesel Mechanics Make?

On the national average, diesel mechanics make $40,850 per year, although they may make $60,000 or more with experience and skill. The range in pay is due to a number of factors. Some diesel mechanics work for truck fleets, others for repair shops, and still others for local governments. Many workers also find their base salary padded through overtime payment, which is very common in the field, or commission payments.

What are Some Similar Occupations?

Those interested in working with their hands, but are not sure if becoming a diesel mechanic is the best path, should also investigate the variety of similar occupations available. Some people may be interested in becoming automotive service technicians or mechanics. Those in this field often make around $35,790 per year, or $17.21 per hour, and are also only required to have a high school diploma and receive extensive on the job training. Vocational programs offer helpful classes to prepare individuals for this field.

Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians also have related, interesting careers. These individuals perform maintenance, inspections, and repairs on airplanes and helicopters. Those entering this field usually receive their training and certification from a special Aviation Maintenance Technician School. In this field, mechanics and technicians can expect to make an average of $53,220 per year.

Another career that may be interesting to many is a small engine mechanic. Employers looking for these mechanics often prefer to hire candidates who have certifications or some type of continuing education in the field, although it is not currently required. Small engine mechanics can work on a variety of types of engines, from motorcycles to motorboats, though many specialize in a particular type of engine. On average, these mechanics can expect to make around $31,790 per year.

Those who enjoy working in hands on careers will find the various fields that mechanics can learn interesting. Diesel mechanics certainly have an exciting career working with all types of diesel engines and problem solving daily. With quality training and hard work, it can be a successful career for skill applicants. If you are interested in this field, or and other related field, you should speak to local mechanics in that area today to begin finding your way into this career.