Some people love to take things apart and put them together to see how they work. They enjoy fixing cars, trucks, and other vehicles. If that describes you, the job of transmission technician might be right for you.

Vehicles like cars and trucks have complicated systems that run on a machine called the transmission. Without a transmission, the engine would not work and the car would not start. Mechanics who repair transmissions have a very important task. When something goes wrong with the transmission, technicians have to find out what the problem is and try to fix it.

Learning to repair transmissions takes education and experience. Mechanics in this field should have good computer and math skills, and they might need to be able to communicate well with customers. Being able to raise vehicles on jacks or hoists is necessary to get access to the transmission.

Most transmission technicians, or mechanics, learn their work through a combination of experience and education. A high school diploma is normally a requirement, and some provinces also have certification for transmission mechanics. Taking classes at a trade school is a good idea, but most people in this career also go through an apprenticeship and get on-the-job training. Big cities have more opportunities for people in this field than small towns, but every place that has a garage for vehicle repairs could use the services of a transmission technician.

Wages for transmission technicians depend on the location of the job, but they generally range from about $39,500 to $74,400 per year, or about $19.50 to $$36.80 per hour. Working only as a transmission technician is an important but very specific job, and some people might find it hard to get enough work unless they are able to do other kinds of repairs. Still, some big cities have shops that specialize only in transmission repair.

If you decide to get into this field, you will need to develop your knowledge of vehicle repair but also work on other skills. Being able to take a transmission apart, fix the problem, and put it back together is essential. You also need to know generally how the other parts of a vehicle work so that you know how the transmission affects them. Being able to lift heavy equipment is helpful, and being able to work under a car without feeling claustrophobic and uncomfortable is essential. A certain amount of physical strength is good, although people can get help from coworkers or use machines to do some of the heavy lifting.

One requirement for all mechanics, including transmission technicians is the ability to deal with dirt and grease. Mechanics in this field might spend some time every day in an office, making appointments or writing up bills, but most of the work is with the vehicles. Because cars and trucks use oil to keep the different parts moving, working with them for even a short time can get the hands and even the face very dirty. Also, the temperatures in the garages where technicians work might not be very comfortable.

Working as a transmission technician or mechanic is not always an easy or comfortable job, but it can be good for people who love problem-solving and working with their hands. If you like the idea, why not explore that possibility?

Bibliography:

Career Planner. “Transmission Mechanic.” https://dot-job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/TRANSMISSION-MECHANIC.cfm.

Ontario College of Trades. “Transmission Technician.” http://www.collegeoftrades.ca/wp-content/uploads/TFS_Transmission_Technician_Oct2015.pdf

Payscale.com. “Transmission Mechanic: Hourly Rate.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Transmission_Mechanic/Hourly_Rate

Study.com. “Transmission Repair Technician Job Information.” https://study.com/articles/Transmission_Repair_Technician_Job_Description_and_Information_for_Those_Interested_in_Repairing_Transmissions.html.