Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.
Also called: Automotive Drivability Technician (Auto Drivability Tech) · Automotive Mechanic (Auto Mechanic) · Automotive Service Technician (Auto Service Tech) · Automotive Technician (Auto Tech) · Diagnostic Technician (Diagnostic Tech) · Heavy Line Technician (Heavy Line Tech)
Median pay (national)
$49,670
$33,660–$80,850 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
688,840
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+4.2%
~70,000 openings/yr
Typical entry
Postsecondary nondegree award
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for automotive service technicians and mechanics shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $80,850 versus $33,660 at the bottom 10% — 2.4x. The median of $49,670 leaves roughly 63% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +4.2% from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 70,000 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 54 states with released data, District of Columbia pays the most for this role (median $71,030, +43% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $21,770 — a 226% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Monitoring as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Mathematics
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Perform routine and scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups.
- Follow checklists to ensure all important parts are examined, including belts, hoses, steering systems, spark plugs, brake and fuel systems, wheel bearings, and other potentially troublesome areas.
- Repair and service air conditioning, heating, engine cooling, and electrical systems.
- Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
- Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
- Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
- Confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.
- Align vehicles' front ends.
- Tear down, repair, and rebuild faulty assemblies, such as power systems, steering systems, and linkages.
- Plan work procedures, using charts, technical manuals, and experience.
Tools & technology
- Apple Safari
- Microsoft Edge
- Microsoft Windows
- Mozilla Firefox
- SAP software
- Alliance Automotive Shop Controller
- Amcom AUTOS2000
- AutoZone ALLDATA
- Blue Streak Electronics Buell Diagnostic
- CODA Engine Analysis System
- Database software
- Estimating software
- Genisys Fast Fixes
- Hunter WinAlign
- IBM Notes
- Mainsaver Asset Management
Knowledge areas
- Mechanical
- Customer and Personal Service
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Transportation
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security