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Auto garage mechanic vs automotive repair technician

The differences between auto garage mechanics and automotive repair 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 automotive repair technician. Additionally, an automotive repair technician has an average salary of $43,699, which is higher than the $42,369 average annual salary of an auto garage mechanic.

The top three skills for an auto garage mechanic include CDL, hand tools and hoists. The most important skills for an automotive repair technician are diagnosis, professional work, and hand tools.

Auto garage mechanic vs automotive repair technician overview

Auto Garage MechanicAutomotive Repair Technician
Yearly salary$42,369$43,699
Hourly rate$20.37$21.01
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs38,612160,366
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%Associate Degree, 31%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

Auto garage mechanic vs automotive repair technician salary

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

Auto Garage MechanicAutomotive Repair Technician
Average salary$42,369$43,699
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $72,000Between $29,000 And $63,000
Highest paying CitySan Antonio, TXFairfield, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyWEC Energy GroupAAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah
Best paying industry-Retail

Differences between auto garage mechanic and automotive repair technician education

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

Auto Garage MechanicAutomotive Repair Technician
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%Associate Degree, 31%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Auto garage mechanic vs automotive repair technician demographics

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

Auto Garage MechanicAutomotive Repair Technician
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 97.5% Female, 2.5%Male, 94.2% Female, 5.8%
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, 9.9% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 5.0% White, 61.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between auto garage mechanic and automotive repair 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.

Automotive repair technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage customer accounts from initial diagnosis and estimate to final invoicing.
  • Acquire ASE certification in brakes as well.
  • Monitor and analyze laser performance with respect to power, beam quality and atmospheric sodium return and communicates laser.
  • Download required software for programming and diagnostics to load on correct PC.
  • Diagnose, upgrade and repair PC and Macintosh computers, printers and laptops.
  • Communicate with users to remotely resolve windows software problems.
  • Show more

Auto garage mechanic vs automotive repair technician skills

Common auto garage mechanic skills
  • CDL, 35%
  • Hand Tools, 29%
  • Hoists, 12%
  • Diesel Engines, 6%
  • Diesel Trucks, 5%
  • Electrical Systems, 4%
Common automotive repair technician skills
  • Diagnosis, 18%
  • Professional Work, 14%
  • Hand Tools, 11%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • ABS, 7%
  • ASE, 6%

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