Smog check technician vs car mechanic

The differences between smog check technicians and car mechanics 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 a car mechanic. Additionally, a smog check technician has an average salary of $43,614, which is higher than the $37,369 average annual salary of a car mechanic.

The top three skills for a smog check technician include repair orders, and . The most important skills for a car mechanic are diagnostic tools, ASE, and engine repair.

Smog check technician vs car mechanic overview

	Smog Check Technician	Car Mechanic
Yearly salary	$43,614	$37,369
Hourly rate	$20.97	$17.97
Growth rate	1%	1%
Number of jobs	62,798	89,782
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 car mechanic salary

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

	Smog Check Technician	Car Mechanic
Average salary	$43,614	$37,369
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $68,000	Between $28,000 And $49,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between smog check technician and car mechanic education

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

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

Smog check technician vs car mechanic demographics

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

	Smog Check Technician	Car Mechanic
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 79.7% Female, 20.3%	Male, 97.5% Female, 2.5%
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, 20.8% Asian, 5.0% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between smog check technician and car mechanic 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.

Car mechanic example responsibilities.

Adjust and set mowing heights for all mowers per the superintendant.
Sharpen all mowing blades for greens mowers, rough mowers and fairway mowers.
Perform diagnostics on vehicle ECUs in addition to vehicle services such as oil, brakes, and filter changes.
Weld broken frames and battery boxes.
Preform tune-ups and A/C, and electrical repairs.
Fabricate new parts using gas torches, welder and various measuring tools.

Smog check technician vs car mechanic skills

Common smog check technician skills

Repair Orders, 100%

Common car mechanic skills

Diagnostic Tools, 18%
ASE, 9%
Engine Repair, 9%
Brake Pads, 7%
Customer Vehicles, 6%
Oil Changes, 6%

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Smog Check Technician
Smog Check Technician vs Car Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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