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What is a master automotive technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Caid Kroeger

With enough expertise and experience in auto repair, one can become a master automotive technician. A master automotive technician is considered an expert in auto repair work. Their main job responsibilities are overseeing and approving repair jobs made by other mechanics, training new auto repair technicians, reviewing work orders, and inspecting automobiles.

Other duties of a master automotive technician typically include communicating with clients, reporting to management, and dismantling automotive parts. They may also perform repairs themselves from time to time, and may even specialize in certain aspects of auto repair.

The main requirement for this role is a certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). A high school diploma or GED is the minimum requirement in terms of education, but many employers prefer mechanics who have undergone a trade school program or mechanic training program. Aside from that, at least five to ten years of experience is also a common requirement for this role.

Master automotive technicians earn roughly $22 per hour or $46,000 per year. Technicians with more extensive experience may earn a higher income.

What general advice would you give to a master automotive technician?

Caid Kroeger

Associates Degree Coordinator/Instructor, Weber State University

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.
ScoreMaster Automotive TechnicianUS Average
Salary
5.2

Avg. Salary $66,289

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.1

Growth rate 1%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.81%

Asian 5.06%

Black or African American 9.98%

Hispanic or Latino 18.69%

Unknown 4.25%

White 61.20%

Gender

female 4.11%

male 95.89%

Age - 39
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39
Stress level
8.1

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.0

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.4

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Master automotive technician career paths

Key steps to become a master automotive technician

  1. Explore master automotive technician education requirements

    Most common master automotive technician degrees

    Associate

    39.0 %

    High School Diploma

    17.9 %

    Diploma

    15.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific master automotive technician skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Diagnosis27.87%
    Electrical Systems11.43%
    ASE10.15%
    Customer Service9.59%
    Mechanical Repairs6.54%
  3. Complete relevant master automotive technician training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New master automotive technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a master automotive technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real master automotive technician resumes.
  4. Research master automotive technician duties and responsibilities

    • Manage daily repair activities for high-volume Honda repair facility.
    • Perform hands-on diagnosis and servicing of BMW engines, transmissions, steering and suspension, brakes and electrical systems.
    • Instruct ASE classes with independently prepare courses.
    • Perform bumper to bumper repairs on Chrysler brand vehicles.
  5. Prepare your master automotive technician resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your master automotive technician resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a master automotive technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable master automotive technician resume templates

    Build a professional master automotive technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your master automotive technician resume.
    Master Automotive Technician Resume
    Master Automotive Technician Resume
    Master Automotive Technician Resume
    Master Automotive Technician Resume
    Master Automotive Technician Resume
    Master Automotive Technician Resume
    Master Automotive Technician Resume
    Master Automotive Technician Resume
    Master Automotive Technician Resume
  6. Apply for master automotive technician jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a master automotive technician job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first master automotive technician job

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Average master automotive technician salary

The average master automotive technician salary in the United States is $66,289 per year or $32 per hour. Master automotive technician salaries range between $40,000 and $107,000 per year.

Average master automotive technician salary
$66,289 Yearly
$31.87 hourly

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Master automotive technician reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2022
Pros

Love the challenge to diagnose those insane offbeat issues that just don't fit into the everyday problems

Cons

Pay is minimal for your knowledge. Hours are better for white collar professionals. Have to buy your own tools with witch you could have bought your home with and no one cares. Treated as a second rate individual because you said "I'm an automotive mechanic." Expected to be perfect from customers who wonder why you didn't get it fixed on the first try when MD's almost never get it right. Expected to be an expert on over 60k types of automobiles that change every friggan year.....want more? If I had the choice to do it all over again I'd go into politics so I could rip off ppl every day and get rich and no one would ever complain.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2022
Cons

People looking over me when they can’t do the jobs


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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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