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Automotive alignment specialist vs auto technician

The differences between automotive alignment specialists 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 alignment specialist and an auto technician. Additionally, an auto technician has an average salary of $41,435, which is higher than the $36,360 average annual salary of an automotive alignment specialist.

The top three skills for an automotive alignment specialist include customer service, customer vehicles and air filters. The most important skills for an auto technician are taking care, preventive maintenance, and customer vehicles.

Automotive alignment specialist vs auto technician overview

Automotive Alignment SpecialistAuto Technician
Yearly salary$36,360$41,435
Hourly rate$17.48$19.92
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs35,557131,515
Job satisfaction-2
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 29%High School Diploma, 38%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

Automotive alignment specialist vs auto technician salary

Automotive alignment specialists and auto technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Automotive Alignment SpecialistAuto Technician
Average salary$36,360$41,435
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $53,000Between $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 alignment specialist and auto technician education

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

Automotive Alignment SpecialistAuto Technician
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 29%High School Diploma, 38%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Automotive alignment specialist vs auto technician demographics

Here are the differences between automotive alignment specialists' and auto technicians' demographics:

Automotive Alignment SpecialistAuto Technician
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 87.2% Female, 12.8%Male, 95.1% Female, 4.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.2% Asian, 5.0% White, 59.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%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 alignment specialist and auto technician duties and responsibilities

Automotive alignment specialist example responsibilities.

  • Achieve all require credits in annual BMW CORA program in order to develop knowledge of BMW procedures.
  • Manage customer accounts from initial diagnosis and estimate to final invoicing.
  • Preform basic welding operations when need.
  • Correct automobile alignments to OEM standards.
  • Repair certified pre own vehicles to bring them up to a vigorous Audi standard.
  • Monitor and analyze laser performance with respect to power, beam quality and atmospheric sodium return and communicates laser.
  • Show more

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).
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Automotive alignment specialist vs auto technician skills

Common automotive alignment specialist skills
  • Customer Service, 63%
  • Customer Vehicles, 18%
  • Air Filters, 10%
  • ASE, 4%
  • Alignment Issues, 3%
  • Electrical Systems, 1%
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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