What Does an Auto Mechanic Do?

An auto mechanic's role is to repair and maintain automotive vehicles, ensuring that they function efficiently and safely. They are primarily responsible for discussing issues with clients, inspecting vehicles to identify the root of problems, performing test drives, and conducting corrective measures. Sometimes this is done in collaboration with other mechanics to ensure accuracy and speed. They can also replace oil, brakes, and even other fluids. Moreover, an auto mechanic must inform the extent of repairs to clients, letting them know which parts need replacement or fixes.

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Auto Mechanic Responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real auto mechanic resumes representing typical tasks they are likely to perform in their roles.

Help with CDL training for qualify drivers.
Preform all dot and pm service paperwork and records.
Update material safety data sheets in accordance with OSHA standards.
Regulate the safety test on locomotives by the air brake tests.
Certify ASE technician in front-end suspensions and alignment and hydraulic brake systems.
Used electronic engine-testing equipment, drill presses, hydraulic hoists, pulleys, jacks and other power tools.
Preform automotive maintenance and diagnosis on customer's vehicles.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Perform diagnostic and repair of engine, transmission, differential, HVAC and electrical systems.
Repair and troubleshoot automotive electrical systems.
Used electrical and specialize testing equipment to troubleshoot problems.
General maintenance, minor repairs and accessory installation for Honda automobiles.

Auto Mechanic Job Description

Between the years 2018 and 2028, auto mechanic jobs are expected to undergo a growth rate described as "little or no change" at -1%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. So if the thought "should I become an auto mechanic?" Has crossed your mind, maybe you should take the growth rate into account. In addition, the number of auto mechanic opportunities that are projected to become available by 2028 is -6,400.

An auto mechanic annual salary averages $41,683, which breaks down to $20.04 an hour. However, auto mechanics can earn anywhere from upwards of $29,000 to $59,000 a year. This means that the top-earning auto mechanics make $24,000 more than the lowest-earning ones.

It's hard work to become an auto mechanic, but even the most dedicated employees consider switching careers from time to time. Whether you're interested in a more challenging position or just looking for a fresh start, we've compiled extensive information on becoming a diesel technician, tire technician, automotive service technician, and mechanic helper.

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12 Auto Mechanic Resume Examples

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Judith Washington Auto Mechanic Contact Information San Jose, CA (940) 555-7306 jwashington@example.com Skills Customer Vehicles Extrusion Machine A/C Computer System Brake Pads Communication Maintenance Services Lube Production Goals Suspension Systems Employment History Auto Mechanic 2013 - Present U-Haul San Jose, CA Specialized in preventative maintenance services on company vehicles Obtained an outstanding record of no vehicle returned once PMs were complete. Repaired heavy equipment and assembled different types of farm equipment. Automotive Technician 2005 - 2013 AAMCO Transmissions San Jose, CA Experience with OTC and Snap On diagnostic equipment including Solus Pro, and Verus Pro, and Vantage Pro. Add customer and vehicle information into the computer system. Assembly Operator (Part-Time) 2005 - 2005 IBM San Jose, CA Operated Equipment throughout manufacturing process OSHO safety procedures Fulfilled the roles of Scrap Rep, Monitor Rep, ISO Deputy, ISO Auditor, and ISO Lead Assessor. Receive objects or parts as they come down assembly line (conveyer belt) Hand-assemble parts with use of tools. Education Some College Courses Electrical Engineering 2005 - 2005 San Jose State University San Jose, CA


Kevin Miller Auto Mechanic Contact Info Bellingham, WA (930) 555-2209 kmiller@example.com Skills Heavy EquipmentTrailer RepairDiagnosisHand ToolsTrouble ShootingCustomer VehiclesElectrical SystemsFleet EquipmentDiagnostic EquipmentOperational Checks Employment History Auto Mechanic 2019 - Present Maintenance Co Bellingham, WA Performed regular maintenance on customer vehicles, including fleet company vehicles. Greet customers immediately in a courteous manner. Performed maintenance on customer vehicles. Automotive Mechanic 2015 - 2019 Maintenance Co Bellingham, WA Repaired, overhauled, or adjusted automobile brake systems. Trusted to drive customer vehicles. Lubricate machinery, vehicles, or equipment or perform minor repairs or adjustments, using hand tools. Dismantled and reassembled heavy equipment. Vehicle Mechanic 2005 - 2015 Zodiac US Bellingham, WA Specialized in engine, transmission and electrical systems replacement, repair, and troubleshooting. Deploy to foreign combat zones Train Afghanistan National Army Drive and Dispatch Military Vehicles Used hand tools to mount, install, and secure parts. Communicated effectively with customers on potential mechanical problems and future repairs. Education Associate's Degree Automotive Technology 2003 - 2005 Western Washington University Bellingham, WA


Denise Fisher Auto Mechanic Hoffman Estates, IL (530) 555-9473 dfisher@example.com Experience Auto Mechanic2020 - Present Pep Boys•Hoffman Estates, IL Saved customers thousands of dollars by proper diagnosis and repair of powertrain components. Discussed any other service requirements on customer vehicles with service manager so he could put together a service quote. Auto Mechanic Apprentice2017 - 2020 Sears Holdings•Hoffman Estates, IL Performed maintenance and repairs on vehicles of all makes and models Maintained a daily log of diagnosis repairs Educate new employees and customers on procedures and safety for equipment Work with customers on vehicle repairs and maintenance Repair or replace defective ball joint suspensions, brake shoes, or wheel bearings. Performed work on customer vehicles as well as inventory vehicles Automotive Repair Technician2011 - 2017 Firestone Complete Auto Care•Bloomingdale, IL Communicate with customers and ensure provision of excellent customer service. Perform four-wheel alignments, tire removal/installation and balancing. Service vehicles Stock and organize product Transport product within designated area Customer service Lead technician Trained new talent acquisition Established guidelines for new technicians Provided customer service and assurance of completion Included engine repair, cooling systems repair and services, a/c and heating repair and trouble shooting. Oil changes.tune ups,4 wheel alignments,air conditioning,timing belts,brakes,suspension and front end repairs. Skills CDLCustomer VehiclesCustomer ServiceImportant PartsSandDrive TrainsFactory StandardsMajor RepairsTest ComponentsEngine Repair Education Associate's Degree Automotive Technology2009 - 2011 Henry Ford College•Dearborn, MI

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Auto Mechanic Skills and Personality Traits

We calculated that 25% of Auto Mechanics are proficient in Customer Vehicles, Customer Service, and Diagnosis. They’re also known for soft skills such as Organizational skills, Troubleshooting skills, and Customer-service skills.

We break down the percentage of Auto Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:

Customer Vehicles, 25%
Preform maintenance on customer vehicles and suggesting further actions that are required for safety reasons
Customer Service, 8%
Provide excellent customer service including explanation of diagnosis/repairs needed and customer pick up/drop off.
Diagnosis, 7%
Maintained leading-edge knowledge of automotive diagnosis technology, digital manuals, and reference materials.
Engine Tune-Ups, 6%
Repaired and serviced automobiles and other gas-powered vehicles, including engine tune-up, tearing down repaired and rebuilt engines.
Oil Changes, 5%
Oil changes Tire mounting Battery and Alternator Diagnostics Inventory Alignments
Preventive Maintenance, 4%
Performed Regular and Preventive Maintenance Repair Troubleshot and Repaired Automobile Malfunctions.

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"customer vehicles," "customer service," and "diagnosis" aren't the only skills we found auto mechanics list on their resumes. In fact, there's a whole list of auto mechanic responsibilities that we found, including:

Organizational skills can be considered to be the most important personality trait for an auto mechanic to have. According to a auto mechanic resume, "service technicians must keep workspaces clean and organized in order to maintain safety and ensure accountability of parts." Auto mechanics are able to use organizational skills in the following example we gathered from a resume: "performed organizational maintenance services on wheeled vehicles, trailers, generators, and pumping units. "

While it may not be the most important skill, we found that many auto mechanic duties rely on troubleshooting skills. This example from a auto mechanic explains why: "service technicians use diagnostic equipment on engine systems and components in order to identify and fix problems in increasingly complicated mechanical and electronic systems." This resume example is just one of many ways auto mechanics are able to utilize troubleshooting skills: "assist lead mechanic in troubleshooting, repair and maintenance of motor vehicles. "

Customer-service skills is also an important skill for auto mechanics to have. This example of how auto mechanics use this skill comes from a auto mechanic resume, "service technicians discuss automotive problems—along with options to fix them—with their customers" Read this excerpt from a resume to understand how vital it is to their everyday roles and responsibilities, "repaired and serviced motor vehicles, logged all serviced records and complaint for customers. "

A thorough review of lots of resumes revealed to us that "detail oriented" is important to completing auto mechanic responsibilities. This resume example shows just one way auto mechanics use this skill: "service technicians must be aware of small details when inspecting or repairing vehicle systems, because mechanical and electronic malfunctions are often due to misalignments or other easy-to-miss causes." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical auto mechanic tasks: "substitute school bus driveroil changes\tire rotationvehicle detailany work that is required by manager at shop"

As part of the auto mechanic description, you might find that one of the skills that might be helpful to the job is "dexterity." A auto mechanic resume included this snippet: "service technicians perform many tasks that require steady hands and good hand–eye coordination, such as assembling or attaching components and subassemblies." This skill could be useful in this scenario: "changed oil tire rotations, lifted tires flat repairs"

Lastly, this career requires you to be skillful in "mechanical skills." According to auto mechanic resumes, "service technicians must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other." This resume example highlights how auto mechanic responsibilities rely on this skill: "trained to diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical problems that may occur with an automobile. "

See the full list of auto mechanic skills.

Those auto mechanics who do attend college, typically earn either a automotive technology degree or a business degree. Less commonly earned degrees for auto mechanics include a general studies degree or a mechanical engineering technology degree.

When you're ready to become an auto mechanic, you might wonder which companies hire auto mechanics. According to our research through auto mechanic resumes, auto mechanics are mostly hired by CarMax, Pep Boys, and Caliber Collision. Now is a good time to apply as CarMax has 129 auto mechanics job openings, and there are 61 at Pep Boys and 10 at Caliber Collision.

But if you're interested in companies where you might earn a high salary, auto mechanics tend to earn the biggest salaries at City of Detroit, National Grid plc, and Eversource Energy. Take City of Detroit for example. The median auto mechanic salary is $78,062. At National Grid plc, auto mechanics earn an average of $68,569, while the average at Eversource Energy is $67,862. You should take into consideration how difficult it might be to secure a job with one of these companies.

View more details on auto mechanic salaries across the United States.

Some other companies you might be interested in as a auto mechanic include United States Army Corps of Engineers, Firestone Holdings LLC, and Sears Holdings. These three companies were found to hire the most auto mechanics from the top 100 U.S. educational institutions.

For the most part, auto mechanics make their living in the retail and automotive industries. Auto mechanics tend to make the most in the government industry with an average salary of $43,229. The auto mechanic annual salary in the manufacturing and retail industries generally make $40,915 and $39,418 respectively. Additionally, auto mechanics who work in the government industry make 6.9% more than auto mechanics in the automotive Industry.

The three companies that hire the most prestigious auto mechanics are:

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What Diesel Technicians Do

Diesel technicians specialize in repairing and handling the maintenance of vehicles powered by diesel. They are primarily responsible for inspecting cars, conducting tests, and identifying its problems to determine what course of action to take. Aside from repairing engines, diesel technicians may also fix other systems such as brakes, steering, and even lighting. It is essential to discuss the extent of repairs to clients and make them understand the costs involved. Furthermore, it is vital to maintain an accurate record of data at all times.

In this section, we compare the average auto mechanic annual salary with that of a diesel technician. Typically, diesel technicians earn a $5,185 higher salary than auto mechanics earn annually.

While the salaries between these two careers can be different, they do share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both auto mechanics and diesel technicians positions are skilled in customer service, diagnosis, and oil changes.

As far as similarities go, this is where it ends because an auto mechanic responsibility requires skills such as "customer vehicles," "engine tune-ups," "preventive maintenance," and "drive vehicles." Whereas a diesel technician is skilled in "cdl," "preventative maintenance," "hand tools," and "dot." So if you're looking for what truly separates the two careers, you've found it.

Diesel technicians receive the highest salaries in the utilities industry coming in with an average yearly salary of $49,875. But auto mechanics are paid more in the government industry with an average salary of $43,229.

Diesel technicians tend to reach similar levels of education than auto mechanics. In fact, diesel technicians are 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

What Are The Duties Of a Tire Technician?

Tire technicians typically work in car dealerships and automotive repair shops to inspect, replace, install and repair tires on trucks, cars, and other vehicles. They tend to work alongside the mechanics with a focus on ensuring that tires are reliable, safe, and work with other car systems. To be qualified in this position, you should be very attentive to detail as you typically will examine for signs of tire failure and wear. Tire technicians are also responsible for giving recommendations to customers about tire care and replacement.

Now we're going to look at the tire technician profession. On average, tire technicians earn a $3,307 lower salary than auto mechanics a year.

Not everything about these jobs is different. Take their skills, for example. Auto mechanics and tire technicians both include similar skills like "customer vehicles," "customer service," and "oil changes" on their resumes.

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, several resumes showed us that auto mechanic responsibilities requires skills like "diagnosis," "engine tune-ups," "engine repair," and "ase." But a tire technician might use skills, such as, "customer satisfaction," "safety standards," "battery," and "groceries."

It's been discovered that tire technicians earn lower salaries compared to auto mechanics, but we wanted to find out where tire technicians earned the most pay. The answer? The retail industry. The average salary in the industry is $39,695. Additionally, auto mechanics earn the highest paychecks in the government with an average salary of $43,229.

When it comes to the differences in education between the two professions, tire technicians tend to reach similar levels of education than auto mechanics. In fact, they're 0.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

How an Automotive Service Technician Compares

Automotive service technicians, often called service technicians, have a duty to inspect, maintain, and repair cars and even light trucks. It is their job as automotive service technicians to find problems, often by computerized diagnostic equipment. They do test parts and systems to guarantee that they work properly and follow checklists to ensure that every critical part is examined. Performing basic care and maintenance is also part of their main tasks, including changing oil, rotating tires, and checking fluid levels.

The third profession we take a look at is automotive service technician. On an average scale, these workers bring in higher salaries than auto mechanics. In fact, they make a $1,394 higher salary per year.

While looking through the resumes of several auto mechanics and automotive service technicians we discovered that both professions have similar skills. These similarities include skills such as "customer vehicles," "customer service," and "diagnosis," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

There are many key differences between these two careers as shown by resumes from each profession. Some of those differences include the skills required to complete responsibilities within each role. As an example of this, an auto mechanic is likely to be skilled in "preventive maintenance," "routine maintenance," "drive vehicles," and "test components," while a typical automotive service technician is skilled in "hand tools," "dexterity," "manual dexterity," and "customer satisfaction."

Automotive service technicians make a very good living in the health care industry with an average annual salary of $38,929. Whereas auto mechanics are paid the highest salary in the government industry with the average being $43,229.

When it comes to education, automotive service technicians tend to earn similar education levels than auto mechanics. In fact, they're 0.4% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Description Of a Mechanic Helper

The job of a mechanic helper is to support lead mechanics and perform a variety of duties and responsibilities. You will be assisting in the maintenance of cars, such as changing tires and oils, replacing brakes, and diagnosing vehicle issues. In addition, you will be responsible for logging labor costs and inventory use and take vehicles for test drives. Other duties include replacing belts and hoses, assisting the lead mechanic in major projects, and repairing and maintaining cars.

Mechanic helpers tend to earn a lower pay than auto mechanics by about $9,791 per year.

While their salaries may vary, auto mechanics and mechanic helpers both use similar skills to perform their jobs. Resumes from both professions include skills like "oil changes," "preventive maintenance," and "engine repair. "

While some skills are shared by these professions, there are some differences to note. "customer vehicles," "customer service," "diagnosis," and "engine tune-ups" are skills that have shown up on auto mechanics resumes. Additionally, mechanic helper uses skills like hand tools, work ethic, strong work ethic, and safety equipment on their resumes.

Now, let's take a closer look at the financials in each career. The professional industry tends to pay more for mechanic helpers with an average of $36,229. While the highest auto mechanic annual salary comes from the government industry.

The average resume of mechanic helpers showed that they earn similar levels of education to auto mechanics. So much so that the likelihood of them earning a Master's Degree is 0.4% less. Additionally, they're less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.0%.

Updated October 2, 2020