Excellent work, Kevin.
I taught for eight years and would've loved to see students with some dedication and concern for their own academic and career well-beings. Seeing what a nightmare most modern cars are, that anyone can figure out how to do something beyond changing the air filter (sometimes a major challenge in and of itself,) astounds me.
As Lee pointed out, one thing to remember: although you have an earning potential of $x an hour, you may need to start a little lower to get your foot in the door. Once there, though, work hard, keep your training up and prove every day you know what you're doing and you'll make your projected potential, and possibly more.
More importantly, you'll earn the respect of your employer, co-workers and customers. That which is not intrinsic- your good name, is worth more than all the money in the world.
Charlie Larkin