Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

At a glance

  • Median Salary
    $39,927
  • Local Jobs
    1,594
  • Entry-Level Education
    High School
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

Occupation Profile

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

By the Numbers

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 a Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics career?

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

  • TypeCredentialHrsOnlineFinancial Aid
    Credit/CEAAS, L1, L2 Cert60/28/48NoYes
  • TypeCredentialHrsOnlineFinancial Aid
    CTEAAS60NoYes
  • TypeCredentialHrsOnlineFinancial Aid
    CTEL245NoYes
  • TypeCredentialHrsOnlineFinancial Aid
    CTEL130NoYes
  • Learn more aboutAutomotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

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    Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

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