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)

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

certificate after high school or
high school diploma/GED
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training
Find Certifications
Find Licenses
Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Average
New job opportunities are likely in the future.

Salary:

$47,770
$30,600
$77,630
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about automotive service technicians and mechanics.