Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
At a glance
- Median Salary$39,927
- Local Jobs1,594

Occupation Profile
By the Numbers
Median annual earnings$39,927
Median Annual Earnings are the midpoint earned by 50 percent of workers who are the lowest paid and 50 percent of workers who are the highest paid in a particular occupationLocal Jobs1,594
Median Annual Earnings are the midpoint earned by 50 percent of workers who are the lowest paid and 50 percent of workers who are the highest paid in a particular occupationEntry-level educationHigh School
Median Annual Earnings are the midpoint earned by 50 percent of workers who are the lowest paid and 50 percent of workers who are the highest paid in a particular occupation
Daily Tasks
- 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.
- Align vehicles’ front ends.
- Align wheels, axles, frames, torsion bars, and steering mechanisms of automobiles, using special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines.
- Tear down, repair, and rebuild faulty assemblies, such as power systems, steering systems, and linkages.
- Perform routine and scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups.
- Follow checklists to ensure all important parts are examined, including belts, hoses, steering systems, spark plugs, brake and fuel systems, wheel bearings, and other potentially troublesome areas.
- Plan work procedures, using charts, technical manuals, and experience.
- Maintain cleanliness of work area.
- Change spark plugs, fuel filters, air filters, and batteries in hybrid electric vehicles.
- Repair and service air conditioning, heating, engine cooling, and electrical systems.
- Disassemble units and inspect parts for wear, using micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
- Test electronic computer components in automobiles to ensure proper operation.
- Overhaul or replace carburetors, blowers, generators, distributors, starters, and pumps.
- Repair or replace parts such as pistons, rods, gears, valves, and bearings.
- Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
- Troubleshoot fuel, ignition, and emissions control systems, using electronic testing equipment.
- Tune automobile engines to ensure proper and efficient functioning.
- Repair, replace, or adjust defective fuel injectors, carburetor parts, and gasoline filters.
- Install, adjust, or repair hydraulic or electromagnetic automatic lift mechanisms used to raise and lower automobile windows, seats, and tops.
Occupational Skills
Hard Skills
- Automotive Services
- Brakes
- Changing Oil
- Hand Tools
- Machinery
- Mechanics
- Oil And Gas
- Suspension (Vehicle)
- Transmission
- Vehicle Maintenance
Soft Skills
- Communications
- Customer Service
- Detail Oriented
- Good Driving Record
- Lifting Ability
- Management
- Operations
- Sales
- Troubleshooting (Problem Solving)
- Valid Driver's License
Hard skills are specific, learnable, measurable, often industry- or occupation-specific abilities related to a position.
Soft skills can be self-taught and usually do not necessitate a certain completed level of education. They are essential in many industries and occupations.
Educational Programs
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Type | Credential | Hrs | Online | Financial Aid |
Credit/CE | AAS, L1, L2 Cert | 60/28/48 | No | Yes |
Automotive Technology AAS
Type | Credential | Hrs | Online | Financial Aid |
CTE | AAS | 60 | No | Yes |
Automotive Technology L2
Type | Credential | Hrs | Online | Financial Aid |
CTE | L2 | 45 | No | Yes |
Automotive Technology L1
Type | Credential | Hrs | Online | Financial Aid |
CTE | L1 | 30 | No | Yes |
Learn more aboutAutomotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
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