What does an auto technician do?
An auto technician specializes in performing inspections, repairs, and maintenance on different automotive vehicles ranging from small cars to light trucks. Their responsibilities revolve around identifying issues using various diagnostic tools to determine which course of action to take, discussing the extent of repairs to clients, and ordering car parts from suppliers. There are also instances when an auto technician may have the task of maintaining the cleanliness of the workplace, or participate in record-keeping and monitoring the inventory.
Auto technician responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real auto technician resumes:
- 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).
- Weld exhaust systems and use cutting torches on thick metals during course of repairing engines and performing routine automobile tune-ups.
- Perform diagnostics and automotive repairs efficiently and to specifications.
- Provide customers with oil changes, tire repairs/changing battery replacement/bulb replacement.
- Maintain leading-edge knowledge of automotive diagnosis technology, digital manuals, and reference materials.
- Provide hands-on training for laser operators and laser technicians on operations, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair procedures.
- Monitor and analyze laser performance with respect to power, beam quality and atmospheric sodium return and communicates laser.
- Perform alignments, lube and filter, diagnostics of trouble codes and other general duties
- Replace carburetors, blowers, starters, and pumps.
- Lead technician and shop foreman at Nissan of Athens.
Auto technician skills and personality traits
We calculated that 21% of Auto Technicians are proficient in Taking Care, Preventive Maintenance, and Customer Vehicles. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Detail oriented, and Dexterity.
We break down the percentage of Auto Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Taking Care, 21%
Engaged in excellent customer service in the shop and on the phone, taking care of all customers' needs.
- Preventive Maintenance, 20%
Operated electronic testing equipment and other hand and power tools Performed preventive maintenance and related duties as assigned.
- Customer Vehicles, 12%
Perform repairs and preventative maintenance on customer vehicles also trouble shooting of various automotive systems using various test equipment.
- Customer Service, 7%
Provided excellent customer service while communicating with clients regarding work performed, overall condition of vehicle, and future repair requirements.
- Work Ethic, 5%
Work efficiently and professionally while maintaining a high standard of work ethic for the company you represent.
- Diagnosis, 5%
Received training in electrical and electronic controls and vehicle computer systems testing and diagnosis through schematic reading.
Most auto technicians use their skills in "taking care," "preventive maintenance," and "customer vehicles" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential auto technician responsibilities here:
Customer-service skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an auto technician to have is customer-service skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "service technicians discuss automotive problems—along with options to fix them—with their customers." Auto technicians often use customer-service skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "performed all types of diagnosis, repair, and service of new and used automobiles for dealership and customers. "
Detail oriented. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling auto technician duties is detail oriented. The role rewards competence in this skill because "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." According to an auto technician resume, here's how auto technicians can utilize detail oriented in their job responsibilities: "administer inspections and write detailed estimates for customer vehicles. "
Dexterity. auto technicians are also known for dexterity, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to auto technician responsibilities, because "service technicians perform many tasks that require steady hands and good hand–eye coordination, such as assembling or attaching components and subassemblies." An auto technician resume example shows how dexterity is used in the workplace: "operate hydraulic vehicle lift, pneumatic tools, and air compressors. "
Mechanical skills. A big part of what auto technicians do relies on "mechanical skills." You can see how essential it is to auto technician responsibilities because "service technicians must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical auto technician tasks: "performed maintenance and repairs including mechanical and electrical diagnosis and trouble shooting. "
Physical strength. Another crucial skill for an auto technician to carry out their responsibilities is "physical strength." A big part of what auto technicians relies on this skill, since "service technicians must sometimes lift and maneuver heavy parts such as engines and body panels." How this skill relates to auto technician duties can be seen in an example from an auto technician resume snippet: "analyzed battery cell strength levels to determine the available cold cranking amps to determine battery life. "
Troubleshooting skills. While "troubleshooting skills" is last on this skills list, don't underestimate its importance to auto technician responsibilities. Much of what an auto technician does relies on this skill, seeing as "service technicians use diagnostic equipment on engine systems and components in order to identify and fix problems in increasingly complicated mechanical and electronic systems." Here is a resume example of how this skill is used in the everyday duties of auto technicians: "performed computer controlled emission diagnosis and electrical and mechanical troubleshooting. "
The three companies that hire the most auto technicians are:
- Valvoline448 auto technicians jobs
- CarMax407 auto technicians jobs
- Pep Boys102 auto technicians jobs
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Compare different auto technicians
Auto technician vs. 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.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between auto technicians and mechanic helper. For instance, auto technician responsibilities require skills such as "taking care," "customer vehicles," "customer service," and "diagnosis." Whereas a mechanic helper is skilled in "safety equipment," "safety procedures," "diesel engines," and "mechanical equipment." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Mechanic helpers really shine in the professional industry with an average salary of $36,229. Comparatively, auto technicians tend to make the most money in the retail industry with an average salary of $38,823.The education levels that mechanic helpers earn slightly differ from auto technicians. In particular, mechanic helpers are 1.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an auto technician. Additionally, they're 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Auto technician vs. 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. They must have excellent knowledge of the auto-mechanic industry to determine faults and identify repairs, avoiding delays, complications, and hazards during operations.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, auto technician responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "taking care," "preventive maintenance," "customer vehicles," and "customer service." Meanwhile, a light wheel mechanic has duties that require skills in areas such as "electrical systems," "equipment systems," "mos," and "track vehicles." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Average education levels between the two professions vary. Light wheel mechanics tend to reach similar levels of education than auto technicians. In fact, they're 0.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Auto technician vs. Diesel mechanic
A diesel mechanic is a skilled technician responsible for the checking, maintenance, and repair of diesel engines. Diesel mechanics duties also include regular inspections of vehicles upon customer's request to ensure the smooth performance of the machine, communicate on any system issue that might cause malfunctions, and provide any replacement to renovate a damaged part of the engine. A diesel mechanic must be highly-knowledgeable on everything related to diesel engines to provide the best, long-term solutions for the customers.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, auto technicians are more likely to have skills like "preventive maintenance," "customer vehicles," "customer service," and "manual dexterity." But a diesel mechanic is more likely to have skills like "cdl," "preventative maintenance," "dot," and "osha."
Diesel mechanics earn the highest salary when working in the energy industry, where they receive an average salary of $54,273. Comparatively, auto technicians have the highest earning potential in the retail industry, with an average salary of $38,823.When it comes to education, diesel mechanics tend to earn similar degree levels compared to auto technicians. In fact, they're 0.6% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Auto technician vs. Mechanic
Mechanics are professionals responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and types of machinery. They are knowledgeable of various tools and equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other components. They can usually be seen indoors, garages in particular. Due to the advancement of technology, they are also required to be familiar with computer and software programs that can be used in auto shops and vehicles. They always work in safety precautions.
Types of auto technician
Updated January 8, 2025
