Transportation

Automotive Service Technician

Are you a gearhead? Love all things cars? Learn how to fix them and make money off your passion!

Diagnose, repair, and maintain automobiles including engines, brakes, transmissions, and electronic systems using diagnostic tools.

Salary Range

$32,000 – $75,000

per year (10th–90th percentile)

Median Salary

$44,050

per year

Growth Outlook

Average Growth(+2%)

2024–2034 projected

Work and problem solve independently, Learn a skill that will allow you to move anywhere and still have a job, Put your passion for cars to work!

Browse Automotive Mechanics Jobs

Tasks & Responsibilities

Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices.
Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
Estimate costs of vehicle repair.
Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
Troubleshoot fuel, ignition, and emissions control systems, using electronic testing equipment.
Confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.
Align vehicles' front ends.
Test electronic computer components in automobiles to ensure proper operation.

Tools of the Trade

Specialty wrenchesPullersOrganic light emitting displaysHammersVoltage or current metersPressure indicatorsPunches or nail sets or driftsPneumatic vacuum equipmentBrake repair kitsLeak testing equipmentPipe or tube cutterTrim or molding toolsAutomotive exhaust emission analyzersPneumatic impact wrenchesWheel alignment equipmentCircuit testerEngine or vehicle standsAutomotive honing machinePneumatic sanding machinesMulti gas monitorsRetaining ring pliersDial indicator or dial gaugeMultimetersScrewdriversWheel balancing equipmentDrill press or radial drillSpeed sensorsHeat tracing equipmentCompressed air gunVacuum pumpsCompression testersPower buffersLiquid leak detectorsSocket setsPower drillsPneumatic hammerIntegrated circuit testersBrake drum lathePneumatic drillPressure or steam cleanersLocking pliersGas welding or brazing or cutting apparatusDigital testersPower sawsBattery testersRemote reading thermometersStripping toolsHex keysC clampsSpark plug wrenchMill saw fileSteering wheel pullerHydraulic press brakePipe bending toolsBar code reader equipmentGrowler testerMotor starter controlsCalipersBench visesBattery acid hydrometersRivet toolsHydraulic press framesHoistsBlow torchLevelsCutting dieTachometersAcoustic ear muffs or defendersJacksWelding or soldering kitValve seat cutterCleaning scrapersHand clampsDolliesAnvilsSoldering ironHose cutterGas detectorsTracer or duplicating or contouring lathePlasma arc welding machineCapacitance metersBattery chargersSocketsPower grindersUltrasonic examination equipmentRaspsDiagonal cut pliersInspection mirrorSpark plug testerLongnose pliersTube bending machineBox end wrenchesTapsPortable data input terminalsPower riveterTire pressure gaugeDrill bit setLinemans pliersOpen end wrenchesBall peen hammerWire or cable cutterBorescope inspection equipmentTorx keysDeburring toolAdjustable widemouth pliersRefrigerant compressorsFeeler gaugesHand reamerHole gaugeMetal inert gas welding machinePaint sprayersOil gunClaw hammerEngine ignition systemsPower flaring toolAutomotive cleanersMagnetic toolsShielded metal arc welding or stick welding machineMetal band sawing machineScrew extractorsWheel nut or lug wrenchFlat hand fileAcoustic sensorsHacksawTwo way radiosWorkshop cranesDynamometersMicrometersAir compressorsAmmetersTape measuresCold chiselsGrease gunsWire cuttersRatchetsNibblersOhmmetersCatalytic combustion analyzersAwlsRazor knivesPry barsNut driversSafety glassesTongue and groove pliersBolt cuttersScribersUtility knivesForkliftsWelding masksTire changing machinesCombination wrenchesImpact wrenchesProtective glovesOxygen sensorsLaser printersPicksSafety shoesTorque wrenchesVacuum gaugesShearsDesktop computersAdjustable wrenchesWire brushesHeat gunsStrap wrenchesNeedlenose pliersPersonal computersWinchesPipe wrenchesPower sandersOscilloscopesCombination pliers

Knowledge Areas

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. 93/100

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. 65/100

Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. 59/100

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 56/100

Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. 55/100

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. 48/100

Administration and Management

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. 46/100

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. 44/100

Public Safety and Security

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions. 41/100

Design

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. 39/100