The following information is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics. Please visit the website for a more comprehensive breakdown of the data.
LINKS TO AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORY PAGES
WHAT AUTOMOTIVE MECHANICS DO
Automotive service technicians and mechanics, often called service technicians or service techs, inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.
Job Duties
PAY
National Average Annual Pay (2019): $44,890
Top 5 States
1. Alaska
$53,110
2. New Jersey
$50,960
3. Connecticut
$50,860
4. California
$50,230
5. Virginia
$50,220
Bottom 5 States
50. West Virginia
$34,290
49. Kentucky
$38,360
48. Mississippi
$38,600
47. Arkansas
$38,970
46. Maine
$39,990
STEPS TO BECOME AN AUTOMOTIVE MECHANIC
Automotive mechanics can learn the necessary skills either from enrolling in an auto mechanics trade program or learning on the job. Employers may prefer to hire service technicians that attended an auto mechanics program because they generally require little on-the-job training.
Graduates of auto mechanics programs may also earn their associate’s degree if the program is affiliated with a community college.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all technicians who buy or work with refrigerants to be certified in proper refrigerant handling. There is an exam to gain the certification.
Most employers require their service technicians to become certified and that can be done through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE certification is available in 9 different automobile specialties and they are:
- Automatic Transmission/ Transaxle
- Brakes
- Light Vehicle Diesel Engines
- Electrical/ Electronic Systems
- Engine Performance
- Engine Repair
- Heating and Air-Conditioning
- Manual Drive Train and Axles
- Suspension and Steering
To become certified, technicians must have at least 2 years of experience (or relevant schooling and 1 year of experience) and pass an exam. Technicians who achieve certification in all areas may earn ASE Master Technician Status.
Option 1: Technical School
Enroll in an auto mechanics program at a local trade school or community college. Programs usually last around 2 years.
Option 2: Learn On The Job
Start as a trainee technician, technician’s helper, or lubrication worker. Get trained and experience by working alongside experienced mechanics and technicians.
Become a Service Technician
Service technicians that attended an auto mechanics program generally require little on-the-job training.
Get Certified
Getting certified from the ASE is a standard credential. Most employers require their service technicians to become certified.
Once getting certified in all 9 automobile specialties, you may earn ASE Master Technician status.
QUALITIES OF AUTOMOTIVE MECHANICS
Detail Oriented
Service technicians must be aware of small details when inspecting or repairing vehicle systems, because mechanical and electronic malfunctions are often due to misalignments or other easy-to-miss causes.
Customer-Service Skills
Service technicians discuss automotive problems—along with options to fix them—with their customers. Because workers may depend on repeat clients for business, they must be courteous, good listeners, and ready to answer customers’ questions.
Troubleshooting Skills
Service technicians use diagnostic equipment on engine systems and components in order to identify and fix problems in increasingly complicated mechanical and electronic systems. They must be familiar with electronic control systems and the appropriate tools needed to fix and maintain them.
Mechanical Skills
Service technicians must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other. They often must take apart major parts for repairs and be able to put them back together properly.
Organizational Skills
Service technicians must keep workspaces clean and organized in order to maintain safety and ensure accountability of parts.
Physical Strength
Service technicians must sometimes lift and maneuver heavy parts such as engines and body panels.
Dexterity
Service technicians perform many tasks that require steady hands and good hand–eye coordination, such as assembling or attaching components and subassemblies.