Automotive Service Technicians & Mechanics

realistic interests repair test vehicles performance standards inspect system diagnosis review work orders equipment

Automotive Mechanic (Auto Mechanic), Automotive Technician (Auto Tech), Mechanic, Service Technician (Service Tech)

Where in the military? Select a military branch to see samples.
Aerospace Ground Equipment; Aerospace Ground Equipment Craftsman; Aerospace Ground Equipment Journeyman; Missile And Space Systems Maintenance Apprentice; Missile And Space Systems Maintenance Helper; Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance; Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Craftsman; Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Helper, Firefighting and Refueling Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance; Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance, Apprentice, Material Handling Equipment (MHE)/463L Maintenance; Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance, Journeyman, Material Handling Equipment (MHE)/463L Maintenance
Allied Trades Warrant Officer; Automotive Maintenance Warrant Officer; Cannon Crewmember; Combat Engineer; Construction Equipment Repairer; M1 Abrams Tank System Maintainer; Maintenance Supervisor; Self Propelled Artillery Systems Mechanic; Senior Maintenance Supervisor; Unit Supply Specialist
Machinery Technician; Marine Safety Specialist Engineer; Naval Engineering Specialty
Artillery Systems Technician; Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV)/Assault Combat Vehicle (ACV) Repairer/Technician; Basic Motor Transport Marine; Crash/Fire/Rescue Vehicle Technician; Engineer Equipment Mechanic; Fuel and Electrical Systems Mechanic; Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) Repairer/Technician; Motor Transport Maintenance Chief; Ordnance Vehicle Maintenance Chief; Ordnance Vehicle Maintenance Officer
Advanced Construction Mechanic; Afloat Support Equipment Technician; Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Officer, Support Equipment; Aviation Support Equipment Technician; Construction Mechanic; Conversion NEC CM Construction Mechanic Basic; Equipment Operator; LCAC Mechanical Systems Maintenance Technician; Support Equipment Tow Tractor Technician
Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance; Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Apprentice; Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Helper; Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Journeyman; Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance Journeyman, Firefighting and Refueling Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance
What they do:
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.
On the job, you would:
  • 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.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical
  • computers and electronics

Business

  • customer service

Skills

Basic Skills

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

People and Technology Systems

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
  • figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it

Abilities

Hand and Finger Use

  • hold or move items with your hands
  • put together small parts with your fingers

Ideas and Logic

  • use rules to solve problems
  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information

Attention

  • pay attention to something without being distracted
  • do two or more things at the same time

Visual Understanding

  • quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Independence
  • Persistence

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Electronic mail software

  • IBM Notes
  • Microsoft Outlook Hot Technology

Video creation and editing software

  • YouTube

Facilities management software

  • Alliance Automotive Shop Controller
  • Snap-On ShopKey

Education

Education: (rated 3 of 5)
certificate after high school or
high school diploma/GED
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training
Find Licenses
Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Average
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
Local Salary Info
Find Jobs
See more details at O*NET OnLine about automotive service technicians and mechanics.