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Auto garage mechanic vs automotive technician

The differences between auto garage mechanics and automotive 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 technician. Additionally, an auto garage mechanic has an average salary of $42,369, which is higher than the $40,910 average annual salary of an automotive technician.

The top three skills for an auto garage mechanic include CDL, hand tools and hoists. The most important skills for an automotive technician are work ethic, computer system, and customer service.

Auto garage mechanic vs automotive technician overview

Auto Garage MechanicAutomotive Technician
Yearly salary$42,369$40,910
Hourly rate$20.37$19.67
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs38,612142,840
Job satisfaction-3.5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%Associate Degree, 34%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

Auto garage mechanic vs automotive technician salary

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

Auto Garage MechanicAutomotive Technician
Average salary$42,369$40,910
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $72,000Between $29,000 And $57,000
Highest paying CitySan Antonio, TXLos Angeles, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyWEC Energy GroupOrange County Sheriff's Office
Best paying industry-Automotive

Differences between auto garage mechanic and automotive technician education

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

Auto Garage MechanicAutomotive Technician
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%Associate Degree, 34%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Auto garage mechanic vs automotive technician demographics

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

Auto Garage MechanicAutomotive Technician
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 97.5% Female, 2.5%Male, 95.8% Female, 4.2%
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, 60.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between auto garage mechanic and automotive 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 technician example responsibilities.

  • Inspect cars, service and repairs specializing in BMW repairs, manage shop, price and order parts, customer service
  • Repair, maintenance, and major overhaul of many type cummins diesel engines.
  • Require to have great attention to detail and have manual dexterity in both arms and hands.
  • Utilize diagnostic equipment to test electrical and engine components to provide proper diagnosis and solutions to customers
  • complete overhaul of cummins engines and mopar gasoline engines.
  • Perform maintenance in accordance with FAA and OSHA regulations.
  • Show more

Auto garage mechanic vs automotive 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 technician skills
  • Work Ethic, 11%
  • Computer System, 10%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Taking Care, 8%
  • Preventive Maintenance, 7%
  • ASE, 6%

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