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What is a master technician and how to become one

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

The term 'master technician' is ordinarily used to indicate that an automotive technician has attained a certain training level. Master technicians work to diagnose issues on trucks and cars, usually with the assistance of a computer. Along with essential car maintenance (oil changes, fluid level evaluation, etc.), they will repair and replace parts with sensors, brakes, and wheels. They also utilize customer service skills to communicate auto issues to their clients.

As a master technician, you'd be responsible for analyzing a vehicle's performance through test drives and other evaluation methods. You'd examine all parts of a car and perform scheduled maintenance. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that master technicians may start out as trainees or technician's helpers and move into more advanced positions as they gain experience. You can obtain this designation through a test administered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

As part of the master automotive technician certification process, you must pass a series of eight tests and have two years of documented work experience, according to ASE. Most technicians working in automotive repair and maintenance shops earn $19.78 per hour, while those who work at an automobile dealership earn $22.32 per hour.

What general advice would you give to a master 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 TechnicianUS Average
Salary
7.5

Avg. Salary $97,027

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.7

Growth rate 1%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.81%

Asian 5.02%

Black or African American 9.78%

Hispanic or Latino 19.16%

Unknown 4.24%

White 60.99%

Gender

female 8.26%

male 91.74%

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
7.7

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.7

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.2

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Master technician career paths

Key steps to become a master technician

  1. Explore master technician education requirements

    Most common master technician degrees

    Associate

    33.1 %

    Bachelor's

    27.2 %

    High School Diploma

    20.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific master technician skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Strong Customer Service28.89%
    Customer Vehicles20.03%
    Engine Performance4.99%
    Maintenance Services4.37%
    ASE2.89%
  3. Complete relevant master technician training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New master 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 technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real master technician resumes.
  4. Gain additional master technician certifications

    Master technician certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific master technician certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for master technicians include Master Technician and Commercial Driver License (CDL).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research master technician duties and responsibilities

    • Manage daily repair activities for high-volume Honda repair facility.
    • Diagnose, estimate and repair Toyota cars and trucks, quality control.
    • Plan and perform maintenance, troubleshooting and repair on a variety of BMW brand motorcycles.
    • Diagnose, inspect and repair air conditioning and heating (HVAC) problems on manual and automatic systems.
  6. Prepare your master technician resume

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

    Build a professional master 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 technician resume.
    Master Technician Resume
    Master Technician Resume
    Master Technician Resume
    Master Technician Resume
    Master Technician Resume
    Master Technician Resume
    Master Technician Resume
    Master Technician Resume
    Master Technician Resume
  7. Apply for master technician jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a master 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 technician job

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Average master technician salary

The average master technician salary in the United States is $97,027 per year or $47 per hour. Master technician salaries range between $62,000 and $150,000 per year.

Average master technician salary
$97,027 Yearly
$46.65 hourly

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Master technician reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2024
Cons

Dealing with management and unqualified coworkers


profile
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.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2020
Pros

Lubrication exchanging of car spare parts like brake pads gear box chloch pods and other spare parts of the car.

Cons

I don't like while am working somebody speaking to me.


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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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