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Automotive accessory installer vs auto technician

The differences between automotive accessory installers and auto 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 automotive accessory installer and an auto technician. Additionally, an auto technician has an average salary of $41,435, which is higher than the $33,261 average annual salary of an automotive accessory installer.

The top three skills for an automotive accessory installer include customer vehicles, GPS and alarm systems. The most important skills for an auto technician are taking care, preventive maintenance, and customer vehicles.

Automotive accessory installer vs auto technician overview

Automotive Accessory InstallerAuto Technician
Yearly salary$33,261$41,435
Hourly rate$15.99$19.92
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs48,085131,515
Job satisfaction-2
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 54%High School Diploma, 38%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

Automotive accessory installer vs auto technician salary

Automotive accessory installers and auto technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Automotive Accessory InstallerAuto Technician
Average salary$33,261$41,435
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $45,000Between $28,000 And $59,000
Highest paying City-Sterling, VA
Highest paying state-Washington
Best paying company-Deloitte
Best paying industry-Retail

Differences between automotive accessory installer and auto technician education

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

Automotive Accessory InstallerAuto Technician
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 54%High School Diploma, 38%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Automotive accessory installer vs auto technician demographics

Here are the differences between automotive accessory installers' and auto technicians' demographics:

Automotive Accessory InstallerAuto Technician
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 94.2% Female, 5.8%Male, 95.1% Female, 4.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 25.1% Asian, 4.8% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.5% Asian, 5.0% White, 60.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between automotive accessory installer and auto technician duties and responsibilities

Automotive accessory installer example responsibilities.

  • Inspect cars, service and repairs specializing in BMW repairs, manage shop, price and order parts, customer service
  • Repair Chrysler LLC vehicles with manufacture support diagnostic information and factory service procedures in a fast pace shop environment.
  • Install all types of car audio/video/security/accessory equipment to MECP standards.

Auto technician example 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).
  • Show more

Automotive accessory installer vs auto technician skills

Common automotive accessory installer skills
  • Customer Vehicles, 77%
  • GPS, 8%
  • Alarm Systems, 6%
  • Automotive Accessories, 5%
  • Assembly Line, 5%
Common auto technician skills
  • Taking Care, 21%
  • Preventive Maintenance, 20%
  • Customer Vehicles, 12%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Work Ethic, 5%
  • Diagnosis, 5%

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