Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

At a Glance

Median Salary
$39,927

Local Jobs
1,594

Entry-Level Education
High School

Occupation Profile

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

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 occupation

Local Jobs

1,594

Jobs are any position in which a worker provides labor in exchange for monetary compensation (note: one individual may hold multiple jobs)

Entry-Level Education

High School

This is the most common education level requested in entry-level job listings.

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

What skills are necessary for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?

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.

Education Programs

Del Mar College