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What does an automotive technician do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Trish Serratore
What does an automotive technician do

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.

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Automotive technician responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real automotive technician resumes:

  • Inspect cars, service and repairs specializing in BMW repairs, manage shop, price and order parts, customer service
  • Repair, maintenance, and major overhaul of many type cummins diesel engines.
  • Require to have great attention to detail and have manual dexterity in both arms and hands.
  • Utilize diagnostic equipment to test electrical and engine components to provide proper diagnosis and solutions to customers
  • complete overhaul of cummins engines and mopar gasoline engines.
  • Perform maintenance in accordance with FAA and OSHA regulations.
  • Replace brake rotors, pads, calipers and master cylinder.
  • Install transmission mount pto's, pumps and clutch pumps.
  • Identify prices of goods and tabulate bills using the POS system.
  • Train in reception, medical history, phlebotomy, and sample prep.
  • Certify through O'Day to operate forklifts and operate cranes and overhead cranes.
  • Experience with masonry, various power tools, ladders, and gas appliances.
  • Diagnose, repair and maintain Kenworth trucks as well as trucks from other manufacturers.
  • Repair cassis such as Peterbilt, Kenworth, international, Vovlo, freight liner etc.
  • Perform various shop duties, utilize brazing equipment in shop repairs, and operate evacuation /recovery machines.

Automotive technician skills and personality traits

We calculated that 11% of Automotive Technicians are proficient in Work Ethic, Computer System, and Customer Service. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Detail oriented, and Dexterity.

We break down the percentage of Automotive Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Work Ethic, 11%

    Contributed valued work ethic that increased productivity percentages substantially; allowing rental goals to exceed expectations.

  • Computer System, 10%

    Specialized in diagnostics of electrical components and automotive computer systems * Conducted general automotive repair

  • Customer Service, 10%

    Performed oil changes tire installation alignments breaks tuneups steering and suspension evaluations and maintenance services customer service

  • Taking Care, 8%

    Engaged in excellent customer service in the shop and on the phone, taking care of all customers' needs.

  • Preventive Maintenance, 7%

    Skilled in general maintenance/repair of mechanical and electrical system malfunctions, preventive maintenance, state emission/inspections, power steering, and suspension

  • ASE, 6%

    Started as an apprentice and quickly promoted to full-time automotive technician after successfully acquiring ASE certifications.

Most automotive technicians use their skills in "work ethic," "computer system," and "customer service" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential automotive technician responsibilities here:

Customer-service skills. One of the key soft skills for an automotive technician to have is customer-service skills. You can see how this relates to what automotive technicians do because "service technicians discuss automotive problems—along with options to fix them—with their customers." Additionally, an automotive technician resume shows how automotive technicians use customer-service skills: "maintain and repair of customer vehicles- assist management team in daily operations- provide detailed diagnostics before vehicle repairs- routine maintenance on equipment"

Detail oriented. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling automotive technician duties is detail oriented. The role rewards competence in this skill because "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." According to an automotive technician resume, here's how automotive technicians can utilize detail oriented in their job responsibilities: "interacted with customers on a daily basis and provided detailed information on vehicle repair to customer to ensure a full understanding. "

Dexterity. automotive technicians are also known for dexterity, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to automotive technician responsibilities, because "service technicians perform many tasks that require steady hands and good hand–eye coordination, such as assembling or attaching components and subassemblies." An automotive technician resume example shows how dexterity is used in the workplace: "use of shop equipment such as vehicle lifts, lathes, welding equipment and torches and any other shop tools. "

Organizational skills. A big part of what automotive technicians do relies on "organizational skills." You can see how essential it is to automotive technician responsibilities because "service technicians must keep workspaces clean and organized in order to maintain safety and ensure accountability of parts." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical automotive technician tasks: "aquired more knowledge and organizational skills working under the supervision of a master tech. "

Physical strength. Another crucial skill for an automotive technician to carry out their responsibilities is "physical strength." A big part of what automotive technicians relies on this skill, since "service technicians must sometimes lift and maneuver heavy parts such as engines and body panels." How this skill relates to automotive technician duties can be seen in an example from an automotive technician resume snippet: "provided customer service and training for on base physical fitness center. "

Troubleshooting skills. While "troubleshooting skills" is last on this skills list, don't underestimate its importance to automotive technician responsibilities. Much of what an automotive technician does relies on this skill, seeing as "service technicians use diagnostic equipment on engine systems and components in order to identify and fix problems in increasingly complicated mechanical and electronic systems." Here is a resume example of how this skill is used in the everyday duties of automotive technicians: "12901performed diagnostic work, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of all automotive systems. "

All automotive technician skills

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Compare different automotive technicians

Automotive technician vs. Mechanic helper

The job of a mechanic helper is to support lead mechanics and perform a variety of duties and responsibilities. You will be assisting in the maintenance of cars, such as changing tires and oils, replacing brakes, and diagnosing vehicle issues. In addition, you will be responsible for logging labor costs and inventory use and take vehicles for test drives. Other duties include replacing belts and hoses, assisting the lead mechanic in major projects, and repairing and maintaining cars.

If we compare the average automotive technician annual salary with that of a mechanic helper, we find that mechanic helpers typically earn a $9,018 lower salary than automotive technicians make annually.Even though automotive technicians and mechanic helpers are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require work ethic, strong work ethic, and preventive maintenance in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an automotive technician are more likely to require skills like "computer system," "customer service," "taking care," and "ase." On the other hand, a job as a mechanic helper requires skills like "safety equipment," "safety procedures," "diesel engines," and "mechanical equipment." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Mechanic helpers really shine in the professional industry with an average salary of $36,229. Comparatively, automotive technicians tend to make the most money in the automotive industry with an average salary of $39,614.On average, mechanic helpers reach similar levels of education than automotive technicians. Mechanic helpers are 0.8% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Automotive technician vs. Light wheel mechanic

A light wheel mechanic is responsible for maintaining the optimal performance and efficiency of light-wheeled vehicles used for industrial operations, especially in a military setting. Light wheel mechanics inspect the condition of the vehicle's engine, perform preventive maintenance, replace defective components, assemble upgrade systems based on schematics and blueprints, and create resolution reports for reference. They must have excellent knowledge of the auto-mechanic industry to determine faults and identify repairs, avoiding delays, complications, and hazards during operations.

Light wheel mechanic positions earn higher pay than automotive technician roles. They earn a $1,038 higher salary than automotive technicians per year.A few skills overlap for automotive technicians and light wheel mechanics. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "oil changes," "maintenance services," and "routine maintenance. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that automotive technician responsibilities requires skills like "work ethic," "strong work ethic," "computer system," and "customer service." But a light wheel mechanic might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "electrical systems," "equipment systems," "mos," and "track vehicles."

Light wheel mechanics earn similar levels of education than automotive technicians in general. They're 1.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for automotive technicians in the next 3-5 years?

Trish SerratoreTrish Serratore LinkedIn profile

Senior VP Communications, ASE

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.

Automotive technician vs. Truck mechanic

Also known as diesel services technicians, truck mechanics perform various heavy-duty truck tasks. The technicians work on large vehicles, tractor-trailers, and buses. It is their duty to inspect, make diagnoses, and repair the brake systems and other electrical components. They conduct routine maintenance work, which aims for longevity and functionality. It is also important for them to have skills in communication, organization, computer system, and administrative tasks.

On average, truck mechanics earn higher salaries than automotive technicians, with a $9,259 difference per year.By looking over several automotive technicians and truck mechanics resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "customer service," "preventive maintenance," and "ase." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an automotive technician is likely to be skilled in "work ethic," "strong work ethic," "computer system," and "taking care," while a typical truck mechanic is skilled in "cdl," "electrical systems," "diesel engines," and "dot."

Truck mechanics earn the highest salary when working in the energy industry, where they receive an average salary of $53,263. Comparatively, automotive technicians have the highest earning potential in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $39,614.Most truck mechanics achieve a similar degree level compared to automotive technicians. For example, they're 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Automotive technician vs. Equipment mechanic

An equipment mechanic specializes in inspecting and repairing mechanical systems, ensuring quality and efficiency. They typically respond to issues and concerns, identify client needs, conduct inspections, and perform corrective measures and repairs as needed. An equipment mechanic may also liaise with clients, explaining to them the extent of repairs and provide cost-estimates. Furthermore, it is essential to perform regular maintenance checks to ensure its efficiency and safety of operators, all while building positive relationships with customers to strengthen the client base.

Equipment mechanics average a higher salary than the annual salary of automotive technicians. The difference is about $4,525 per year.According to resumes from automotive technicians and equipment mechanics, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "customer service," "preventive maintenance," and "oil changes. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between automotive technicians and equipment mechanics, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an automotive technician might have more use for skills like "work ethic," "strong work ethic," "computer system," and "taking care." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of equipment mechanics require skills like "cdl," "electrical systems," "ladders," and "cranes. "

Equipment mechanics enjoy the best pay in the transportation industry, with an average salary of $54,089. For comparison, automotive technicians earn the highest salary in the automotive industry.The average resume of equipment mechanics showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to automotive technicians. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 0.4% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.1%.

Types of automotive technician

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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