ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Hot Rod Mechanic Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Red Barn Roadster Shop

Be Seen First

Hot Rod Mechanic - Custom Car Builder - Auto Technician

Exeter, NH · On-site

$35 - $50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

We are seeking a Hot Rod Mechanic - Custom Car Builder - Auto Technician specializing in the full, long-term restoration of modified classic cars and trucks. This role requires a skilled craftsman ...

RHHR ENTERPRISES INC

Be Seen First

Hot Rod Technician

Lake Elsinore, CA · On-site

$52K - $100K/yr

Mechanics /Fabrication /Electrical 1. Carbureted and Fuel Injection engine systems and upgrades as ... Hot Rods, Muscle and Performance cars with a minimum of 3 years' experience. Must have own tools.

BMI Inc.

Hot Rod Builder/Mechanic

Littleton, NC · On-site

$60K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

Now Hiring: Master Automotive Restoration & Classic Car Technician. (MUST HAVE 10+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE TO APPLY). Buddy Isles Tire and Automotive/Collision is searching for a highly skilled, detail ...

BMI Inc.

Hot Rod Builder/Mechanic

Littleton, NC · On-site

$50K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

Now Hiring: Master Automotive Restoration & Classic Car Technician. (MUST HAVE 10+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE TO APPLY) Buddy Isles Tire and Automotive/Collision is searching for a highly skilled, detail ...

VESCIOS CUSTOMIZING AND RESTORATION

Be Seen First

Auto Body Technician - Classic Car Restoration

Rogers, MN · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Established, high-end Hot Rod Shop is looking for a motivated, detail-oriented Hot Rod Builder/Body ... General mechanical aptitude and problem-solving * Assistance with various shop projects as needed ...

VESCIOS CUSTOMIZING AND RESTORATION

Be Seen First

Auto Body Technician - Classic Car Restoration

Rogers, MN · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Established, high-end Hot Rod Shop is looking for a motivated, detail-oriented Hot Rod Builder/Body ... General mechanical aptitude and problem-solving * Assistance with various shop projects as needed ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHot Rod Mechanic Jobs

Hot Rod Mechanic information

See salary details

$12

$25

$37

How much do hot rod mechanic jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for hot rod mechanic in the United States is $25.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges hot rod mechanics face when customizing classic cars?

Hot Rod Mechanics often encounter challenges such as sourcing rare parts for vintage vehicles, integrating modern technology into older models without compromising their classic appeal, and ensuring all modifications comply with safety and regulatory standards. Working on custom projects also requires strong problem-solving skills, as unexpected issues can arise during fabrication or assembly. Collaboration with bodywork specialists, painters, and customers is essential to achieve the desired outcome and maintain high-quality craftsmanship.

What is a hot rod mechanic?

Hot rod mechanics are specialized automotive technicians who build, modify, and repair high-performance vehicles known as hot rods. These classic or custom cars are often enhanced for increased speed, power, and distinctive style. Hot rod mechanics handle tasks such as engine upgrades, custom fabrication, suspension tuning, and bodywork. They combine mechanical expertise with creativity to deliver unique, high-performance automobiles tailored to client specifications.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a hot rod mechanic?

To thrive as a Hot Rod Mechanic, you need strong mechanical aptitude, automotive repair expertise, and a deep understanding of custom car builds, typically gained through vocational training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with specialized tools such as welders, fabrication equipment, and diagnostic systems is crucial for modifying and upgrading performance vehicles. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving skills set standout mechanics apart in this niche field. These skills ensure the safe, high-performance, and visually impressive completion of custom hot rod projects.

What is the difference between Hot Rod Mechanic vs Car Mechanic?

AspectHot Rod MechanicCar Mechanic
CertificationsASE certifications, specialty in custom and performance workASE certifications, general automotive repair
Work EnvironmentCustom shops, performance garages, racing eventsDealerships, repair shops, service centers
Industry UsagePerformance, custom car building, racingGeneral automotive maintenance and repair

Hot Rod Mechanics specialize in custom, performance, and vintage vehicle modifications, often working in specialized shops or racing environments. Car Mechanics perform routine maintenance and repairs on everyday vehicles in general repair shops or dealerships. While both roles require automotive skills and certifications, Hot Rod Mechanics focus on high-performance and custom work, whereas Car Mechanics handle standard vehicle repairs.

More about Hot Rod Mechanic jobs

What cities are hiring for Hot Rod Mechanic jobs?

Cities with the most Hot Rod Mechanic job openings:

What states have the most Hot Rod Mechanic jobs?

States with the most job openings for Hot Rod Mechanic jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Hot Rod Mechanic jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Hot Rod Mechanic jobs are:

Hot Rod Mechanic jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hot Rod Mechanic job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,283 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Hot Rod Mechanic - Custom Car Builder - Auto Technician

Red Barn Roadster Shop

Exeter, NH • On-site

$35 - $50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Be Seen First

After you apply to this job, you can share why you’re interested to jump to the top of the candidate list.

Job description

About Us:

At Red Barn Roadster Shop, we build for clients who expect perfection. Our vehicles are crafted for collectors and enthusiasts who can quickly spot the difference between good, great and truly exceptional. Our process delivers high performance, modernized, configurable, reliable restored classics with the highest levels of fit, finish and materials. We earn our reputation through uncompromising standards at every step of the RBRS ownership experience. We seek individuals who demonstrate this in their daily execution of world class car building.

Our team members strive for perfection, carry a sense of urgency, exemplify professionalism, maintain accountability and represent the core values of Red Barn Roadster Shop.

Job description:

We are seeking a Hot Rod Mechanic – Custom Car Builder – Auto Technician specializing in the full, long-term restoration of modified classic cars and trucks. This role requires a skilled craftsman with a strong work ethic and a commitment to quality workmanship This is achieved in a time-sensitive, transparent and collaborative environment. Our recently renovated facility is clean, modern, safe, and air-conditioned, featuring many new pieces of equipment suitable for high-end work.
Responsibilities:

  • Our ideal candidate is a passionate automotive enthusiast, with professional or personal obsession in car building, restoration or racing.
  • Familiar with custom car building including wiring, plumbing, drivetrain, brakes, suspension, cooling systems, HVAC, welding, exhaust fabrication, abrasive blasting, etc.
  • Willing to train and focus on a specialty area, such as sheet metal fabrication
  • Basic MIG and TIG welding process skills in mild steel, stainless steel and aluminum are a plus
  • Is familiar with metal finishing and blending
  • Paint & body experience is a plus
  • Strong understanding of safety standards and environmental regulations related to refinishing operations
  • Consistently utilizes appropriate PPE
  • Collaborate effectively within a small, focused restoration team
  • Maintain high standards of quality workmanship and communicate clearly throughout projects
  • Comfortable with clients viewing in-process work in person or digitally
  • Comfortable with visible accountability for labor time reporting and billable time ratios
  • Carries a "best-in-show" mentality
  • Maintains a meticulously organized and clean work environment suitable to be shown on regular facility tours

Required Qualifications:

  • 5+ years of experience in automotive/car building
  • Carries a passion for automotive custom car world
  • Demonstrated history in high-end premium-grade restoration projects
  • Able to share work examples and projects completed
  • Team player willing to perform other duties as needed
  • Strong character, ability to take ownership and be accountable
  • Able to hear feedback and be coachable
  • Provides professional feedback to the business and others
  • Possess a continuous improvement mindset
  • Able to support a Tuesday - Friday 4-10s work schedule with flexibility for overtime, provided adequate notice is given.