Occupation · SOC 49-3023
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.
Median wage
$49,670
$33,660–$80,850
Projected growth
+4.2%
Average growth
Annual openings
3,360
per year
Employed (US)
688,840
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
1,244 mapped
Core skills
RepairingTroubleshootingOperations MonitoringCritical ThinkingEquipment MaintenanceOperation and ControlMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingActive ListeningSpeakingQuality Control AnalysisComplex Problem SolvingTime ManagementSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisSocial PerceptivenessEquipment SelectionService OrientationReading ComprehensionCoordinationWritingInstallationActive LearningPersuasionLearning StrategiesInstructingNegotiationMathematicsManagement of Personnel ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesTechnology DesignManagement of Material ResourcesProgrammingScienceOperations Analysis
Knowledge areas
MechanicalCustomer and Personal ServiceComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyEnglish LanguageTransportationEducation and TrainingPublic Safety and SecurityMathematicsPhysicsProduction and ProcessingDesignAdministration and ManagementChemistryAdministrativeSales and MarketingTelecommunicationsLaw and GovernmentBuilding and ConstructionPersonnel and Human ResourcesEconomics and AccountingCommunications and MediaGeographyPsychologyMedicine and DentistryTherapy and CounselingForeign LanguageSociology and AnthropologyBiologyFood ProductionHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyFine Arts
Technology & tools
Alliance Automotive Shop ControllerAmcom AUTOS2000Apple SafariAutoZone ALLDATABlue Streak Electronics Buell DiagnosticCODA Engine Analysis SystemComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareDatabase softwareEstimating softwareGenisys Fast FixesHunter WinAlignIBM NotesInternet browser softwareMainsaver Asset ManagementMicrosoft EdgeMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft WordMitchell Manager Invoicing SystemMitchell OnDemand5 ManagerMozilla FirefoxNexiq Tech HDS Suite for PalmOnline service manual database softwareRecordkeeping softwareSAP softwareSPX/OTC Genisys ConnecTech PCScheduling softwareScott Systems MaxxTraxx ProSnap-On ShopKeyTechnical manual database softwareVehicle management softwareWork order management softwareYouTube
Representative tasks
Getting InformationOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsHandling and Moving ObjectsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentPerforming General Physical ActivitiesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsControlling Machines and ProcessesJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkAnalyzing Data or InformationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsThinking CreativelyCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationProcessing InformationEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationDocumenting/Recording InformationCoaching and Developing OthersTraining and Teaching OthersDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersSelling or Influencing OthersScheduling Work and ActivitiesCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentAssisting and Caring for OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesMonitoring and Controlling Resources
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Lube, oil, and filter services — perform to manufacturer spec under a senior tech's review.Tire rotation, balance, and pressure — execute correctly on standard passenger vehicles.Multi-point inspection checklists — complete reliably on incoming vehicles.Service writeups in the shop management system — enter accurately under supervision.Hand and power tools — select and use safely on routine maintenance.Brake pad and rotor replacements — perform on common vehicles with senior verification.Battery, wiper, and lamp replacements — complete to spec on quick-service tickets.Lift safety and vehicle support — apply consistently across the shop.Manufacturer service intervals — locate and follow in service information systems.Shop housekeeping and waste handling — maintain to environmental standards.
developing
Routine repairs (brakes, suspension, exhaust) — perform independently across common vehicles.Customer concerns from the writeup — translate into accurate diagnostic plans.Common drivability complaints — diagnose with scan tool and basic test equipment.Wheel alignments — perform and document on a range of vehicle types.Belts, hoses, fluids, and seals — service correctly across mileage-based intervals.Electrical complaints (lighting, accessories) — diagnose and repair with reduced oversight.Service writeups for additional needs — communicate clearly with service advisors.Warranty repairs — complete to manufacturer documentation requirements.Quick-service workflow — sustain throughput on a routine day.Apprentice technicians — guide on common procedures and tool use.
proficient
Complex drivability and electrical faults — diagnose autonomously across vehicle makes.OEM service information and TSBs — apply correctly to non-obvious problems.Engine, transmission, and major component R&R — execute on common platforms.Network and module-related issues (CAN, programming) — diagnose and repair on supported platforms.Heavy-line and internal repairs — plan and complete to manufacturer spec.Customer-pay diagnostics — frame, scope, and communicate clearly through the advisor.Comebacks and chronic concerns — investigate and resolve with structured root-cause work.Newer technicians on diagnostic technique — mentor across the shop.Specialty equipment (alignment, A/C, scan tools) — operate and interpret with full confidence.Estimates and labor times — produce credibly for non-routine work.
advanced
Master-level diagnostics across makes and systems — own as the shop's escalation point.Shop-floor productivity and quality — shape as lead technician or shop foreman.Technician development and certifications — mentor and progress across the team.Manufacturer training and program updates — absorb and disseminate across the shop.Tooling, equipment, and shop layout — plan and recommend with management.Safety, environmental, and compliance programs — own across the operation.High-stakes customer concerns — handle with the advisor and management to resolution.New-model technologies (EV, ADAS, hybrid) — establish capability and standards in the shop.Warranty audits and OEM relationships — manage credibly on behalf of the shop.Service-bay throughput and labor utilization — analyze and improve with management.
Also known as
177 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
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