Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

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Career Profile

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

What they do

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

Also Called: Automotive Drivability Technician (Auto Drivability Tech), Automotive Mechanic (Auto Mechanic), Automotive Service Technician (Auto Service Tech), Automotive Technician (Auto Tech), Diagnostic Technician (Diagnostic Tech), Heavy Line Technician (Heavy Line Tech), Lube Tech (Lubrication Technician), Mechanic, Quick Service Technician (Quick Service Tech), Service Technician (Service Tech), Automotive Drivability Technician (Auto Drivability Tech), Automotive Mechanic (Auto Mechanic), Automotive Service Technician (Auto Service Tech), Automotive Technician (Auto Tech), Diagnostic Technician (Diagnostic Tech), Heavy Line Technician (Heavy Line Tech), Lube Tech (Lubrication Technician), Mechanic, Quick Service Technician (Quick Service Tech), Service Technician (Service Tech)

Job Data & Employment

*National data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$34,660
Starting Salary (2025)
$50,620
Median Salary (2025)
4.2%
Projected Job Growth
704,640
Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
Maintain cleanliness of work area.
Repair and service air conditioning, heating, engine cooling, and electrical systems.
Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
Perform routine and scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail
Dependability
Integrity
Analytical Thinking
Independence
Persistence

What key skills are needed for this job?

Repairing
Troubleshooting
Critical Thinking
Operations Monitoring
Equipment Maintenance
Active Listening

Expected Knowledge

Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Common Activities

Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 3

Medium Preparation Needed

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Post-secondary certificate 50%
  • High school diploma 43%
  • Some college 6%
  • Associate's degree 1%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.