Automotive Service Technician

Work Characteristics

As the term defines, automotive service technicians repair cars and light trucks. They derive satisfaction out of diagnosing and solving technical problems in an automobile.

There work has gone beyond simple mechanical repair to jobs involving high technology. That is why they are now increasingly known as "technicians" and less and less as "mechanics". Technicians require vast knowledge about the complex components of vehicles and also the skill to work with computer oriented technical manuals and electronic diagnostic equipment.

They use their skills to repair, maintain and inspect vehicles that run on a wide variety of fuels such as ethanol, petrol, diesel and recently also electricity.

Transmission technicians and rebuilders are involved in repairing hydraulic pumps, couplings, gear trains and other transmission parts. Tune-up technicians repair and adjust ignition valves, timing and spark plugs. Other categories are automotive air-conditioning repairers, brake repairers and front -end mechanics that balance and align wheels, steering wheels and suspension systems.

Work Environment

Around half of these technicians work 40 hours a week, usually indoors in well lighted and ventilated shops. They get dirty because of all the grease and oil that is used in most parts. There is also a risk of getting burnt or inhaling exhaust fumes.

Educational Requirements

Formal training is in demand due to the technical nature of the job. Auto Mechanic courses are available in high schools, postsecondary vocational schools and community colleges. Coupled with an education consisting of chemistry, math, English, physics, computers and electronics the candidate stands a good chance of getting employed. Analytical and communication skills along with a can-do attitude and an ability to work in a team are required.

Job Prospects and Salary Expectations

Those with formal training stand to benefit the most in this profession. With an increase in the production of vehicles that use new advanced technology the growth of job opportunities is inevitable. Steady work can be expected even during slow economic times.

Median hourly wage-and-salary earnings of automotive service technicians and mechanics, including commission, were $16.24 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $11.96 and $21.56 per hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.17, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $27.22 per hour. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of service technicians were as follows:

Local government, excluding schools $19.07
Automobile dealers 18.85
Automotive repair and maintenance 14.55
Gasoline stations 14.51
Automotive parts, accessories, and tire stores 14.38

Many experienced technicians employed by automobile dealers and independent repair shops receive a commission related to the labor cost charged to the customer. Under this system, weekly earnings depend on the amount of work completed. Employers frequently guarantee commissioned technicians a minimum weekly salary.

Automotive service technicians who are members of labor unions, such as the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America; the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association; and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, may enjoy more benefits than non-union workers do.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.