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Automotive refinish technician vs auto technician

The differences between automotive refinish technicians and auto technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an automotive refinish technician, becoming an auto technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an auto technician has an average salary of $41,435, which is higher than the $40,513 average annual salary of an automotive refinish technician.

The top three skills for an automotive refinish technician include R, PPG and dealership procedures. The most important skills for an auto technician are taking care, preventive maintenance, and customer vehicles.

Automotive refinish technician vs auto technician overview

Automotive Refinish TechnicianAuto Technician
Yearly salary$40,513$41,435
Hourly rate$19.48$19.92
Growth rate2%1%
Number of jobs66,119131,515
Job satisfaction-2
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 40%High School Diploma, 38%
Average age4240
Years of experience42

Automotive refinish technician vs auto technician salary

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

Automotive Refinish TechnicianAuto Technician
Average salary$40,513$41,435
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $58,000Between $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 refinish technician and auto technician education

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

Automotive Refinish TechnicianAuto Technician
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 40%High School Diploma, 38%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Automotive refinish technician vs auto technician demographics

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

Automotive Refinish TechnicianAuto Technician
Average age4240
Gender ratioMale, 98.0% Female, 2.0%Male, 95.1% Female, 4.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 22.5% Asian, 3.3% White, 58.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%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 Percentage4%2%

Differences between automotive refinish technician and auto technician duties and responsibilities

Automotive refinish technician example responsibilities.

  • Inspect cars, service and repairs specializing in BMW repairs, manage shop, price and order parts, customer service
  • Implement PLC programming and troubleshooting procedures while also initiating and executing process improvements and conducting parts research when necessary.
  • Disassemble components and repair or replace damage parts of engine, transmission, a/c and various other assemblies.

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 refinish technician vs auto technician skills

Common automotive refinish technician skills
  • R, 38%
  • PPG, 17%
  • Dealership Procedures, 15%
  • Painting Process, 15%
  • Coats, 15%
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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