How to hire an automotive technology instructor

How to hire an automotive technology instructor, step by step

Here's a step-by-step automotive technology instructor hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an automotive technology instructor job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new automotive technology instructor
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does an automotive technology instructor do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The automotive technology instructor hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect automotive technology instructor also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   The following list breaks down different types of automotive technology instructors and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Automotive Technology Instructor	Description	Hourly rate
   Automotive Technology Instructor	Career and technical education teachers instruct students in various technical and vocational subjects, such as auto repair, healthcare, and culinary arts. They teach academic and technical content to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to enter an occupation.	$15-39
   Instructor	Instructors are responsible for imparting knowledge to students. They are well-versed in different topics related to their area of teaching... Show more	$14-45

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Automotive Technology
   • Student Learning
   • Automotive Services
   • Engine Performance
   • Syllabus
   • Brake Systems
   • Advisory Committee
   • Engine Repair
   • Program Certification
   • Automatic Transmissions
   • Automotive Repair
   • Student Performance
   • Automotive Program
   • Teach Automotive

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage IEP findings conduct classroom observations for techniques and developmental progression.
   • Used latest GPS technology and radar sensor monitoring of vehicle speed, position and automate controls.
   • Monitor group activities, ensure enforcement of childcare regulations, administrate study sessions, enforce work area safety procedures, etc.
   • Develop and deliver ASE / NATEF align curriculum including classroom and hands on training.
   • Schedule and maintain a teaching lab with the required equipment and safety standards to be a NATEF certify facility.
   • Organize program of practical instruction, including the demonstration of skills require in automotive trade.

   More automotive technology instructor duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your automotive technology instructor job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An automotive technology instructor salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, automotive technology instructors' average salary in kansas is 55% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level automotive technology instructors earn 61% less than senior-level automotive technology instructors.
   • Certifications. An automotive technology instructor with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in an automotive technology instructor's salary.

   Average automotive technology instructor salary

   $51,809yearly

   $24.91 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level automotive technology instructor salary

   $32,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 22, 2026

   Average automotive technology instructor salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$70,218	$34
   2	Utah	$58,531	$28
   3	New York	$57,401	$28
   4	Massachusetts	$56,280	$27
   5	Oregon	$55,662	$27
   6	Michigan	$53,424	$26
   7	Texas	$52,367	$25
   8	Arizona	$52,273	$25
   9	Wisconsin	$52,173	$25
   10	Washington	$51,762	$25
   11	Indiana	$50,487	$24
   12	North Carolina	$49,486	$24
   13	Tennessee	$48,770	$23
   14	Louisiana	$48,744	$23
   15	Oklahoma	$48,562	$23
   16	Colorado	$46,890	$23
   17	Florida	$46,620	$22
   18	Missouri	$40,663	$20
   19	New Jersey	$36,670	$18

   Average automotive technology instructor salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama	$93,802	$45.10	3
   2	Lucid Motors	$84,134	$40.45	15
   3	Renton Technical College	$58,580	$28.16	24
   4	Porter and Chester Institute	$57,096	$27.45	51
   5	San Diego College of Continuing Education	$53,718	$25.83	23
   6	Tulsa Tech	$53,625	$25.78	24
   7	Raytheon Technologies	$49,839	$23.96	8
   8	Louisiana Delta Community College	$48,180	$23.16
   9	SUNY Erie	$46,648	$22.43	3
   10	Virginia's Community Colleges	$46,331	$22.27	184
   11	Universal Technical Institute	$46,031	$22.13	101
   12	State of Georgia: Teachers Retirement System of Georgia	$43,788	$21.05	197
   13	Aims Community College	$43,332	$20.83	8
   14	Chippewa Valley Schools	$43,167	$20.75	19
   15	Los Angeles Trade-Technical College	$43,099	$20.72	89
   16	Lincoln Tech	$42,548	$20.46	79
   17	Eastern Suffolk BOCES	$40,023	$19.24
   18	Kelly Services	$39,588	$19.03	6
   19	Rancho Alamitos High School	$39,333	$18.91	2
   20	Wayne RESA	$31,691	$15.24	12

4. Writing an automotive technology instructor job description

   An automotive technology instructor job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of an automotive technology instructor job description:

   Automotive technology instructor job description example

   Vertex - Technology & Training Solutions - AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN INSTRUCTOR - Mansfield, MA - $3,000.00 SIGN ON BONUS!
   
   The position you are applying for is with Vertex Technology & Training Solutions which was formerly Raytheon Global Training & Logistics. The Vertex Company acquired Raytheon Global Training & Logistics in December 2021.
   
   The Vertex Company is a services solutions provider that operates as a federal government prime contractor. With over 7,000 employees in 200 locations worldwide, the Mississippi-based company offers vertically integrated solutions for defense and commercial customers.
   
   Delivering integrated turnkey lifecycle support from concept definition, to engineering and manufacturing, through end of life support of complex systems and platforms, Vertex offerings include all levels of aviation maintenance, worldwide contractor logistics support, systems engineering and integration, specialized onsite mission execution, high consequence training programs for defense and commercial customers, and integrated supply-chain solutions. Over our 50 year history, we have perfected the balance of cost, schedule, and performance to offer high-quality solutions that consistently exceed customer requirements.
   
   Technology is evolving quickly, join the team that transfers the high-tech knowledge to the technicians who service high-tech vehicles daily. This is a great opportunity for automotive technicians to advance their career by teaching other technicians! Vertex Professional Services (RPS) is hiring an Automotive Technician Instructor to facilitate Instructor Led Training courses to advanced automotive service technicians based in our Mansfield, MA facility. Working with customers and co-workers in a team environment, this position requires thorough knowledge of intricate automotive systems and advanced automotive systems diagnostic skills.
   
   The successful candidate will receive a $3,000 sign-on bonus within their first 60 days of employment.
   Required Skills
   
   + Minimum of two years automotive technician experience
   
   + Current ASE Certified Master Technician
   
   + Ability to complete tasks with minimal direction, including self-guided study, to stay current with technology
   
   + Demonstrated ability to work skillfully with highly technical diagnostic equipment, including: Scan Tools, Lab Scopes, DVOMs, Air Conditioning Recycling Equipment, Vibration Diagnostic Equipment, etc.
   
   + Intermediate computer skills, including the use of the internet, Microsoft Office products and email
   
   + Ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations and work environments
   
   + Must have excellent time management and organizational skills
   
   + Ability to travel to in-dealership coaching events
   
   Desired Skills
   
   + GM Master Technician Certification preferred
   
   + Two years automotive instructor experience
   
   + Previous dealership experience
   
   Required Education
   
   + Associates degree in Automotive Technology or successful completion of a formal Automotive Technology Program with a high school diploma
   
   + Four years automotive technician experience with a high school diploma may be considered in lieu of a degree
   
   Work Environment:
   
   Work is performed in both classroom and shop/lab settings. Working in shop/lab areas may involve exposure to various automotive fumes, fluids, noise, smells, sharp edges and bump hazards that require continuous use of personal protective equipment, i.e., safety glasses, gloves, and head protection. Classroom work may involve standing, sitting, walking, occasional lifting (overhead, waist level) from floor, bending, frequent near vision use for reading and computer use.
   
   Physical Requirements:
   
   While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, communicate, reach, and manipulate objects. Duties may involve moving materials weighing up to 35 pounds on a regular basis such as automotive components and equipment, as well as papers, files, boxes, computers, etc. Less frequent requirements for moving materials weighing over 35 pounds do exist with the assistance of lifting and moving equipment, i.e., hoists and lift tables. Manual dexterity and coordination are required over 50% of the work period while working in the shop/lab areas as well as operating equipment such as computer keyboard, monitor, projector, calculator, printer, and standard office equipment.
   
   This position requires a U.S. Person who is eligible to obtain any required Export Authorization.
   
   Vertex is committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment in which we recognize and value each other's differences as well as fostering a culture that promotes its core values: Professionalism, Integrity, and Respect. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
   
   Raytheon Technologies is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find automotive technology instructors for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any automotive technology instructors they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level automotive technology instructors with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your automotive technology instructor job on Zippia to find and attract quality automotive technology instructor candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as k12jobspot, learn4good, serious teachers, teachingjobs.com.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting automotive technology instructors requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new automotive technology instructor

   Once you've selected the best automotive technology instructor candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new automotive technology instructor. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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