Occupation · SOC 53-6031
Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants
Service automobiles, buses, trucks, boats, and other automotive or marine vehicles with fuel, lubricants, and accessories. Collect payment for services and supplies. May lubricate vehicle, change motor oil, refill antifreeze, or replace lights or other accessories, such as windshield wiper blades or fan belts. May repair or replace tires.
Median wage
$34,850
$27,870–$45,240
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
98,270
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
5 mapped
Core skills
Time ManagementActive ListeningSpeakingService OrientationOperation and ControlCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingEquipment Maintenance
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceMechanicalSales and MarketingAdministration and ManagementMathematics
Technology & tools
Internet browser softwareInventory management softwareSpreadsheet softwareElectronic mail softwareOperating system software
Representative tasks
Collect cash payments from customers, and make change or charge purchases to customers' credit cardsCheck tire pressure and levels of fuel, motor oil, transmission, radiator, battery, or other fluids,Perform minor repairs, such as adjusting brakes, replacing spark plugs, or changing engine oil or fi
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Cash payments and credit card transactions — process accurately under direct supervisor guidance at a service station point-of-sale terminal.Tire pressure and fluid levels — check and record using standard gauges and dipsticks following a written inspection checklist.Motor oil and engine filters — replace under close supervision while observing safe disposal procedures in a shop bay.Parking areas, restrooms, and equipment — clean and remove trash according to daily maintenance schedules at a service facility.Incoming stock items — price and shelve under direction using basic inventory labels and storage procedures.Windshield wiper blades and headlamp bulbs — install with minimal assistance by following manufacturer instructions in a retail service bay.Grease guns and spray lubricants — apply to specified vehicle joints and steering components under technician supervision.Tire rotation procedures — assist senior attendants in removing, repositioning, and remounting tires on standard passenger vehicles.Customer service interactions — respond to basic questions using active listening and clear spoken communication at a fueling or service counter.Point-of-sale software — enter transactions and print receipts following step-by-step guidance at a service station register.
developing
Cash and card payment reconciliation — complete end-of-shift totals with minimal oversight using POS software at a busy service station.Fluid systems including transmission, radiator, and battery — inspect, top off, and document findings routinely during multi-point vehicle checks.Brake adjustments and spark plug replacements — perform independently following standard procedures in a moderate-volume service bay.Facility cleanliness schedule — coordinate and execute cleaning tasks for multiple areas throughout a shift without direct instruction.Inventory stock levels — monitor, place orders, and update records using inventory management software for a service station retail area.Batteries, fan belts, and wiper blades — sell, upsell, and install accessories by matching customer needs to appropriate products.Vehicle lubrication services — grease springs, universal joints, and steering knuckles using correct lubricants and intervals on a range of vehicle types.Tire repair and replacement — diagnose punctures, patch or replace tires, and verify balance and pressure within standard service time frames.Customer complaints and service inquiries — address calmly and resolve using good judgment and knowledge of available services.Time accounting and scheduling software — log work hours and manage task priorities across a daily service shift with routine efficiency.
proficient
Complex payment discrepancies and refund situations — resolve independently using POS and spreadsheet software while maintaining accurate transaction records.Multi-system vehicle inspections — conduct thorough assessments of fuel, oil, coolant, brake, and electrical fluid levels and recommend corrective action.Non-routine minor repairs including intermittent brake faults and difficult spark plug configurations — diagnose and complete without supervisor assistance across a variety of vehicle makes.Facility and equipment maintenance standards — enforce and improve cleaning and safety protocols to meet regulatory and brand requirements.Inventory forecasting and vendor coordination — analyze usage trends using spreadsheet software and adjust ordering cycles to prevent stockouts.Accessory sales and installation quality — review completed installations for accuracy, advise customers on compatibility, and handle warranty or fitment issues.Lubrication service quality control — verify correct grease types and application points across diverse vehicle models and flag unusual wear patterns for further inspection.Full tire service workflow including rotation, testing, patching, and replacement — manage efficiently during peak volume while maintaining safety standards.Equipment maintenance and calibration — inspect and service air compressors, fluid dispensers, and lift equipment to ensure consistent operational readiness.Critical service decisions under time pressure — apply sound judgment to prioritize repair tasks and communicate estimated completion times accurately to customers.
advanced
Service station operations and performance standards — lead the full workflow of payment processing, vehicle servicing, and facility upkeep to meet organizational goals.Staff training programs for fluid inspection, lubrication, and minor repair procedures — design and deliver to bring new attendants to competence within their first weeks on site.Inventory management strategy — establish reorder thresholds, evaluate supplier performance, and implement cost-reduction measures across a multi-product service retail environment.Accessory sales targets and merchandising plans — set and drive achievement by coaching attendants on customer engagement and upselling techniques.Equipment maintenance schedules and capital replacement plans — develop and oversee for all shop tools and service systems to minimize downtime.Tire service and vehicle repair quality benchmarks — define, monitor, and continuously improve through data review and technician feedback sessions.Customer service culture and complaint resolution standards — model and instill across the team, ensuring consistent integrity and cooperative behavior in all customer interactions.Health, safety, and environmental compliance — ensure all fluid disposal, lift operation, and chemical handling practices meet applicable regulations at the facility level.Technology adoption including POS, inventory, and time-accounting platforms — evaluate, implement, and train staff on upgrades that improve service efficiency.Organizational performance reporting — compile operational metrics using spreadsheet and management software and present findings to district leadership to inform staffing and investment decisions.
Also known as
104 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Lubrication WorkerAutomobile TechnicianParts ChaserFillerRefueling and Fueling Line Service AttendantExtrusion Machine OperatorPumpmanAuto Service Station AttendantDock HandGarage Servicer, IndustrialGarage AttendantGas Station Service AttendantPump TenderGrease Rack WorkerUtility AttendantMaintenance MechanicFuel Station AttendantFront AttendantGas and Oil ServicerAutomobile-Self-Serve-Service-Station AttendantOil Change Technician (Oil Change Tech)Drive ManLubricatorGreaserGrease MonkeyGas AttendantAuto ServicerFuel Dock AttendantTenderCurb WorkerService AttendantGas PumperLubrication TechnicianFuel Island AttendantStation Team MemberFuel AttendantFuel AssociateLubrication ServicerGas DispenserDock Attendant