The Occupational Outlook Handbook, produced by the US Department of Labor, projects that the need for qualified automotive mechanics will increase 10-20% for the period between 1998 and 2008.

The publication also states:

"Opportunities are expected to be very good for persons who complete formal automotive training programs. Automotive mechanics and service technicians must be well versed in electronics and mathmatics to work on increasingly sophisticated car components and systems."

"Automotive Technology is rapidly increasing in sophistication, and most training authorities strongly recommend that persons seeking automotive mechanic and service technician jobs complete a formal training program after graduating from high school."

The November 2000 edition of the Occupational Forecast, produced by the Alaska Department of Labor, projects a 31% increase in new positions in Alaska during the same time frame. Additionally, this publication shows earnings for trained automotive mechanics as a "best bet" and lists potential earnings in the 7 5th percentile.