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Become An Automotive Mechanic

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Working As An Automotive Mechanic

  • Getting Information
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

  • Outdoors/walking/standing

  • Make Decisions

  • $48,560

    Average Salary

What Does An Automotive Mechanic Do

Automotive service technicians and mechanics, often called service technicians or service techs, inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.

Duties

Automotive service technicians and mechanics typically do the following:

  • Identify problems, often by using computerized diagnostic equipment
  • Plan work procedures, using charts, technical manuals, and experience
  • Test parts and systems to ensure that they work properly
  • Follow checklists to ensure that all critical parts are examined
  • Perform basic care and maintenance, including changing oil, checking fluid levels, and rotating tires
  • Repair or replace worn parts, such as brake pads, wheel bearings, and sensors
  • Perform repairs to manufacturer and customer specifications
  • Explain automotive problems and repairs to clients

Although service technicians work on traditional mechanical systems, such as engines, transmissions, and drivebelts, they must also be familiar with a growing number of electronic systems. Braking, transmission, and steering systems, for example, are controlled primarily by computers and electronic components.

Other integrated electronic systems, such as accident-avoidance sensors, are becoming common as well. In addition, a growing number of technicians are required to work on vehicles that consume alternative fuels, such as ethanol and electricity.

Service technicians use many different tools, including computerized diagnostic tools and power tools such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding torches, and jacks and hoists. These tools usually are owned by their employers.

Service technicians also use many common hand tools, such as wrenches, pliers, and sockets and ratchets. Service technicians generally own these tools themselves. In fact, experienced workers often have thousands of dollars invested in their personal tool collection. For example, some invest in their own set of pneumatic tools—such as impact wrenches—powered by compressed air.

The following are examples of types of service technicians:

Automotive air-conditioning technicians install and repair air-conditioners and parts, such as compressors, condensers, and controls. These workers must be trained and certified in handling refrigerants.

Brake technicians diagnose brake system problems, adjust brakes, replace brake rotors and pads, and make other repairs on brake systems. Some technicians specialize in both brake and front-end work. (See “Front-end technicians.”) 

Drivability technicians, also known as diagnostic technicians, use their extensive knowledge of engine management and fuel, electrical, ignition, and emissions systems to diagnose issues that prevent engines from performing efficiently. They often use the onboard diagnostic system of a car and electronic testing equipment such as scan tools and multimeters to find the malfunction.

Front-end technicians diagnose ride, handling, and tire wear problems. To correct these problems, they frequently use special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines.

Transmission technicians and rebuilders work on gear trains, couplings, hydraulic pumps, and other parts of transmissions. An extensive knowledge of computer controls and the ability to diagnose electrical and hydraulic problems are needed to work on these complex components.

For information about technicians who work on large trucks and buses, see the profile on diesel service technicians and mechanics.

For information about technicians who work on farm equipment, construction vehicles, and railcars, see the profile on heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians.

For information about technicians who repair and service motorcycles, motorboats, and small all-terrain vehicles, see the profile on small engine mechanics.

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How To Become An Automotive Mechanic

Employers prefer that automotive service technicians and mechanics complete a formal training program at a postsecondary institution. Industry certification is usually required once the person is employed.

Education

High school courses in automotive repair, electronics, computers, and mathematics provide a good background for prospective service technicians. However, high school graduates typically need further training to become fully qualified.

Completing a vocational or other postsecondary education program in automotive service technology is considered the best preparation for entry-level positions. Programs usually last 6 months to a year and provide intensive career preparation through classroom instruction and hands-on practice. Short-term certificate programs in a particular subject, such as brake maintenance or engine performance, are also available.

Some service technicians get an associate’s degree. Courses usually include mathematics, electronics, and automotive repair. Some programs add classes in customer service and other necessary skills.

Various automobile manufacturers and dealers sponsor associate’s degree programs. Students in these programs typically spend alternating periods attending classes full time and working full time in service shops under the guidance of an experienced technician.

Training

Service technicians who have graduated from postsecondary programs in automotive service technology generally require little on-the-job training.

Those who have not completed postsecondary education, however, generally start as trainee technicians, technicians’ helpers, or lubrication workers. They gradually acquire more knowledge and experience by working with experienced mechanics and technicians.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all technicians who buy or work with refrigerants to be certified in proper refrigerant handling. No formal test preparation is required, but many trade schools, unions, and employer associations offer training programs designed for the EPA exam.

Certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is the standard credential for service technicians. Certification demonstrates competence and usually brings higher pay. Many employers require their service technicians to become certified.

ASE certification is available in nine different automobile specialty areas: automatic transmission/transaxle, brakes, light vehicle diesel engines, electrical/electronic systems, engine performance, engine repair, heating and air-conditioning, manual drive train and axles, and suspension and steering.

To become certified, technicians must have at least 2 years of experience (or relevant schooling and 1 year of experience) and pass an exam. Technicians who achieve certification in all of the foregoing areas (light vehicle diesel engine certification is not required) may earn ASE Master Technician status.

Important Qualities

Customer-service skills. Service technicians must discuss automotive problems—along with options to fix them—with their customers. Because workers may depend on repeat clients for business, they must be courteous, good listeners, and ready to answer customers’ questions.

Detail oriented. 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.

Dexterity. Service technicians perform many tasks that require steady hands and good hand-eye coordination, such as assembling or attaching components and subassemblies.

Mechanical skills. Service technicians must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other. They often must take apart major parts for repairs and be able to put them back together properly.

Organizational skills. Service technicians must keep workspaces clean and organized in order to maintain safety and ensure accountability of parts.

Physical strength. Service technicians must sometimes lift and maneuver heavy parts such as engines and body panels.

Troubleshooting skills. Service technicians must be able to use diagnostic equipment on engine systems and components in order to identify and fix problems in increasingly complicated mechanical and electronic systems. They must be familiar with electronic control systems and the appropriate tools needed to fix and maintain them.

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Automotive Mechanic jobs

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Automotive Mechanic Demographics

Gender

  • Male

    94.8%

  • Female

    4.0%

  • Unknown

    1.3%

Ethnicity

  • White

    78.0%

  • Hispanic or Latino

    13.2%

  • Asian

    6.9%

  • Unknown

    1.4%

  • Black or African American

    0.5%
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Languages Spoken

  • Spanish

    53.5%

  • German

    5.6%

  • Chinese

    4.2%

  • Carrier

    4.2%

  • Arabic

    4.2%

  • Portuguese

    2.8%

  • French

    2.8%

  • Tagalog

    2.8%

  • Korean

    2.8%

  • Mandarin

    2.8%

  • Swedish

    1.4%

  • Khmer

    1.4%

  • Navajo

    1.4%

  • Filipino

    1.4%

  • Cantonese

    1.4%

  • Japanese

    1.4%

  • Russian

    1.4%

  • Armenian

    1.4%

  • Dakota

    1.4%

  • Polish

    1.4%
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Automotive Mechanic

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Real Automotive Mechanic Salaries

Job Title Company Location Start Date Salary
Automotive Mechanic TK Imports Auto Repair San Diego, CA Aug 26, 2016 $65,000
Automotive Mechanic Far East Motors, Inc. Silver Spring, MD Jan 29, 2015 $56,160
Automotive Mechanic Has, Inc. Dba Zuby's OC Tires and Brakes Garden Grove, CA May 12, 2016 $54,080
Automotive Mechanic TK Imports Auto Repair San Diego, CA May 20, 2015 $53,000
Automotive Mechanic Victoria West Services, Inc. Houston, TX Oct 22, 2010 $50,232
Automotive Mechanic Victoria West Services, Inc. Houston, TX Oct 27, 2011 $50,232
Automotive Mechanic Victoria West Services, Inc. Houston, TX Mar 23, 2011 $50,232
Automotive Mechanic Top Corporation T/A Wt Auto Body Fairfax, VA Jul 19, 2016 $50,190
Automotive Mechanic Autobahn Car Service LLC Rockville, MD Jul 22, 2016 $49,109
Automotive Mechanic Jun's Auto Body, Inc. Manassas, VA Mar 20, 2015 $46,488
Automotive Mechanic ECO Drive Auto Sales & Leasing Inc. Torrance, CA Sep 28, 2016 $46,280
Automotive Mechanic Linden Service Wellesley, MA Jan 22, 2015 $46,093
Automotive Mechanic Dinmar Auto Repair Newark, NJ Feb 26, 2009 $45,705
Automotive Mechanic Rafique & Hahn LLC Alexandria, VA Apr 07, 2010 $44,578
Automotive Mechanic Springs Auto Repair Inc. East Hampton, NY Apr 02, 2016 $44,533
Automotive Mechanic ABJ Foreign Auto Supply, Inc. Somerville, MA Nov 09, 2007 $43,535
Automotive Mechanic JJ Automotive II, Inc. Ridgefield, NJ Jun 09, 2016 $43,202
Automotive Mechanic Little Montgomery, Inc. T/A Laurel Motors Laurel, MD Sep 12, 2008 $43,159
Automotive Mechanic Little Montgomery, Inc. T/A Laurel Motors Laurel, MD Apr 13, 2009 $43,159
Automotive Mechanic Automedic Daignostics Inc. New York, NY Nov 25, 2015 $43,050
Automotive Mechanic F-1 Repair LLC Garfield, NJ Sep 06, 2016 $43,014
Automotive Mechanic Berwyn Heights Services, Inc. College Park, MD Mar 18, 2010 $42,825
Automotive Mechanic EZ Collision LLC Houston, TX Mar 02, 2016 $39,874
Automotive Mater Mechanic Aamco Transmissions Pomona, CA Jun 16, 2008 $39,507
Automotive Mechanic Gardena Automotive Center, Inc.Dba Best Buy Tire C Gardena, CA Sep 06, 2016 $38,646
Automotive Mechanics Absolute Rover Los Angeles, CA Feb 19, 2010 $38,610 -
$40,697
Automotive Mechanic DIDI's Automotive II LLC West Long Branch, NJ Mar 30, 2011 $38,192
Automotive Mechanic Janus Enterprise Inc. Branchburg, NJ May 20, 2008 $38,088
Automotive Mechanic Custom Auto Body Fairview, NJ Jul 22, 2008 $37,086
Automotive Mechanic Maxed Performance, Inc. Huntington Beach, CA May 12, 2008 $34,436

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Top Skills for An Automotive Mechanic

VehicleMaintenanceEngineRepairOilChangesEngineTune-UpsPreventiveMaintenanceDiagnosticEquipmentDieselEnginesAutomotiveRepairCustomerServiceElectricalSystemsDiagnosisTroubleshootFuelSystemsAirCompressorsBrakeSystemsRoutineMaintenanceWaterPumpsMaintenanceServicesWheelBearingsHandTools

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Top Automotive Mechanic Skills

  1. Vehicle Maintenance
  2. Engine Repair
  3. Oil Changes
You can check out examples of real life uses of top skills on resumes here:
  • Relay all vehicle maintenance to supervisors and consumers for quick and trouble free service.
  • Handled advanced engine repair and diagnostics.
  • Performed light mechanic work, including brake jobs, tune ups, and oil changes.
  • Performed engine tune-ups, preventive maintenance, repaired and replaced major auto components.
  • Performed routine preventive maintenance to ensure that building systems operated efficiently.

Top Automotive Mechanic Employers

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