Smog check technician vs auto technician

The differences between smog check technicians and auto 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 smog check technician and an auto technician. Additionally, a smog check technician has an average salary of $43,614, which is higher than the $41,435 average annual salary of an auto technician.

The top three skills for a smog check technician include repair orders, and . The most important skills for an auto technician are taking care, preventive maintenance, and customer vehicles.

Smog check technician vs auto technician overview

	Smog Check Technician	Auto Technician
Yearly salary	$43,614	$41,435
Hourly rate	$20.97	$19.92
Growth rate	1%	1%
Number of jobs	62,798	131,515
Job satisfaction	-	2
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 38%	High School Diploma, 38%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	2	2

Smog check technician vs auto technician salary

Smog check technicians and auto technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Smog Check Technician	Auto Technician
Average salary	$43,614	$41,435
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $68,000	Between $28,000 And $59,000
Highest paying City	-	Sterling, VA
Highest paying state	-	Washington
Best paying company	-	Deloitte
Best paying industry	-	Retail

Differences between smog check technician and auto technician education

There are a few differences between a smog check technician and an auto technician in terms of educational background:

	Smog Check Technician	Auto Technician
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 38%	High School Diploma, 38%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Smog check technician vs auto technician demographics

Here are the differences between smog check technicians' and auto technicians' demographics:

	Smog Check Technician	Auto Technician
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 79.7% Female, 20.3%	Male, 95.1% Female, 4.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 24.3% Asian, 5.2% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.5% Asian, 5.0% White, 60.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between smog check technician and auto technician duties and responsibilities

Smog check technician example responsibilities.

Achieve multiple ASE certifications within first year of employment.
Implement PLC programming and troubleshooting procedures while also initiating and executing process improvements and conducting parts research when necessary.
Follow all HIPAA guidelines with no exception.

Auto technician example responsibilities.

Fabricate parts using torches, saws, and welding equipment.
Assist ASE mechanics when need, check-in & inspect cars and keep shop clean.
Replace fuel pumps batteries ac compressors headlights light bulbs oil change transmission service radiator service
Tune ups, heating/cooling systems, A/C systems, brakes systems, electrical systems and engine rebuilds.
Do routine repairs to complete overhauls on engines, transmissions, suspension, brakes, electrical and A/C systems.
Certify by ASE in electrical / electronic systems, enabling diagnosing and repair of specify non-Ford part (s).

Smog check technician vs auto technician skills

Common smog check technician skills

Repair Orders, 100%

Common auto technician skills

Taking Care, 21%
Preventive Maintenance, 20%
Customer Vehicles, 12%
Customer Service, 7%
Work Ethic, 5%
Diagnosis, 5%

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Smog Check Technician
Smog Check Technician vs Auto Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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