What does a master automotive technician do?
A master automotive technician is an expert in auto repair work. This position is also known as an automotive master mechanic, and the primary qualification for this position is a certification from an automotive service institute. Their job duties include overseeing and signing off on repairs done by the other mechanics, taking automobile components apart, inspecting parts of the automobile, making repairs where necessary, reviewing work orders, and communicating with both the clients and the management. Sometimes, they specialize in particular areas.
Master automotive technician responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real master automotive technician resumes:
- 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.
- Attend all necessary training and updates to Chrysler standards.
- Perform major automotive repair: electrical, brakes, A/C repairs, engines, etc.
- Specialize in computerize fuel injection and ignition systems, drivability problems, and all phases of automotive repairs.
- Work from fresh out of technical collage to master mechanic of 3 car lines and ASE master certify.
- Have experience in curriculum design, coursework design, NATEF program certification and also running the department budget.
- Create files on each student with grades, conduct, skills master as per NATEF standards and employability.
- Develop PowerPoint presentation for brakes course detailing shop rules and regulations that become standard for all brakes courses.
- Perform all aspects of automotive diagnostics and repairs, specializing in BMW, Mercedes Benz, Porsche, VW and Audi
- Work with a syllabus, add visuals & videos as appropriate, prepare daily & weekly presentation to enhance classroom instruction.
- Diagnose and repair Toyota automobiles.
- Develop PowerPoint presentations for automotive courses.
Master automotive technician skills and personality traits
We calculated that 28% of Master Automotive Technicians are proficient in Diagnosis, Electrical Systems, and ASE. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Detail oriented, and Dexterity.
We break down the percentage of Master Automotive Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Diagnosis, 28%
Develop and implement test procedures for engine/power train control systems resulting in reduced diagnosis time and ensuring proper repair.
- Electrical Systems, 11%
Perform daily diagnostic to engine, brakes, transmission, and electrical systems.
- ASE, 10%
Attained 4 of 8 Automotive ASE certifications within 1 month of hire.
- Customer Service, 10%
Provided customer service when discussing required repairs with vehicle owners.
- Mechanical Repairs, 7%
Performed complete diagnostics and mechanical repairs on all makes and models of vehicles.
- AC, 4%
Assist in troubleshooting/installation work with sub-contractors such as electricians, AC mechanics and Elevator mechanics.
"diagnosis," "electrical systems," and "ase" are among the most common skills that master automotive technicians use at work. You can find even more master automotive technician responsibilities below, including:
Customer-service skills. One of the key soft skills for a master automotive technician to have is customer-service skills. You can see how this relates to what master automotive technicians do because "service technicians discuss automotive problems—along with options to fix them—with their customers." Additionally, a master automotive technician resume shows how master automotive technicians use customer-service skills: "confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems, and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements. "
Detail oriented. Many master automotive technician duties rely on detail oriented. "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.," so a master automotive technician will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways master automotive technician responsibilities rely on detail oriented: "detail-oriented professional who drove preventative maintenance, purchasing and repair efforts on a variety of heavy equipment and machines. "
Dexterity. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of master automotive technicians is dexterity. This skill is critical to many everyday master automotive technician duties, as "service technicians perform many tasks that require steady hands and good hand–eye coordination, such as assembling or attaching components and subassemblies." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "operated wide variety of equipment including power saws, sanders, grinders, cranes drills press, and forklift. "
Mechanical skills. For certain master automotive technician responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "mechanical skills." The day-to-day duties of a master automotive technician rely on this skill, as "service technicians must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what master automotive technicians do: "advanced problem solving and reasoning skills in relation to diagnosis and repair of electrical, controller based, and mechanical systems. "
Physical strength. Another crucial skill for a master automotive technician to carry out their responsibilities is "physical strength." A big part of what master 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 master automotive technician duties can be seen in an example from a master automotive technician resume snippet: "assessed medical histories, stress test results and physical conditions to develop exercise prescriptions. "
Troubleshooting skills. Another skill commonly found on master automotive technician job descriptions is "troubleshooting skills." It can come up quite often in master automotive technician duties, since "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's an example from a resume of how this skill fits into day-to-day master automotive technician responsibilities: "perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting and repair copiers when not functioning 2 years s.t.a.v. "
The three companies that hire the most master automotive technicians are:
- Pep Boys92 master automotive technicians jobs
- CarMax58 master automotive technicians jobs
- Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers19 master automotive technicians jobs
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Compare different master automotive technicians
Master 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.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a master automotive technician are more likely to require skills like "diagnosis," "ase," "customer service," and "mechanical repairs." On the other hand, a job as a light wheel mechanic requires skills like "mechanical problems," "equipment systems," "mos," and "track vehicles." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
The education levels that light wheel mechanics earn slightly differ from master automotive technicians. In particular, light wheel mechanics are 7.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a master automotive technician. Additionally, they're 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Master 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.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real master automotive technician resumes. While master automotive technician responsibilities can utilize skills like "diagnosis," "ase," "mechanical repairs," and "ac," equipment mechanics use skills like "hand tools," "preventive maintenance," "cdl," and "ladders."
On average, equipment mechanics earn a lower salary than master automotive technicians. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, equipment mechanics earn the most pay in the transportation industry with an average salary of $54,089. Whereas master automotive technicians have higher pay in the retail industry, with an average salary of $64,160.equipment mechanics earn lower levels of education than master automotive technicians in general. They're 8.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Master 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.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, master automotive technicians are more likely to have skills like "diagnosis," "ase," "customer service," and "ac." But a mechanic helper is more likely to have skills like "hand tools," "work ethic," "strong work ethic," and "preventive maintenance."
Mechanic helpers earn the highest salary when working in the professional industry, where they receive an average salary of $36,229. Comparatively, master automotive technicians have the highest earning potential in the retail industry, with an average salary of $64,160.mechanic helpers typically earn lower educational levels compared to master automotive technicians. Specifically, they're 9.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Master automotive technician vs. Diesel mechanic
A diesel mechanic is a skilled technician responsible for the checking, maintenance, and repair of diesel engines. Diesel mechanics duties also include regular inspections of vehicles upon customer's request to ensure the smooth performance of the machine, communicate on any system issue that might cause malfunctions, and provide any replacement to renovate a damaged part of the engine. A diesel mechanic must be highly-knowledgeable on everything related to diesel engines to provide the best, long-term solutions for the customers.
Types of master automotive technician
Updated January 8, 2025
