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Car mechanic vs technician

The differences between car mechanics and technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a car mechanic and a technician. Additionally, a technician has an average salary of $38,045, which is higher than the $37,369 average annual salary of a car mechanic.

The top three skills for a car mechanic include diagnostic tools, ASE and engine repair. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.

Car mechanic vs technician overview

Car MechanicTechnician
Yearly salary$37,369$38,045
Hourly rate$17.97$18.29
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs89,782596,842
Job satisfaction22
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

Car mechanic vs technician salary

Car mechanics and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Car MechanicTechnician
Average salary$37,369$38,045
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $49,000Between $24,000 And $58,000
Highest paying City-San Jose, CA
Highest paying state-Hawaii
Best paying company-Microsoft
Best paying industry-Telecommunication

Differences between car mechanic and technician education

There are a few differences between a car mechanic and a technician in terms of educational background:

Car MechanicTechnician
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyBusiness
Most common college--

Car mechanic vs technician demographics

Here are the differences between car mechanics' and technicians' demographics:

Car MechanicTechnician
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 97.5% Female, 2.5%Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.8% Asian, 5.0% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between car mechanic and technician duties and responsibilities

Car mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Adjust and set mowing heights for all mowers per the superintendant.
  • Sharpen all mowing blades for greens mowers, rough mowers and fairway mowers.
  • Perform diagnostics on vehicle ECUs in addition to vehicle services such as oil, brakes, and filter changes.
  • Weld broken frames and battery boxes.
  • Preform tune-ups and A/C, and electrical repairs.
  • Fabricate new parts using gas torches, welder and various measuring tools.
  • Show more

Technician example responsibilities.

  • Achieve multiple ASE certifications within first year of employment.
  • Implement and manage UHF radio base stations, repeaters, and command network, effectively linking all regional headquarters.
  • Manage telecommunications installation and repair for hospital Nortel network.
  • Maintain numerous automate scripts to assist in managing Linux systems.
  • Manage, troubleshot and repair multiple wireless technologies including fiber optic transmission switches.
  • Install peripherals including printers, fax machines, scanners, and smartphones.
  • Show more

Car mechanic vs technician skills

Common car mechanic skills
  • Diagnostic Tools, 18%
  • ASE, 9%
  • Engine Repair, 9%
  • Brake Pads, 7%
  • Customer Vehicles, 6%
  • Oil Changes, 6%
Common technician skills
  • Patients, 16%
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Diagnosis, 5%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 4%

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