Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Career Overview

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

Also Known As

• Automotive Mechanic (Auto Mechanic)
• Automotive Technician (Auto Tech)
• Mechanic
• Service Technician (Service Tech)

Alternate Job Titles

• A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician)
• AC Mechanic (Air Conditioning Mechanic)
• Alternative Fuel Vehicle Maintenance Technician (AFV Maintenance Tech)
• Alternative Fuel Vehicle Repair Technician (AFV Repair Tech)
• Ambulance Mechanic
• Antenna Installer
• Antenna Specialist
• ASE Master Mechanic (Automotive Service Excellence Master Mechanic)
• Audio Installer
• Auto A/C Installer (Automotive Air Conditioning Installer)
• Auto A/C Mechanic (Automotive Air Conditioning Mechanic)
• Auto Assistant (Automotive Assistant)
• Auto Bench Mechanic (Automotive Bench Mechanic)
• Auto Brake Mechanic (Automotive Brake Mechanic)
• Auto Clutch Rebuilder (Automotive Clutch Rebuilder)

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

• Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
• Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices.
• Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
• Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
• Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
• Estimate costs of vehicle repair.
• Confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.

Knowledge You'll Use

You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:

• Mechanical

Essential Skills

Success in this career requires strong skills in:

1. Repairing
2. Troubleshooting

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

• Deductive Reasoning
• Manual Dexterity
• Finger Dexterity
• Near Vision
• Problem Sensitivity
• Inductive Reasoning
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Control Precision
• Extent Flexibility
• Visualization

Work Style

People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:

• Attention to Detail
• Dependability
• Perseverance
• Integrity
• Cautiousness

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

• Support
• Independence
• Relationships
• Achievement
• Working Conditions

Education & Preparation

Typical Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)

Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years

On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year

Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Technology You'll Use

Popular Technologies & Software

• Apple Safari
• Microsoft Edge
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office software
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Windows
• Microsoft Word
• Mozilla Firefox
• SAP software

Tools & Equipment

• 2-channel lab scopes
• 3 pound sledge hammers
• 5 pound sledge hammers
• 5-gas emissions analyzers
• Adjustable wrenches
• Air chisels
• Air compressors
• Air conditioner chargers
• Air drills
• Air hammers
• Air sanders
• Air wrenches
• Alignment wrenches
• Allen wrenches
• Alternating current/direct current AC/DC inductive current clamps

Work Environment

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
• Exposed to Contaminants
• In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
• Frequency of Decision Making
• Spend Time Standing

Salary & Job Market

Salary Percentile	Annual Wage
Entry-Level (10th percentile)	$33,660
Median	$49,670
Top Earners (90th percentile)	$80,850

Workers Employed Nationally: 688,840

Related Careers

If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:

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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.