Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Summary

Automotive service technicians and mechanics repair cars and light trucks.

Quick Facts: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
2010 Median Pay	$35,790 per year $17.21 per hour
Entry-Level Education	High school diploma or equivalent
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	None
On-the-job Training	Long-term on-the-job training
Number of Jobs, 2010	723,400
Job Outlook, 2010-20	17% (About as fast as average)
Employment Change, 2010-20	124,800

What Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Do

Automotive service technicians and mechanics, often called service technicians or service techs, inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.

Work Environment

Most automotive service technicians and mechanics work in well-ventilated and well-lit repair shops. Although mechanical problems can often be fixed with computers, technicians perform many tasks with greasy parts and tools, while sometimes in uncomfortable positions.

How to Become an Automotive Service Technician or Mechanic

Some employers prefer automotive service technicians and mechanics who have completed a formal training program in a postsecondary institution. Industry certification is usually required once the person is employed.

Pay

The median annual wage of automotive service technicians and mechanics was $35,790 in May 2010.

Job Outlook

Employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to grow 17 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Job opportunities for qualified jobseekers should be very good.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of automotive service technicians and mechanics with similar occupations.

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Contacts for More Information

Learn more about automotive service technicians and mechanics by contacting these additional resources.

What Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Do About this section

An auto mechanic performs an oil change on a vehicle.

Automotive service technicians and mechanics, often called service technicians or service techs, inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.  

Duties

Automotive service technicians and mechanics typically do the following:

• Test parts and systems to ensure that they are working properly
• Identify mechanical problems, often by using computerized diagnostic equipment
• Follow checklists to ensure that all critical parts are examined
• Test and lubricate the vehicle’s engine and other major components
• Perform basic care and maintenance, including oil changes, tuneups, and tire rotations
• Repair or replace worn parts, such as brake pads and wheel bearings
• Disassemble and reassemble parts
• Use testing equipment to ensure that repairs and maintenance are effective
• Explain to clients their automotive problems and the repairs done on their vehicles

Service technicians work on traditional mechanical components, such as engines, transmissions, belts, and hoses. However, they must also be familiar with a growing number of electronic systems. Braking, transmission, and steering systems, for example, are controlled primarily by computers and electronic components.

Other integrated electronic systems, such as accident-avoidance sensors, are becoming common as well. In addition, a growing number of technicians are required to work on vehicles that run on alternative fuels, such as ethanol and electricity.

Service technicians use many different tools, including computerized diagnostic tools and power tools such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding torches, and jacks and hoists. These tools usually are owned by their employers.

Service technicians also use many common handtools, such as pliers, wrenches, and screwdrivers, which generally are their own. In fact, experienced workers often have thousands of dollars invested in their personal tool collection.

Service technicians sometimes specialize in a particular type of repair that may be subject to specific regulations or procedures. For instance, those focused on air-conditioning system repairs must follow federal and state regulations governing the handling, recycling, and disposal of refrigerants.

In some shops, technicians may specialize. The following are types of service technicians:

Automotive air-conditioning repairers install and repair air conditioners and service parts, such as compressors, condensers, and controls. They are trained in government regulations related to their work.

Brake repairers adjust brakes, replace brake linings and pads, and make other repairs on brake systems. Some technicians specialize in both brake and front-end work. 

Front-end mechanics align and balance wheels and repair steering mechanisms and suspension systems. They frequently use special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines.

Transmission technicians and rebuilders work on gear trains, couplings, hydraulic pumps, and other parts of transmissions. Extensive knowledge of computer controls, the ability to diagnose electrical and hydraulic problems, and other specialized skills are needed to work on these complex components.

Tune-up technicians adjust ignition timing and valves and adjust or replace spark plugs and other parts to ensure efficient engine performance. They often use electronic testing equipment to isolate and adjust malfunctions in fuel, ignition, and emissions control systems.

For information about technicians who work on large trucks and buses, see the profile on diesel service technicians and mechanics.

For information about technicians who work on farm equipment, construction vehicles, and rail cars, see the profile on heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians.

For information about technicians who repair and service motorcycles, motorboats, and small all-terrain vehicles, see the profile on small engine mechanics.

Work Environment About this section

Auto mechanics keep records of diagnostic tests and repairs.

Automotive service technician and mechanics held about 723,400 jobs in 2010. Most worked full time for private companies, and about 18 percent were self-employed.

Industries employing the most automotive service technicians and mechanics in 2010 were as follows:

Most service technicians work in well-ventilated and well-lit repair shops. Although many problems can be identified and fixed with computers, technicians frequently work with greasy parts and tools, sometimes in uncomfortable positions.

Work Schedules

Most service technicians work full time, and many work evenings or weekends. Overtime is common.

Injuries

Automotive service technicians and mechanics have a rate of injuries and illnesses that is higher than the national average. Service technicians must often lift heavy parts and tools. As a result, minor workplace injuries, such as small cuts and bruises, are common. However, the work is not generally dangerous if workers follow safety procedures and practices.

How to Become an Automotive Service Technician or Mechanic About this section

Auto mechanics use specialized tools and equipment to make repairs.

Because automotive technology is becoming increasingly sophisticated, some employers prefer service technicians who have completed a formal training program in a postsecondary institution. Industry certification is usually required once the person is employed.

Education

High school courses in automotive repair, electronics, computers, mathematics, and English provide a good background for prospective service technicians. However, high school graduates often need further training to become fully qualified.

Completing a vocational or other postsecondary training program in automotive service technology is considered the best preparation for entry-level positions. Programs usually last 6 months to a year and provide intensive career preparation through classroom instruction and hands-on practice. Short-term certificate programs in a particular skill are also available.

Some service technicians get a 2-year associate’s degree. Courses usually include basic mathematics, computers, electronics, and automotive repair. Some programs have recently added classes in customer service, English, and other necessary skills.

Various automobile manufacturers and dealers sponsor 2-year associate’s degree programs. Students in these programs typically spend alternating periods attending classes full time and working full time in service shops under the guidance of an experienced technician.

Training

Most service technicians must complete on-the-job training, often as part of a formal education program.

Depending on a new service technician’s educational background, it typically takes 2 to 5 years of experience to become a fully qualified service technician. It then takes an additional 1 to 2 years of experience for service technicians to become familiar with all types of repairs.

New workers generally start as trainee technicians, technicians’ helpers, or lubrication workers and gradually acquire and practice their skills by working with experienced mechanics and technicians.

Licenses

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all technicians who buy or work with refrigerants to be licensed in proper refrigerant handling. Formal test preparation is not required, but many trade schools, unions, and employer associations offer training programs designed for the EPA exam.

Certification

Certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is the standard credential for service technicians. Certification demonstrates competence and usually brings higher pay. Many employers require their service technicians to become certified.

Certification is available in eight different areas, including: automatic transmission/transaxle, brakes, electrical/electronic systems, engine performance, engine repair, heating and air conditioning, manual drive train and axles, and suspension and steering.

For each area, technicians must have at least 2 years of experience (or relevant schooling and 1 year of experience) and pass an exam. To become a Master Automobile Technician, technicians must pass all 8 exams.

Important Qualities

Customer-service skills. Service technicians must discuss automotive problems—along with options to fix them—with their customers. Because self-employed workers depend on repeat clients for business, they must be courteous, good listeners, and ready to answer customers’ questions.

Detail oriented. Mechanical and electronic malfunctions are often due to misalignments or other easy-to-miss reasons. Service mechanics must, therefore, account for such details when inspecting or repairing engines and components.

Dexterity. Many tasks that service technicians do, such as disassembling engine parts, connecting or attaching components, and using handtools, require a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination.

Mechanical skills. Service technicians must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other. They must often take apart major parts for repairs and be able to put them back together properly.

Technical skills. Service technicians use sophisticated diagnostic equipment on engines, systems, and components. They must be familiar with electronic control systems and the appropriate tools needed to fix and maintain them.

Troubleshooting skills. Service technicians must be able to identify and fix problems in increasingly complicated mechanical and electronic systems.

Pay About this section

The median annual wage of automotive service technicians and mechanics was $35,790 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $20,200, and the top 10 percent earned more than $59,590.

In May 2010, median annual wages in industries employing the largest numbers of automotive service technicians and mechanics were as follows:

Many experienced technicians working for automobile dealers and independent repair shops receive a commission related to the labor cost charged to the customer. Under this system, weekly earnings depend on the amount of work completed in addition to a guaranteed minimum salary.

Most service technicians work full time, and many work evenings or weekends. Overtime is common.

Job Outlook About this section

Employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to grow 17 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

As the number of vehicles in use continues to grow, more entry-level service technicians will be needed to do basic maintenance and repair, such as brake pad replacements and oil changes. The increasing lifespan of late-model cars and light trucks will further increase demand for qualified workers.

However, continuing consolidation in the automotive industry may lessen the need for new mechanics.

Job Prospects

Job opportunities for qualified applicants should be very good as some employers report difficulty finding workers with the right skills and education. Jobseekers who have completed formal postsecondary training programs—especially candidates with training in advanced automotive technology, such as hybrid fuel or computer systems—should enjoy the best job prospects.

Those without formal automotive training are likely to face strong competition for entry-level jobs.

The majority of job openings will be in automobile dealerships and independent repair shops, where most service technicians currently work.

Contacts for More Information About this section

For more details about work opportunities, contact local automobile dealers and repair shops or local offices of the state employment service. The state employment service also may have information about training programs.

For information about careers, education, and training programs, visit

Automotive Youth Educational Systems

National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence

Auto Careers Today

Auto Career Development Center

National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation

Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges