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Job outlook for automotive technicians in the United States
Automotive technician job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected automotive technician job growth rate is 1% from 2018-2028.
About 10,600 new jobs for automotive technicians are projected over the next decade.
Automotive technician salaries have increased 15% for automotive technicians in the last 5 years.
There are over 92,598 automotive technicians currently employed in the United States.
There are 142,840 active automotive technician job openings in the US.
The average automotive technician salary is $40,910.
Are automotive technician jobs in demand?
Automotive Technician job and salary trends over time
Automotive Technician jobs over time
Automotive Technician job growth rate over time
| Year | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 92,598 | 0.03% |
| 2020 | 91,176 | 0.03% |
| 2019 | 96,354 | 0.03% |
| 2018 | 95,284 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 94,056 | 0.03% |
Average automotive technician salary over time
Automotive Technician salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $40,910 | $19.67 | +4.7% |
| 2024 | $39,090 | $18.79 | +3.4% |
| 2023 | $37,808 | $18.18 | +2.9% |
| 2022 | $36,731 | $17.66 | +2.8% |
| 2021 | $35,728 | $17.18 | +1.6% |
Automotive Technician jobs by state
Most common states for automotive technicians
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,343 | 43% |
| 2 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 545 | 28% |
| 3 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 294 | 28% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 265 | 28% |
| 5 | Alaska | 739,795 | 207 | 28% |
| 6 | Vermont | 623,657 | 176 | 28% |
| 7 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 361 | 27% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 352 | 26% |
| 9 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 189 | 25% |
| 10 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 2,491 | 24% |
| 11 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,579 | 24% |
| 12 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,329 | 24% |
| 13 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 211 | 24% |
| 14 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,271 | 23% |
| 15 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 1,487 | 22% |
| 16 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 1,120 | 22% |
| 17 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 916 | 22% |
| 18 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,257 | 21% |
| 19 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,220 | 21% |
| 20 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 653 | 21% |
Most common cities for automotive technicians
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Naperville | 13 | 9% | $41,451 |
| 2 | Fort Lauderdale | 14 | 8% | $37,066 |
| 3 | Orlando | 19 | 7% | $36,508 |
| 4 | Baton Rouge | 15 | 7% | $38,285 |
| 5 | Birmingham | 13 | 6% | $36,837 |
| 6 | Tampa | 17 | 5% | $36,764 |
| 7 | Glendale | 13 | 5% | $40,783 |
| 8 | Baltimore | 21 | 3% | $48,212 |
| 9 | Atlanta | 16 | 3% | $39,339 |
| 10 | Miami | 13 | 3% | $37,167 |
| 11 | Indianapolis | 20 | 2% | $37,581 |
| 12 | Denver | 15 | 2% | $42,135 |
| 13 | Jacksonville | 14 | 2% | $36,139 |
| 14 | Phoenix | 24 | 1% | $40,765 |
| 15 | San Diego | 20 | 1% | $47,295 |
| 16 | San Jose | 15 | 1% | $49,849 |
| 17 | Austin | 12 | 1% | $39,032 |
| 18 | Chicago | 13 | 0% | $41,590 |
Automotive Technician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of automotive technician experts
Julia Johnson
Professor, Automotive TechnologySkyline College
Vehicle Maintenance And Repair Technologies/Technicians
What general advice would you give to an Automotive Technician?
Julia Johnson: You will be starting out as a Lube Tech for your first job in the automotive industry. You will be expected to perform maintenance services accurately and within the industry standard timeframe. It may seem like it’s not challenging enough or too repetitive, but you will be expected to prove yourself at this level before you can advance.
What Automotive Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Julia Johnson: The skill that will be the most important in the next 3-5 years is electrical diagnosis and repair. Almost every system on modern vehicles has an electrical component, so gaining a solid understanding of electrical fundamentals is essential.
What will help Automotive Technicians increase their earning potential?
Julia Johnson: The fastest way to advance in your career is to begin earning your ASE Certifications. You should plan to earn your G-1 ASE certification within the first 6 months of your employment. There are 9 certificates in the A Series and if you earn them all, you will be an ASE certified Master Technician.
Caid Kroeger
Associates Degree Coordinator/InstructorWeber State University
Vehicle Maintenance And Repair Technologies/Technicians
What general advice would you give to an Automotive Technician?
Caid Kroeger: As the automotive industry continues to develop and manufacture EVs and hybrids, technicians with expertise in high-voltage systems, battery management, and electric powertrains will find their skills in great demand. Alongside this, a deep understanding of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, autonomous driving, and lane assist, will be necessary. This evolution in vehicle technology emphasizes the need for technicians to be well-versed in both EV/hybrid technologies and ADAS. Such a combination of diagnostic and analytical skills will be key to thriving in the constantly evolving automotive industry.
What Automotive Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Caid Kroeger: As the automotive industry continues to develop and manufacture EVs and hybrids, technicians with expertise in high-voltage systems, battery management, and electric powertrains will find their skills in great demand. Alongside this, a deep understanding of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, autonomous driving, and lane assist, will be necessary. This evolution in vehicle technology emphasizes the need for technicians to be well-versed in both EV/hybrid technologies and ADAS. Such a combination of diagnostic and analytical skills will be key to thriving in the constantly evolving automotive industry.
What will help Automotive Technicians increase their earning potential?
Caid Kroeger: Some advice I can give is embrace learning, work on your soft skills, and develop a strong understanding of electrical systems. With the continuous advancement of technology in the automotive industry, marked by the emergence of electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving, and connected car technologies, it is crucial for technicians to embrace continuous learning. Keeping pace with these advancements requires not only additional training and certifications but also a detailed understanding of the increasingly complex electrical systems that modern vehicles rely on. Enhancing electrical knowledge and troubleshooting skills has become more important than ever. Alongside these technical proficiencies, the cultivation of soft skills cannot be recommended enough. Effective communication, adept problem-solving, and superior customer service are essential, especially when it comes to explaining technical issues to customers who may lack technical expertise.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Automotive Technician job market given the pandemic?
Trish Serratore: The biggest trends facing the automotive service repair market are the need to help car owners understand that they still need to service their vehicles, even if they are not driving them as much due to remote working situations.
Smaller shops will have difficulties staying in business due to shutdowns and prior technician furloughs. Finding good technicians in this pandemic is just as complicated as before. Keeping technicians trained and updated will also be a factor in the repair business as shops get used to virtual and distance learning.
New graduates entering the field will need to showcase their credentials (ASE Certifications) and be able to quantify their experience. We are still hearing about a technician shortage, but many shops are still wary of an inexperienced individual.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Automotive Technicians in the next 3-5 years?
Trish Serratore: Vehicle manufacturers continue to add technology to their vehicles. Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS), collision avoidance technology, and telematics are just a few of these technologies. Infotainment will continue to be a prevalent factor as more folks want their vehicles to do what their phone does.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Automotive Technicians in the next 5 years?
Trish Serratore: Hard to say. There is no shortage of folks who would like to work as technicians. As technology increases, the competencies required will change the job descriptions. We will always need technicians for oil changes, brake repairs, HVAC, and the like. However, we will also need, but not as many, technicians with highly developed computer and electronic skills.