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The differences between automotive repair technicians 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 repair technician and an automotive technician. Additionally, an automotive repair technician has an average salary of $43,699, which is higher than the $40,910 average annual salary of an automotive technician.
The top three skills for an automotive repair technician include diagnosis, professional work and hand tools. The most important skills for an automotive technician are work ethic, computer system, and customer service.
| Automotive Repair Technician | Automotive Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $43,699 | $40,910 |
| Hourly rate | $21.01 | $19.67 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 160,366 | 142,840 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 31% | Associate Degree, 34% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
An automotive repair technician specializes in repairing and maintaining automotive equipment and systems. Part of their job requires them to communicate with clients to identify their needs, inspect the vehicles, conduct diagnostic and emission tests, troubleshoot problems, and replace or fix components as necessary. They also provide clients with cost estimates, discuss the extent of damages and needed repairs, and recommend other options or services. Moreover, as an automotive repair technician, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff for a smooth workflow.
An automotive technician is responsible for maintaining the condition of automotive equipment. The duties of an automotive technician include repairing defective automotive components and inspecting and ensuring the auto's performance, stability, and safety. A tech is also responsible for upgrading the electrical systems to boost efficiency, conducting oil changes and tire checks, and installing batteries. An automotive technician also runs quality checks and improves system designs based on clients' specifications. An automotive technician must have excellent knowledge of the mechanical industry and automotive systems to assist clients with their inquiries and concerns.
Automotive repair technicians and automotive technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Automotive Repair Technician | Automotive Technician | |
| Average salary | $43,699 | $40,910 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $63,000 | Between $29,000 And $57,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fairfield, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah | Orange County Sheriff's Office |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an automotive repair technician and an automotive technician in terms of educational background:
| Automotive Repair Technician | Automotive Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 31% | Associate Degree, 34% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between automotive repair technicians' and automotive technicians' demographics:
| Automotive Repair Technician | Automotive Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.2% Female, 5.8% | Male, 95.8% Female, 4.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.7% Asian, 5.0% White, 61.3% 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, 60.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |