We've probably all dealt with auto technicians or auto mechanics before, but you may not know what you'd do all day after earning a certificate or an associate's degree in automotive technology. If so, feel free to buckle in and take a ride with us as we look at the job of an auto technician!
Job Description
At first glance, you may think that calling repairmen 'auto technicians' instead of 'mechanics' is just a change of words. In fact, this reflects the growing role of technology in car repair. Auto technicians generally must be familiar with the complicated electronics systems used to diagnose problems with your automobile. That's because, in many modern cars, everything from the steering to the transmission is controlled by computer. Of course, some cars also have built-in GPS or wireless systems that auto technicians also need to understand.
Once they've got your problem narrowed down, auto technicians are responsible for figuring out the best way to get you back on the road. After finding out whether your gearbox can be repaired or whether it needs to be replaced, auto technicians get their hands dirty to fix it. Auto technicians or mechanics may or may not specialize in their repair work -- for example, as transmission specialists, air conditioning experts, or car tuners. Whether generalists or specialists, they'll know where the wrench goes to get your car running again.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutAutoTechnicians">Important Facts About Auto Technicians</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>On-the-Job Training</td><td>Long-term</td></tr>
<tr><td>Required Education</td><td>High school diploma or GED</td></tr>
<tr><td>Certification</td><td>Required by many employers</td></tr>
<tr><td>Key Skills</td><td>Mechanical, dexterity and trouble-shooting skills</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---EducationAndTraining">Education and Training</h3><p>Would-be auto technicians can get educated at a community college. Your local auto shop's auto technicians may hold a certificate in automotive technology, an Associate of Science in Automotive Technology, or a similar degree.
</p><h3 id="section---EmploymentOpportunities">Employment Opportunities</h3><p>Unsurprisingly, most auto technicians work in car shops and garages. Specialization in individual car systems, like air conditioning or transmissions, is more common in larger shops. Auto mechanics in smaller shops may be trained as more general auto technicians, able to diagnose and repair a wide variety of problems equally well. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, <i>www.bls.gov</i>), the employment of all kinds of automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to increase by 1% during the 2021-2031 decade.
</p><h3 id="section---SalaryInformation">Salary Information</h3><p>The BLS published in May 2021 that the median annual salary earned by auto service techs and mechanics was $46,880. According to BLS statistics, such technicians and mechanics employed by the repair and maintenance industry earned an average salary of $44,720 a year, while mechanics and techs working for dealerships averaged $51,540 a year in 2021. The BLS also indicated as recently as May 2021 that the majority of automotive technicians earn between $29,010 and $75,100 a year.</p>
