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Automotive accessory installer vs automotive technician

The differences between automotive accessory installers and automotive 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 automotive technician. Additionally, an automotive technician has an average salary of $40,910, 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 automotive technician are work ethic, computer system, and customer service.

Automotive accessory installer vs automotive technician overview

Automotive Accessory InstallerAutomotive Technician
Yearly salary$33,261$40,910
Hourly rate$15.99$19.67
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs48,085142,840
Job satisfaction-3.5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 54%Associate Degree, 34%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

Automotive accessory installer vs automotive technician salary

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

Automotive Accessory InstallerAutomotive Technician
Average salary$33,261$40,910
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $45,000Between $29,000 And $57,000
Highest paying City-Los Angeles, CA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-Orange County Sheriff's Office
Best paying industry-Automotive

Differences between automotive accessory installer and automotive technician education

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

Automotive Accessory InstallerAutomotive Technician
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 54%Associate Degree, 34%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Automotive accessory installer vs automotive technician demographics

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

Automotive Accessory InstallerAutomotive Technician
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 94.2% Female, 5.8%Male, 95.8% Female, 4.2%
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, 60.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between automotive accessory installer and automotive 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.

Automotive technician example responsibilities.

  • Inspect cars, service and repairs specializing in BMW repairs, manage shop, price and order parts, customer service
  • Repair, maintenance, and major overhaul of many type cummins diesel engines.
  • Require to have great attention to detail and have manual dexterity in both arms and hands.
  • Utilize diagnostic equipment to test electrical and engine components to provide proper diagnosis and solutions to customers
  • complete overhaul of cummins engines and mopar gasoline engines.
  • Perform maintenance in accordance with FAA and OSHA regulations.
  • Show more

Automotive accessory installer vs automotive technician skills

Common automotive accessory installer skills
  • Customer Vehicles, 77%
  • GPS, 8%
  • Alarm Systems, 6%
  • Automotive Accessories, 5%
  • Assembly Line, 5%
Common automotive technician skills
  • Work Ethic, 11%
  • Computer System, 10%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Taking Care, 8%
  • Preventive Maintenance, 7%
  • ASE, 6%

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