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What is an auto technician and how to become one
An auto technician is a skilled professional responsible for repairing and maintaining vehicles. They work on automotive systems, including engines, brakes, transmissions, and electronics. Auto technicians use specialized equipment to diagnose problems and perform repairs according to manufacturer specifications. They also provide routine maintenance tasks like oil changes and tire rotations. Additionally, they interact with customers to explain procedures and cost estimates. They typically work in repair shops or dealerships and can specialize in various systems.
What general advice would you give to an auto technician?
Julia Johnson
Professor, Automotive Technology, Skyline College
Avg. Salary $41,435
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 1%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.81%
Asian 4.99%
Black or African American 9.69%
Hispanic or Latino 19.53%
Unknown 4.24%
White 60.74%
Genderfemale 4.92%
male 95.08%
Age - 39American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 39Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
What are the pros and cons of being an auto technician?
Pros
Variety in daily tasks and projects
High demand for auto technicians, leading to job security
Possibility for flexible scheduling or freelance work
Potential for high earnings with experience and certifications
Opportunities for advancement or specialization within the field
Cons
Exposure to hazardous materials and chemicals, such as oil and gasoline
Long periods of standing or bending over can lead to physical strain and discomfort
May involve working in uncomfortable environments, such as hot or cold weather conditions
Limited opportunities for creativity or self-expression in daily tasks
May require working irregular hours or weekends/holidays in order to meet customer needs
Auto technician career paths
Key steps to become an auto technician
Explore auto technician education requirements
Start to develop specific auto technician skills
Skills Percentages Taking Care 20.64% Preventive Maintenance 20.10% Customer Vehicles 11.89% Customer Service 7.35% Work Ethic 4.94% Complete relevant auto technician training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New auto technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an auto technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real auto technician resumes.Gain additional auto technician certifications
More About CertificationsAuto technician certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific auto technician certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for auto technicians include Certified Auto Glass Technician (AGT) and Commercial Driver License (CDL).
Research auto technician duties and 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.
Prepare your auto technician resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your auto technician resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an auto technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable auto technician resume templates
Build a professional auto technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your auto technician resume.
Apply for auto technician jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an auto technician job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first auto technician job
Are you an auto technician?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average auto technician salary
The average auto technician salary in the United States is $41,435 per year or $20 per hour. Auto technician salaries range between $28,000 and $59,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do auto technicians rate their job?
Auto technician reviews
Love the challenge to diagnose those insane offbeat issues that just don't fit into the everyday problems
Pay is minimal for your knowledge. Hours are better for white collar professionals. Have to buy your own tools with witch you could have bought your home with and no one cares. Treated as a second rate individual because you said "I'm an automotive mechanic." Expected to be perfect from customers who wonder why you didn't get it fixed on the first try when MD's almost never get it right. Expected to be an expert on over 60k types of automobiles that change every friggan year.....want more? If I had the choice to do it all over again I'd go into politics so I could rip off ppl every day and get rich and no one would ever complain.
Hands on /weld/electric/mech/plumbing……
People looking over me when they can’t do the jobs
Satisfaction of fixing, repairing broken vehicles and challenge of finding problems and correcting them properly.
Electrical problems are my least favorite.
Updated January 8, 2025
