My dad is a mechanic, albeit primarily diesel instead of aircraft.
He also, incidentally, is a high school dropout. He's been turning wrenches for a living for nearly 45 years.
He's made a damn good career and income over the years despite a lack of formal education. Its been physically hard work, out in the elements, often by himself on large construction equipment...but on multiple occasions he's been cold-called and offered work by companies that recognize his experience. The last decade or so, he's been in more of a supervisory role...still changes plenty of tires and air lines and fluids, but personally rebuilds a few less Caterpillar engines each year.
My favorite quote of his is one that applies to both mechanics and pilots (and especially Captains) - "I don't get paid for what I do, I get paid for what I know."
A good mechanic/maintainer/technician/whatever is worth their weight in gold...but just like pilots, they're not all 'good'.