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The differences between automotive mechanics and 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 mechanic and a technician. Additionally, an automotive mechanic has an average salary of $42,864, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.
The top three skills for an automotive mechanic include customer service, work ethic and hand tools. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| Automotive Mechanic | Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $42,864 | $38,045 |
| Hourly rate | $20.61 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 95,703 | 596,842 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | 2 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
An automotive mechanic is responsible for inspecting the vehicle's engine, identifying defects and inconsistencies, and repairing malfunctioning components through diagnostic tests. Automotive mechanics diagnose problems and inform the customers of troubleshooting procedures and provide cost estimates for maintenance. They may also offer additional services to boost the engine's optimal performance and efficiency, at the same time, to generate more revenues for the business. An automotive mechanic must have excellent knowledge of the automotive industry, especially in responding to the inquiries and concerns of the customers regarding their vehicles and schedule regular repairs as necessary.
Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
Automotive mechanics and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automotive Mechanic | Technician | |
| Average salary | $42,864 | $38,045 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $59,000 | Between $24,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Greeley, CO | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Colorado | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Eversource Energy | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between an automotive mechanic and a technician in terms of educational background:
| Automotive Mechanic | Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between automotive mechanics' and technicians' demographics:
| Automotive Mechanic | Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.4% Female, 3.6% | Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 5.0% White, 60.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |