Automotive Technician
An automotive technician is a skilled professional responsible for maintaining and repairing cars and light trucks, utilizing both traditional and advanced diagnostic tools to identify and resolve vehicle issues. Technicians typically work in a variety of environments, from small garages to larger dealership service centers, where they may face challenges like noise and exposure to hazardous substances. The role requires a strong understanding of evolving automobile technologies, as well as the ability to provide excellent customer service, explaining mechanical concepts in accessible terms. Daily responsibilities can include routine inspections, repairs of specific vehicle systems, and logging work completed, all while ensuring safety protocols are followed. Education pathways for aspiring technicians often include high school courses in mathematics, mechanics, and hands-on experience, with postsecondary training being preferred by employers. Certification through recognized institutions, like the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, is also beneficial for career advancement. Overall, automotive technicians play a crucial role in the automotive industry, addressing complex mechanical challenges and ensuring vehicle safety and performance.
Automotive Technician
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Manufacturing, Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Interests: Automobiles, customer service, solving problems, working with machinery
Earnings (Yearly Median):$46,970 per year $22.58 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 2% (As fast as average)
Entry-Level Education Postsecondary nondegree award
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training Short-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Automotive technicians maintain and repair cars and light trucks, using computers and other diagnostic tools to troubleshoot problems. They employ numerous hand and power tools to replace parts and make adjustments. They must be able to work with traditional tools and machinery while keeping up with rapidly evolving technology, both in automobiles and in the diagnostic tools used to maintain and repair them.
Work Environment. Automotive technicians work in a variety of facilities, from single-bay garages attached to gas stations to large service bays at automobile dealerships. Some national automotive maintenance and repair chains offer consistent work environments, with standardized safety protocols and processes for carrying out routine work. Other facilities specialize in repairing one component of automobiles, such as brakes, mufflers, or transmissions. Repair shops can be very noisy, and technicians are frequently exposed to potentially hazardous substances such as grease, oil, and other system fluids. Because of the hazards inherent in the work, technicians must often wear safety equipment such as earplugs, safety glasses, and steel-reinforced boots.
Occupation Interest. Individuals drawn to the profession of automotive technician tend to be independent workers who enjoy solving problems and working with automobiles. As automotive technicians must interact with customers, particularly at smaller shops, they must be capable of providing excellent customer service and explaining mechanical concepts in a clear, understandable manner. Automotive technicians must be quick learners able to keep up with rapidly evolving technology, and they should enjoy the challenge of working with complex machinery.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The daily duties of an automotive technician vary widely according to the type of shop in which he or she is employed. An automotive technician who works on only one automotive system may spend days performing routine tasks such as oil changes or brake work. Since the structure and components of an automotive system vary with the vehicle's make, model, and age, a high degree of skill is still necessary to perform even routine maintenance and repair.
Automotive technicians with a wider range of responsibilities must master all aspects of automobile repair and maintenance and engage in a much greater variety of activities. Typically, an automotive technician first assesses a vehicle in order to determine the source of the damage or malfunction, using traditional and technological diagnostic tools, and provides an estimate for repair to the customer. In some cases, the automotive technician may test-drive the vehicle to better understand the problem.
Once the scope of the required repair is determined, the automotive technician will begin working on the vehicle. Automobile repair shops often use lifts or work pits to provide access to the undercarriage of vehicles, so automotive technicians must also manage these lift or jacking systems. They may employ a variety of gauges and testing equipment to determine compression, alignment, and pressure and may repair or replace parts depending on the extent of the damage. Automotive technicians may also complete routine inspections to test for common mechanical and safety issues. Once a repair is completed or routine maintenance work has been performed, the automotive technician will log the time and expense of the work. In many cases, he or she will interact directly with the customer to offer information about current and upcoming work.
Auto Retrofitters. Auto Retrofitters make changes to existing vehicles to upgrade them to new environmental standards.
Brake Repairer Technicians (620.281-026). Brake Repairer Technicians repair automotive brake systems. They replace brake pads and linings, repair hydraulic cylinders and turn discs and drums.
Front End Technicians (620.281-038). Front End Technicians repair steering mechanisms, suspension systems and align and balance wheels.
Radiator Technicians (620.381-010). Radiator Technicians locate and repair radiator leaks and clean and install radiator systems.
Tune-Up Technicians (620.281-066). Tune-Up Technicians ensure efficient automotive engine performance using various testing machines to check overall performance capabilities.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Automotive technicians work in a range of environments, from large repair facilities and dealerships with state-of-the-art equipment to small garages. These environments present a number of hazards, including significant noise and fumes from industrial fluids, so technicians must follow safety procedures at all times. All automotive technicians must also be able to lift and maneuver heavy parts and have excellent visual and manual acuity.
Human Environment. Automotive technicians often work alongside other technicians, but they may have limited opportunities for interaction while work is being performed. Periodic contact may be made with others to ask for advice or direction. Some automotive technicians have extensive contact with the public, so customer-service and communication skills are needed.
Technological Environment. Automotive technicians work with a variety of testing and diagnostic equipment and should be familiar with project-management software. As automobile technology continues to develop, automotive technicians must keep abreast of the rapid advances in the field.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Students interested in the field of automobile repair should take courses in mathematics and mechanics. Electronics or metal-shop classes, if offered, may also be beneficial. Many technical and vocational high schools offer courses in automobile repair, and students can gain additional experience through part-time work and personal automotive projects.
Postsecondary. Although a college degree is typically not required, some community colleges and technical schools offer associate's degrees in automobile repair as well as apprentice or work-study programs that allow students to gain hands-on experience. Such courses may be beneficial to aspiring technicians or working technicians seeking to gain additional skills. Employers prefer prospective technicians to have some postsecondary training in automotive repair, and certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is standard.
Related Occupations
− Automotive Service Attendant
− Heavy Equipment Service Technician
Bibliography
"Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 Sept. 2023, www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm. Accessed 11 Sept. 2023.