Smog check technician vs automotive technician

The differences between smog check technicians and automotive 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 automotive technician. Additionally, a smog check technician has an average salary of $43,614, which is higher than the $40,910 average annual salary of an automotive technician.

The top three skills for a smog check technician include repair orders, and . The most important skills for an automotive technician are work ethic, computer system, and customer service.

Smog check technician vs automotive technician overview

	Smog Check Technician	Automotive Technician
Yearly salary	$43,614	$40,910
Hourly rate	$20.97	$19.67
Growth rate	1%	1%
Number of jobs	62,798	142,840
Job satisfaction	-	3.5
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 38%	Associate Degree, 34%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	2	2

Smog check technician vs automotive technician salary

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

	Smog Check Technician	Automotive Technician
Average salary	$43,614	$40,910
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $68,000	Between $29,000 And $57,000
Highest paying City	-	Los Angeles, CA
Highest paying state	-	California
Best paying company	-	Orange County Sheriff's Office
Best paying industry	-	Automotive

Differences between smog check technician and automotive technician education

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

	Smog Check Technician	Automotive Technician
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 38%	Associate Degree, 34%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Smog check technician vs automotive technician demographics

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

	Smog Check Technician	Automotive Technician
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 79.7% Female, 20.3%	Male, 95.8% Female, 4.2%
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, 60.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between smog check technician and automotive 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.

Automotive technician example responsibilities.

Inspect cars, service and repairs specializing in BMW repairs, manage shop, price and order parts, customer service
Repair, maintenance, and major overhaul of many type cummins diesel engines.
Require to have great attention to detail and have manual dexterity in both arms and hands.
Utilize diagnostic equipment to test electrical and engine components to provide proper diagnosis and solutions to customers
complete overhaul of cummins engines and mopar gasoline engines.
Perform maintenance in accordance with FAA and OSHA regulations.

Smog check technician vs automotive technician skills

Common smog check technician skills

Repair Orders, 100%

Common automotive technician skills

Work Ethic, 11%
Computer System, 10%
Customer Service, 10%
Taking Care, 8%
Preventive Maintenance, 7%
ASE, 6%

Smog Check Technician vs. similar jobs

Smog Check Technician related careers

Smog Check Technician related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Smog Check Technician
Smog Check Technician vs Automotive Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse installation, maintenance and repair jobs