Post job

Certified technician vs automotive repair technician

The differences between certified technicians and automotive repair 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 certified technician and an automotive repair technician. Additionally, a certified technician has an average salary of $52,208, which is higher than the $43,699 average annual salary of an automotive repair technician.

The top three skills for a certified technician include A+, patients and patient care. The most important skills for an automotive repair technician are diagnosis, professional work, and hand tools.

Certified technician vs automotive repair technician overview

Certified TechnicianAutomotive Repair Technician
Yearly salary$52,208$43,699
Hourly rate$25.10$21.01
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs140,083160,366
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 33%Associate Degree, 31%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

What does a certified technician do?

Certified technicians are technical professionals who perform technical tasks in the fields of applied science or engineering technology. These technicians are required to demonstrate their customer service skills and problem-solving abilities by resolving issues of customers immediately and efficiently. They must follow the dealership standards when performing work specified to maintenance and repair orders. They are required to work directly with customers to maximize equitable profitability for both the organization and their customers. Certified technicians must also possess detailed knowledge and experience in automobile mechanical works.

What does an automotive repair technician do?

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.

Certified technician vs automotive repair technician salary

Certified technicians and automotive repair technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Certified TechnicianAutomotive Repair Technician
Average salary$52,208$43,699
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $84,000Between $29,000 And $63,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WAFairfield, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonCalifornia
Best paying companyConnor GroupAAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah
Best paying industry-Retail

Differences between certified technician and automotive repair technician education

There are a few differences between a certified technician and an automotive repair technician in terms of educational background:

Certified TechnicianAutomotive Repair Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 33%Associate Degree, 31%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology
Most common college--

Certified technician vs automotive repair technician demographics

Here are the differences between certified technicians' and automotive repair technicians' demographics:

Certified TechnicianAutomotive Repair Technician
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 75.3% Female, 24.7%Male, 94.2% Female, 5.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.8% Asian, 5.0% White, 61.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%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%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between certified technician and automotive repair technician duties and responsibilities

Certified technician example responsibilities.

  • Lead and architect MDM migration from Sybase Afaria to Airwatch.
  • Manage a crew of 5 service technicians, providing repair and maintenance services for all HVAC.
  • Attain and maintain advanced level ASE certification.
  • Manage daily repair activities for high-volume Honda repair facility.
  • Oil changes top and bottom side transmission services ac services engine flush and license inspector.
  • Utilize several trade skills such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, roofing and heating and cooling systems.
  • Show more

Automotive repair technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage customer accounts from initial diagnosis and estimate to final invoicing.
  • Acquire ASE certification in brakes as well.
  • Monitor and analyze laser performance with respect to power, beam quality and atmospheric sodium return and communicates laser.
  • Download required software for programming and diagnostics to load on correct PC.
  • Diagnose, upgrade and repair PC and Macintosh computers, printers and laptops.
  • Communicate with users to remotely resolve windows software problems.
  • Show more

Certified technician vs automotive repair technician skills

Common certified technician skills
  • A+, 45%
  • Patients, 13%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • Diagnosis, 5%
  • Customer Service, 2%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 2%
Common automotive repair technician skills
  • Diagnosis, 18%
  • Professional Work, 14%
  • Hand Tools, 11%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • ABS, 7%
  • ASE, 6%

Browse installation, maintenance and repair jobs