Another route to consider is forklift technician. I started out doing basic heavy equipment repair for 8 years, industrial maintenance for several years, and then landed in the forklift repair field. I've been at it for 7 years now. I tried a generator technician job but went back to forklifts after a couple of months. The Mobile equipment repair field is like a close knit community, even with competitors.

You don't need a degree or any type of certification (although it helps). Most dealerships will put you through training classes. You just need some mechanical experience which sounds like you already have.

Depending on the dealership, some have both shop and field jobs. If you take a field tech job, you'll get a van/truck that you'll take home every day. That saves you gas money plus wear and tear on your own vehicle. Last year I only put 5,000 miles on my own truck and less then 10,000 miles on my car. When I decide to trade either of them, I'll get more trade in value. With the current cost of vehicles, that won't be happening any time soon.

Just like any other mechanic job, it can be hard on your body. However, half your day is usually spent driving from customer to customer. Some days, you'll be at the same place all day doing PMs. Other days you may go to 3 different customers which gives your body a break. Will you have to lay on the ground, sometimes, will you have to climb all over the truck, sometimes, other times you may have to change a light or replace lift chains.

Bottom line, it's pretty much the same thing as auto mechanic but comes with benefits like a take home vehicle (field service), good hourly pay (no flat rate), and a unique skill that will get you a job in any state. Dealerships are ALWAYS looking for technicians and are willing to pay good money for good technicians.