Automotive Service Technician Job Description

Automotive Service Technicians: Career Opportunities in the Building and Thinking Interest Area

Service technicians must be familiar with a growing number of electronic systems, and they also work on traditional mechanical systems. Computers and electronic components are the main controlling factors for steering, transmission, and braking systems. Accidents-avoidance sensors are becoming common as well.

A growing number of technicians are required to work on vehicles that use alternative fuels. Diagnostic technicians use their knowledge of engine management and fuel, electrical, ignition, and emissions systems to diagnose issues that prevent engines from performing efficiently. They use the onboard diagnostic system of a car and electronic testing equipment to find the malfunction.

Service technicians work in well-ventilated and well-lit repair shops, and they stand for most of the day. Although technicians often fix automotive problems with computers, they often work with greasy parts and tools in uncomfortable positions. Vocational or postsecondary education programs in automotive service technology are considered the best way to get into entry-level positions.

Programs last 6 months to a year and provide intensive career preparation through classroom instruction and hands-on practice. There are short-term certificate programs in a particular subject. Those who have not completed postsecondary education are usually trained as technicians or lubrication workers.

They get more knowledge and experience by working with experienced mechanics. The Holland Code framework states that automotive service technicians and mechanics have an interest in the Building and Thinking areas. The focus of the Building interest area is on working with tools and machines.

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanicians

Most automotive service technicians and mechanics work in well-ventilated and well-lit repair shops. Although technicians often fix automotive problems with computers, they often work with greasy parts and tools in uncomfortable positions. Over the next decade, about 69,000 openings for automotive service technicians and mechanics are projected.

Most of the openings are expected to be caused by the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or retire. Customer-service skills are required. Service technicians talk to their customers about automotive problems.

Workers need to be good listeners and ready to answer customers' questions because they depend on repeat clients. Skills that are used for problem-solving. Diagnostic equipment is used by service technicians to identify and fix problems in complicated mechanical and electronic systems.

They need to know how to fix and maintain electronic control systems. The median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was over forty grand in May 2020. Half of the workers in an occupation earn more than the median wage, and half earn less.

The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,790, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $71,940. The number of vehicles will continue to rise, and some service technicians will be needed to perform basic maintenance and repair tasks, such as changing oil and replacing brake pads. New vehicles are being built with cameras, instruments and sensors that allow for remote diagnosis and preventative maintenance, which reduces maintenance work hours.

Mechanics in Government and Retail

People who own their own businesses and mechanics who work for government agencies earn higher salaries. The mechanics working for private service outlets earn less than the ones working for gasoline stations. Some service technicians earn a commission based on the amount of work they do, while others get an hourly wage.

Some mechanics who work for dealers take on private customers outside of their hours. Others look for cars with mechanical problems that they can purchase, fix, and sell privately at a profit to supplement their incomes. There are a variety of automotive service settings, including car dealers, tire stores, oil change operations, gas stations, and full-service repair shops.