Starting your freelance mechanic business can be overwhelming. It involves several logistics, such as handling finances, managing a client pool, and supplying equipment.
That said, the role can be more rewarding than a standard 9 to 5. You’ll have more control over your working hours and appointment schedules. Plus, the earning potential can be higher than a full-time role.
Now, becoming a freelance mechanic does come with its challenges, such as client retention, managing equipment supply, and using successful marketing channels.
Despite that, the role reaps high benefits that make it all worth it, from spending more time with your family to being your boss.
- What Is a Freelance Mechanic?
- What Does a Freelance Mechanic Do?
- Top Freelance Mechanic Jobs and Careers
- What It’s Like to Be a Freelance Mechanic
- Do Freelance Mechanics Make Good Money?
- Requirements, Skills, and Education Required for Freelance Mechanics
- How to Become a Freelance Mechanic
- Similar Careers to Check Out
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Wrapping Up
What Is a Freelance Mechanic?
A freelance mechanic works independently of any repair shop. They own, supply, and market their business.
Working as a freelancer will make you autonomous over your client intake and working hours.
You can work from home or take your equipment to a client’s garage. The prior may be more convenient for some. If you take on several clients, your space can become overcrowded with cars and machinery.
Working as a freelance mobile mechanic will allow you to travel with your equipment and repair a client’s car in their garage. It may tally up in transportation costs.
Some vehicles may require specialized machinery unavailable at the customer’s home, requiring you to move more.
What Does a Freelance Mechanic Do?
A freelance mechanic gig doesn’t stray too far from the standard job. You’re responsible for automobile care and maintenance.
You can offer oil changes, tire rotations, replacements, and rideshare vehicle inspections.
The additional task involves marketing yourself to clients through networking and mechanic platforms.
You’ll also need to manage financial and administrative aspects of your business, such as auditing and bookkeeping.
What Does a Freelance Mechanic Usually Focus On?
As a freelance mechanic, focus on increasing your market presence and improving your service’s quality.
You’ll also want to ensure customer satisfaction. That way, you can build a better referral portfolio.
The job requires you to focus on managing your tasks and client schedules. You’ll also want to keep your mechanic knowledge on trend with upcoming tech or auto developments.
Freelance Mechanic Job Description
Freelance mechanics carry various responsibilities, including
- Repairing client vehicles following car specifications
- Communicate with customers to understand their vehicle issues
- Conducting diagnostic tests and car inspections to decipher repair problems
- Tracking inventory and making necessary purchases
- Marketing mechanic service via relevant platforms
- Maintaining logs of customer requests and spare parts requirements
- Overseeing payment procedures and invoices
Top Freelance Mechanic Jobs and Careers
Mechanics have multiple types of freelance gigs and specializations. Some of them include:
- Mobile Mechanic: Mobile mechanics go wherever the repair or maintenance work is needed. They need to take all the necessary tools and machines with them.
- Auto Body Mechanic: Auto Body mechanics supply their clients with spare part replacements, such as headlights and panels. Apart from structural enhancements, they also perform paint jobs, scratch fixes, and dent repairs.
- Tire Mechanic: These mechanics specialize in tire repair and maintenance. They can identify tire abnormalities and provide replacements following the manufacturer’s specifications.
Where Can a Freelance Mechanic Work?
Freelance mechanics can take their work to clients. Another option includes working from home.
Your customers can leave their vehicles in your garage. Keep in mind that the latter may take up too much space.
Besides that, you can check out YourMechanic or TaskRabbit to connect with potential clients. They’ll allow you to expand your reach, establish a repertoire, and build referrals.
What It’s Like to Be a Freelance Mechanic
Becoming a freelance mechanic is a viable option if you’re looking for a hobby that can turn into a gig.
You’ll enjoy working at your pace and preferred hours and increase your earning potential.
That said, every job, even freelance ones, has ups and downs.
Is Being a Freelance Mechanic Hard?
A freelance mechanic is a physically demanding role. You’ll need to stay on your feet for most of your working hours or in uncomfortable positions as you repair hard-to-reach areas.
According to studies, auto repair jobs commonly result in superficial wounds and injuries.
Another critical point that can hinder your possibility of becoming a freelance mechanic is equipment cost.
Unless you have a partnership with an auto parts company that can offer discounted rates, you’ll bear a hefty financial burden on your business costs.
Is a Freelance Mechanic’s Job Stressful?
Freelance mechanics don’t rely on other employees to manage their finances, marketing, supply, and logistics. In most cases, it’s all on you, which can take a mental and physical toll on you.
The stress may also come from the uncertainty of getting gigs and standing out among competitors.
Common Freelance Mechanic Work Day
One of the most liberating benefits of becoming a freelance mechanic is your autonomy over working hours.
In turn, you can choose whether to designate your appointments on weekends and nights or weekdays and mornings, depending on your lifestyle.
Every workday will likely be different. Some days could have more client visits than others.
You’ll want to focus more on your marketing efforts on other days. You may also want to organize days for administrative and financial duties.
Freelance Mechanic Tasks & Duties
Freelance mechanics’ duties and tasks involve repairing, inspecting, and performing maintenance checks on clients’ vehicles.
Your duties also involve promoting your work on social media or creating a website to boost credibility.
Keeping track of your financial transactions and client records and filing tax claims for your tools are also crucial tasks for freelance mechanics.
Freelance Mechanic Work Hours & Schedule
Your working hours and schedule depend on the number of clients you accumulate. Subsequently, the more gigs you land, the more hours you’ll work.
You can independently organize other work task schedules, whether it’s media posts or updating your business profiles.
Does This Career Field Embrace Work/Life Balance?
According to a survey, full-time freelancers have more time for non-work related activities, such as social gatherings and family time.
Over 88.6% of freelancers had general downtime compared to 83% of full-time employees.
Freelance mechanics can effectively price their service and organize their appointment frequency to acquire a work-life balance and stability.
Do Freelance Mechanics Make Good Money?
Your earnings depend on your gig frequency and expertise. For instance, professionals using YourMechanic can earn up to $40 to $50 per hour, which is relatively higher than an average mechanic’s income.
How Much Do Freelance Mechanics Make?
Statistics from ZipRecruiter find that freelance mechanics receive around $25 per hour. The amount is similar to a full-time mechanic’s salary.
Yearly that’s approximately $52,000. In comparison, an average mechanic’s salary is about $48,000.
Aside from that, you’ll have to consider the additional costs of owning your freelance business, like local taxes and equipment maintenance.
How Do Freelance Mechanics Get Paid?
Freelance mechanics usually get paid on an hourly basis. In some cases, you can ask to get paid on a project basis instead.
In terms of accepting payments, you can opt for checks, PayPal, or Cash App. Ensure that you provide invoices to monitor pending orders.
Requirements, Skills, and Education Required for Freelance Mechanics
Becoming a freelance mechanic involves more than acquiring auto repair and maintenance knowledge. You need to understand how to manage your business and wear multiple hats.
Who Should Consider a Freelance Mechanic Career Path?
A freelance mechanic job is perfect if you’re dedicated to vehicle repair. Being business savvy is another essential.
That said, you’ll want to have mechanic experience before embarking on a freelance journey. That way, you’ll have more extensive knowledge of the field and market. Some business expertise will also propel your freelance role forward.
Who Should NOT Consider a Freelance Mechanic Career Path?
If you’re not keen on starting a business, advertising yourself, and tracking your finances, freelancing might not be for you.
You’ll also want to reconsider the role if you need job stability, team support, and employee benefits.
Is It Hard to Become a Freelance Mechanic?
Becoming a freelance mechanic can be challenging, particularly for those lacking expertise. The good news is that some platforms like TaskRabbit can ease the process by giving you more coverage.
Aside from that, you’ll need to advertise your business well enough to garner a consistent flow of customer requests.
What Do I Need to Become a Freelance Mechanic?
You’ll need a stable connection, a working phone or laptop, and a reliable mode of transport.
Plus, you’ll need to purchase the necessary equipment, like auto tool kits, lifts, hoists, and electronic diagnostic tools.
As a freelancer, you’ll want to register your business and attain a business license. The requirement depends on your location and local regulations.
Requirements for Becoming a Freelance Mechanic
Besides the item requirements of being a freelance mechanic, you should consider your skills, education, and experience level.
What Skills Does a Freelance Mechanic Need?
Freelance mechanics need to have the following skills:
- Communication
- Detail-Oriented
- Problem-Solving
- Adaptability
- Time Management
- Organization
- Auto Machinery Knowledge
- Computer System Understanding
What Education Does a Freelance Mechanic Need?
Freelance mechanics are better off obtaining relevant certifications or receiving an associate degree in automotive repair.
You can earn these achievements in community colleges or technical schools.
Certification-wise, we suggest the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) option. You can get certified in various auto repair niches, from engine repair and brakes to suspension and steering.
Aside from the industry-standard awards, you can opt for a more specialized car manufacturer’s certification to earn credibility points.
What Experience Does a Freelance Mechanic Need?
Experience in the mechanic field is crucial for freelancers. Otherwise, you won’t have industry knowledge, and operations will become more challenging.
After earning a certification or degree, you can apply for an internship or apprenticeship to gain entry-level practical experience. These roles are usually available in a general garage or car dealership.
The longer the program, the more time you’ll have to perfect every mechanic skill required.
How to Become a Freelance Mechanic
After understanding the average income, day-to-day, and requirements of becoming a freelance mechanic, it’s time to start your independent work life.
Step 1: Prepare Your Legal Documents
The first step in any freelance business is to handle the legalities of the job. In turn, you’ll need to head to the IRS and register your organization and obtain licensure.
Before going there, you need to identify your business model. Are you a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC), sole proprietorship, or freelancer?
Each option can impact your tax write-offs or tax-deductible business expenses. You can choose the LLC route if you have other co-freelancers. If you’re working alone, a sole proprietorship will help keep your assets safe.
Skipping this step can cost you customers due to a lack of reliability. That said, every state and county operates with different requirements for getting a license. We suggest inquiring with your local municipality.
On top of a business license, you’ll likely need another permit to sell auto parts, perform auto body work, or conduct inspections.
An insurance plan is also essential because you’re operating on client vehicles. Consequently, you can ask for professional liability.
Step 2: Build Your Business Plan
After registering your business, permits, and insurance plan, it’s time to create a business plan. It’ll include all your business operations, marketing strategy, and financial projections.
For instance, you’ll need to include the services offered, especially if you’re targeting a niche audience. Your specialties should be written, whether marine equipment repair or aircraft maintenance.
The plan should also outline the overall business expenses, pricing, payment process, unique selling points, and competitive analysis. You’ll also want to include your budget and expected profit.
When deciding on a pricing scheme, research the market and compare prices of local shops rather than high-level industry services.
Step 3: Prepare Your Equipment
Once your plan is complete, preparations are underway. Your business plan should include a list of the equipment you’ll need in the costs section.
Fortunately, you can rent tools if you want to avoid an initial pricey cost. Ensure that you have the basic tool kit.
You may also want to rely on a supplier when it comes to sourcing auto spare parts for replacements.
Step 4: Advertise Your Business
Now that you’re in business, you’ll need to get the word out. You can advertise through social media platforms. They’ll allow you to use various tools for engagement, analytics, and marketing.
Choosing the right platform also matters, depending on your target audience. For instance, if you’re targeting 25 to 34-year-old demographics, Facebook is a suitable option.
Subsequently, you can use Reels and Stories to connect with potential clients. Joining community groups is also an exceptional way to have a wider reach.
You can build your professional brand by creating a website and linking it to your social media accounts. Keep your communication open and respond to incoming inquiries through private messages and comments.
Step 5: Find Gigs
You’ll have a promising chance of finding gigs at specialized websites like TaskRabbit and YourMechanic.
In the prior, you can register as a “tasker.” Afterward, you can build your profile by listing enticing skills and certifications. Your clients will likely look for reviews.
YourMechanic offers similar services, but it’s more focused on auto repair. The best part about these sites is that most of your communication and payment procedure is done on them.
Similar Careers to Check Out
Apart from being a freelance mechanic, you can explore other independent options, such as:
- Freelance Photographer: As a freelance photographer, your job involves taking professional images for clients. It can be more special events like weddings.
- Scooter Charger: A scooter charger is someone that collects electric scooters, charges them, and returns them to their designated space.
- Freelance Chef: A freelance chef can work as a personal cook or get hired by customers for special events like social gatherings on yachts or vacation homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Highest Paid Automotive Mechanic Position?
One of the highest-paid automotive mechanic positions is the mechanical project manager role. They’re in charge of a mechanic team and work on a project-by-project basis to assist with a client’s request.
Is it Stressful to Be a Freelance Mechanic?
Being a freelance mechanic can cause stress due to the high number of responsibilities and job instability.
Wrapping Up
Becoming a freelance mechanic is like starting a business. It involves registering the legal paperwork, preparing a business plan, finding equipment, marketing yourself, and finding jobs.
Aside from that, the role involves assisting clients with general auto repair or a specialized service like tire maintenance.
In addition to the mechanic duties, you also have to consider the freelance responsibilities of advertising your service and engaging with clients to build trustworthiness.
Overall, it’s a job for someone with a business mindset and mechanic know-how.
