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Auto garage mechanic vs auto technician

The differences between auto garage mechanics and auto technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an auto garage mechanic and an auto technician. Additionally, an auto garage mechanic has an average salary of $42,369, which is higher than the $41,435 average annual salary of an auto technician.

The top three skills for an auto garage mechanic include CDL, hand tools and hoists. The most important skills for an auto technician are taking care, preventive maintenance, and customer vehicles.

Auto garage mechanic vs auto technician overview

Auto Garage MechanicAuto Technician
Yearly salary$42,369$41,435
Hourly rate$20.37$19.92
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs38,612131,515
Job satisfaction-2
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 38%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

Auto garage mechanic vs auto technician salary

Auto garage mechanics and auto technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Auto Garage MechanicAuto Technician
Average salary$42,369$41,435
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $72,000Between $28,000 And $59,000
Highest paying CitySan Antonio, TXSterling, VA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaWashington
Best paying companyWEC Energy GroupDeloitte
Best paying industry-Retail

Differences between auto garage mechanic and auto technician education

There are a few differences between an auto garage mechanic and an auto technician in terms of educational background:

Auto Garage MechanicAuto Technician
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 38%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Auto garage mechanic vs auto technician demographics

Here are the differences between auto garage mechanics' and auto technicians' demographics:

Auto Garage MechanicAuto Technician
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 97.5% Female, 2.5%Male, 95.1% Female, 4.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 5.6% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.5% Asian, 5.0% White, 60.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between auto garage mechanic and auto technician duties and responsibilities

Auto garage mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Diagnose, repair and replace hydraulic controls, engine components, loader attachments, brakes and bearings using cranes and hoists.
  • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
  • Install, repair, and service many kinds of garage doors and door openers.

Auto technician example responsibilities.

  • Fabricate parts using torches, saws, and welding equipment.
  • Assist ASE mechanics when need, check-in & inspect cars and keep shop clean.
  • Replace fuel pumps batteries ac compressors headlights light bulbs oil change transmission service radiator service
  • Tune ups, heating/cooling systems, A/C systems, brakes systems, electrical systems and engine rebuilds.
  • Do routine repairs to complete overhauls on engines, transmissions, suspension, brakes, electrical and A/C systems.
  • Certify by ASE in electrical / electronic systems, enabling diagnosing and repair of specify non-Ford part (s).
  • Show more

Auto garage mechanic vs auto technician skills

Common auto garage mechanic skills
  • CDL, 35%
  • Hand Tools, 29%
  • Hoists, 12%
  • Diesel Engines, 6%
  • Diesel Trucks, 5%
  • Electrical Systems, 4%
Common auto technician skills
  • Taking Care, 21%
  • Preventive Maintenance, 20%
  • Customer Vehicles, 12%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Work Ethic, 5%
  • Diagnosis, 5%

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