There are a lot of benefits of pursuing a trade career. For starters, they are often less expensive and less time-consuming than obtaining a four-year college degree. They also offer higher salary potential, especially when compared to the time and money spent to get them. And, lastly, because trade schools are often in fields that are always in high demand, it is easier to find a stable, well paid position.
Looking at a projected average cost/reward analysis of different mechanic jobs in Utah can help you decide the highest paying positions. Because, when deciding on a mechanical trade it is important to be as informed as possible when making such a life changing decision.
Most people know what an auto mechanic is. They repair small passenger vehicles such as cars, trucks, and SUVs. They perform maintenance, diagnostic testing, and inspections as well. There are many different options for work, when you are an auto mechanic. This includes, but is not limited to:
The cost of education in Utah averages around $5000 depending where you choose to go. Like most trades, you simply need to have your GED and be over the age of 18 to be certified.
The average salary for an automotive mechanic is $39,143 in Utah. The salary typically ranges from $34,375 and $45,128 and can differ greatly depending on specific factors such as education, city of employment, certifications, and number of years experience in the profession.
HVAC Mechanics are responsible for repairing, installing, and maintaining heating and air conditioning systems, as well as ventilation systems. HVAC mechanics work just about everywhere, including schools, hospitals, office buildings, homes, and factories.
The average salary for HVAC Mechanics in Utah is $49,850 a year, which is only slightly less than the national average salary of $50,590. What is really great is that the average cost of HVAC education is approximately $2500, which is incredibly low when taking the average yearly earning potential.
One thing to keep in mind when considering attending a trade school for HVAC mechanics is the amount of time that may be spent in small spaces such as ventilation systems. The other thing to consider is that, due to the importance of heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, you may sometimes work unusual hours.
Diesel mechanics are very similar to automotive mechanics, in the sense that they work on motor vehicles. Rather than the standard motor vehicles, they work on diesel powered engines, this includes some passenger vehicles but not very many. They mostly work on semi-trucks, buses, etc. What is interesting is they also work on power and machine tools like grinding machines, welding equipment, pneumatic wrenches, and more. They are responsible for repairing, inspecting, and servicing diesel engines. There are other responsibilities of diesel mechanics, particularly ones that work on semi-trucks because of the DOT (Department of Transportation) regulations that govern transportation drivers.
As far as schooling goes, you can take the traditional route of attending a college and getting an associates degree in approximately 2 years and learn other things such as math, science, and business along the way. This way can cost between $10,000 to $20,000. To become certified through a trade school, it is between $1,000 to $5,000. Not only are you paying a fraction of the cost, but the learning curriculum is laser focused on teaching relevant information.
The average salary of a diesel mechanic in Utah is about $53,405 a year, depending on experience, city, and employer. This falls in line with the overall national average. You can maximize the earning potential by being certified in different aspects of diesel mechanics such as electrical, and computers as well as the basic mechanical certifications.
Fire Sprinkler Service Mechanics is a very specific job, they work on one type of system, unlike automotive mechanics that can work on a wide array of vehicles. Fire sprinkler systems are incredibly important everywhere, and vital for the safety of everyone. As a fire sprinkler mechanic your job duties would be to perform routine maintenance, do repairs, inspect fire suppression systems, and test the flow of the fire hydrants.
The trade school cost versus yearly salary is actually really good. School costs should not exceed $2,000 a year, and the yearly salary in Utah is $73,851. Which is 13% above the national average.
If you look at the overall cost of each career path in comparison to their yearly salary, it’s easy to see that there really is no wrong way to go. There are many things to consider when deciding on a career path to take, salary should be near the top of the list, for obvious reasons. However, it should not be the only deciding factor.
Trade school is not like a traditional college where you can try a couple things out and switch majors 8 times before you find yourself. That is the beauty of trade school, it is hyper focused on career specific training and education. That also means that you need to be sure of what you want before committing to it. Look at the things you enjoy doing, and your strengths and weaknesses. That will help you make the best decision that you can for your future. After you graduate, make finding a job easier by working with Xemplar Tradesman Recruiting.