How to hire an auto technician

How to hire an auto technician, step by step

Here's a step-by-step auto technician hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an auto technician job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new auto technician
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does an auto technician do?

Post an auto technician job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your auto technician job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find an auto technician for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   An auto technician's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, auto technicians from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents auto technician salaries for various positions.

   Type of Auto Technician	Description	Hourly rate
   Auto Technician	Automotive service technicians and mechanics, often called service technicians or service techs, inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.	$13-28
   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... Show more	$11-19
   Light Wheel Mechanic	A light wheel mechanic is responsible for maintaining the optimal performance and efficiency of light-wheeled vehicles used for industrial operations, especially in a military setting. Light wheel mechanics inspect the condition of the vehicle's engine, perform preventive maintenance, replace defective components, assemble upgrade systems based on schematics and blueprints, and create resolution reports for reference... Show more	$12-32

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Taking Care
   • Preventive Maintenance
   • Customer Vehicles
   • Customer Service
   • Work Ethic
   • Diagnosis
   • Hand Tools
   • Dexterity
   • Repair Orders
   • Oil Changes
   • ASE
   • Maintenance Services
   • Engine Repair
   • Shop Equipment

   Check all skills

   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).

   More auto technician duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your auto technician job description helps attract top candidates to the position. An auto technician salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for an auto technician in West Virginia may be lower than in Washington, and an entry-level auto technician usually earns less than a senior-level auto technician. Additionally, an auto technician with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average auto technician salary

   $41,435yearly

   $19.92 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level auto technician salary

   $28,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 13, 2025

   Average auto technician salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Virginia	$50,528	$24
   2	District of Columbia	$48,603	$23
   3	Oregon	$48,185	$23
   4	California	$47,268	$23
   5	Maryland	$44,998	$22
   6	Massachusetts	$43,890	$21
   7	Michigan	$43,710	$21
   8	Colorado	$42,439	$20
   9	Pennsylvania	$40,484	$19
   10	Illinois	$40,382	$19
   11	Arizona	$40,187	$19
   12	Minnesota	$39,399	$19
   13	Ohio	$38,599	$19
   14	Texas	$38,198	$18
   15	New York	$36,977	$18
   16	Missouri	$36,630	$18
   17	Indiana	$36,252	$17
   18	Florida	$36,216	$17
   19	Georgia	$34,915	$17
   20	North Carolina	$32,572	$16

   Average auto technician salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Deloitte	$63,164	$30.37
   2	Fred Beans Ford	$62,542	$30.07	33
   3	Crain Kia	$62,419	$30.01
   4	Hoselton Auto Mall	$61,629	$29.63	3
   5	University of Maryland Medical System	$55,545	$26.70	5
   6	Promega	$51,508	$24.76
   7	Scott Honda	$50,920	$24.48
   8	University of California-Berkeley	$49,609	$23.85
   9	A. O. Smith	$48,729	$23.43	2
   10	Preferred	$47,742	$22.95	4
   11	Hendrick Automotive Group	$47,651	$22.91
   12	Cleveland Clinic	$47,182	$22.68	24
   13	Taylor Corporation	$45,958	$22.10	6
   14	Cox Automotive	$44,310	$21.30
   15	Marathon Petroleum	$44,180	$21.24	5
   16	SI Group	$43,498	$20.91	1
   17	Kitchell	$43,495	$20.91
   18	Belle Tire	$43,485	$20.91	138
   19	RQ Construction	$42,968	$20.66	1
   20	Evans Inc	$42,663	$20.51	1

4. Writing an auto technician job description

   An auto technician job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of an auto technician job description:

   Auto technician job description example

   We are a reputable auto repair business company that invests in our team and offers opportunities for personal and professional development . We pay our Auto Tech/Automotive Mechanic a competitive salary of $56,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year , depending on experience. Our team also enjoys great benefits , including health insurance, a 401(k) plan, 8 paid holidays, 10 days of paid time off (PTO), and a progressive pay plan . Additionally, we offer each member of our service team their own computer workstation, paid training and education, quality and productivity bonuses, A+ clients, a continuous workflow that is managed by our onsite owner, and a shop that is air-conditioned, well-maintained, and exceptionally equipped with OEM diagnostic equipment or better . Plus, we make it easy to apply with our initial quick mobile-optimized application . If we have your attention, please continue reading!

   
   

   ABOUT PRIMARY CARE AUTO REPAIR

   Primary Care Auto Repair is a family-owned, full-service auto repair business that is focused on showing respect to our employees, customers, and vendors. We offer great service and advice on all automotive repairs and general upkeep. Our services include, but are not limited to, under-car services, brakes, tires, engine and transmission care, engine maintenance, and more. No matter what the problem may be, we can help! We want to make a difference, and that is why we are consistently ranked as Rhode Island's highest-rated independent service center .

   We care about each of our team members and believe in helping them have a successful career , not just another job. Employee development is important to us . We are all about teamwork, shared respect, mutual communication, empathy, and compassion . We are proud of the positive work environment we have built. We believe in giving back and making our employees' and our community's lives better. Our people, our culture, and our passion make a difference. We invite you to be part of that difference!

   
   

   ARE YOU A GOOD FIT?

   Ask yourself: Do you communicate effectively both in writing and verbally? Are you driven and eager to learn more about the auto repair industry? Do you spend the day working with an upbeat attitude and a smile on your face? Are you motivated by a desire to provide excellent customer service and to truly help people? Would you like to grow with our company and develop a career? If so, please consider applying for this Auto Tech position today!

   
   

   YOUR LIFE AS AN AUTO TECH /AUTOMOTIVE MECHANIC

   As an Auto Tech, you are the lifeblood of our relationship with our customers. You are second-to-none when it comes to customer service. They trust your competence as well as your integrity. Utilizing the latest equipment in our professional workshop, you correctly diagnose mechanical problems, clearly explain the options, and make the agreed-upon repairs. You also provide regular maintenance services that keep their vehicles in top condition. Known for your mechanical and diagnostic skills as well as your customer service, clients have full confidence in you. You enjoy building these relationships while building a successful career as a mechanic!

   
   

   WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

   • Experience as a mechanic
   • Excellent mechanical and diagnostic abilities

   If you can meet these requirements and perform this Auto Tech job as described above, we would be happy to have you as part of our team!

   Location: 02886

   
   
   Job Posted by ApplicantPro
   

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right auto technician for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with auto technicians they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit auto technicians who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your auto technician job on Zippia to find and recruit auto technician candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit auto technicians, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new auto technician

   Once you've decided on a perfect auto technician candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new auto technician first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire an auto technician?