Automotive technology is rapidly increasing in sophistication, and most training authorities strongly recommend that people seeking work in auto service complete a formal training program in high school or in a postsecondary vocational school or community college. However, some service technicians still learn the trade solely by assisting and learning from experienced specialists. Acquiring National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification is important for those seeking work in large, urban areas.
Related job titles are: Automotive Technician (Auto Technician), Technician, Mechanic, Air Conditioning Technician (A/C Technician), Trim Technician, Alignment Specialist, or Automobile Mechanic (Auto Mechanic).
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Important Auto Service Technician degree information -Top of Page-
- Automotive technicians and mechanics must continually adapt to changing technology and repair techniques as vehicle components and systems become increasingly sophisticated.
- Formal auto technician training is the best preparation for these challenging technology-based jobs.
- Opportunities should be very good for auto technicians and mechanics with diagnostic and problem-solving skills, knowledge of electronics and mathematics, and mechanical aptitude.
How much does an Auto Service Technician make in salary? || Auto Service Technician pay -Top of Page-
Median hourly pay of automotive technicians and mechanics, including commission, were $16.88 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earn a salary of between $12.44 and $22.64 per hour. The lowest 10 percent earn a salary of less than $9.56, and the highest 10 percent earn a salary of more than $28.71 per hour. Median annual pay in the industries employing the largest numbers of technicians were:
Local government $20.07
Automobile dealers 19.61
Auto repair and maintenance 15.26
Gasoline stations 15.22
Automotive parts, accessories, and tire stores 14.90
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 salary and pay depend on the amount of work completed. Employers frequently guarantee commissioned technicians a minimum weekly salary.
Automotive 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
What is an Auto Service Technician? || What does an Auto Service Technician do? || Job descriptions -Top of Page-
Automotive service technicians inspect, maintain, and repair automobiles and light trucks that run on gasoline, electricity, or alternative fuels such as ethanol. Auto technicians' and mechanics' responsibilities have evolved from simple mechanical repairs to high-level technology-related work. The increasing sophistication of automobiles requires specialists who can use computerized shop equipment and work with electronic components while maintaining their skills with traditional handtools. As a result, auto service specialists are now usually called technicians rather than mechanics.
When mechanical or electrical troubles occur, technicians first get a description of the problem from the owner or, in a large shop, from the repair service estimator or service advisor who wrote the repair order. To locate the problem, technicians use a diagnostic approach. First, they test to see whether components and systems are secure and working properly. Then, they isolate the components or systems that might be the cause of the problem. For example, if an air-conditioner malfunctions, the technician might check for a simple problem, such as a low coolant level, or a more complex issue, such as a bad drive-train connection that has shorted out the air conditioner. As part of their investigation, technicians may test drive the vehicle or use a variety of testing equipment, including onboard and hand-held diagnostic computers or compression gauges. These tests may indicate whether a component is salvageable or whether a new one is required.
Computers are also commonplace in modern repair shops. Service technicians compare the readouts from computerized diagnostic testing devices with benchmarked standards given by the manufacturer. Deviations outside of acceptable levels tell the technician to investigate that part of the vehicle more closely. Through the Internet or from software packages, most shops receive automatic updates to technical manuals and access to manufacturers' service information, technical service bulletins, and other databases that allow technicians to keep up with common problems and learn new procedures.
High technology tools are needed to fix the computer equipment that operates everything from the engine to the radio in many cars. In fact, today most automotive systems, such as braking, transmission, and steering systems, are controlled primarily by computers and electronic components. Additionally, luxury vehicles often have integrated global jobing systems, Internet access, and other new features with which technicians will need to become familiar. Also, as more alternate-fuel vehicles are purchased, more auto technicians will need to learn the science behind these automobiles and how to repair them.
Work environment for Auto Service Technicians -Top of Page-
While most auto technicians worked a standard 40 hour week in 2006, 30 percent worked longer hours. Generally, technicians work indoors in well-ventilated and -lighted repair shops. However, some shops are drafty and noisy. Although some problems can be fixed with simple computerized adjustments, technicians frequently work with dirty and greasy parts, and in awkward jobs. They often lift heavy parts and tools. Minor cuts, burns, and bruises are common, but technicians can usually avoid serious accidents if the shop is kept clean and orderly, and safety practices are observed.
How to become an Auto Service Technician || Auto Service Technician classes and degree programs -Top of Page-
Most employers regard the successful completion of a vocational training program in automotive service technology as the best preparation for trainee jobs. High school programs, while an asset, vary greatly in scope. Graduates of these programs may need further training to become qualified. Some of the more extensive high school programs participate in Automotive Youth Education Service (AYES), a partnership between high school auto repair programs, automotive manufacturers, and franchised automotive dealers. All AYES high school programs are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Students who complete these programs are well prepared to enter entry-level technician jobs or to advance their technical education. Classes in auto repair, electronics, physics, chemistry, English, computers, and mathematics provide a good educational background for a career as a service technician.
Postsecondary auto technician training programs usually provide intensive career preparation through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on practice. Schools update their curriculums frequently to reflect changing technology and equipment. Some trade and technical school programs provide concentrated training for 6 months to a year, depending on how many hours the student attends each week, and award a certification. Community college programs usually award a certification or an associate degree. Some students earn repair certifications in a particular skill and leave to begin their careers. Associate degree programs, however, usually take 2 years to complete and include classes in English, basic mathematics, computers, and other subjects, as well as auto repair. Recently, some programs have added classes on customer service, stress management, and other employability skills. Some formal training programs have alliances with tool manufacturers that help entry-level technicians accumulate tools during their training period.
Various automobile manufacturers and participating franchised dealers also sponsor 2-year associate degree programs at postsecondary schools across the Nation. Students in these programs typically spend alternate 6- to 12-week periods attending classes full time and working full time in the service departments of sponsoring dealers. At these dealerships, students work with an experienced specialist who provides hands-on instruction and timesaving tips.
Those new to automotive service usually start as trainee technicians, technicians' helpers, or lubrication specialists, and gradually acquire and practice their skills by working with experienced mechanics and technicians. In many cases, on-the-job training may be a part of a formal education program. With a few months' experience, beginners perform many routine service tasks and make simple repairs. While some graduates of postsecondary auto training programs are often able to earn promotion to the journey level after only a few months on the job, it typically takes 2 to 5 years of experience to become a fully qualified service technician, who is expected to quickly perform the more difficult types of routine service and repairs. An additional 1 to 2 years of experience familiarizes technicians with all types of repairs. Complex specialties, such as transmission repair, require another year or two of training and experience. In contrast, brake specialists may learn their jobs in considerably less time because they do not need complete knowledge of auto repair.
ASE certification has become a standard credential for auto service technicians. While not mandatory for work in auto service, certification is common for all non entry-level technicians in large, urban areas. Certification is available in 1 or more of 8 different areas of auto service, such as electrical systems, engine repair, brake systems, suspension and steering, and heating and air-conditioning. For certification in each area, technicians must have at least 2 years of experience and pass the examination. Completion of an automotive training program in high school, vocational or trade school, or community or junior college may be substituted for 1 year of experience. For ASE certification as a Master Automobile Technician, technicians must be certified in all eight areas.
Where are the Auto Service Technician jobs? -Top of Page-
Auto technicians and mechanics held about 773,000 jobs in 2006. Auto repair and maintenance shops and automotive dealers employed the majority of these specialists-29 percent each. In addition, automotive parts, accessories, and tire stores employed 7 percent of auto service technicians. Others worked in gasoline stations; general merchandise stores; automotive equipment rental and leasing companies; Federal, State, and local governments; and other organizations. Almost 17 percent of service technicians were self-employed, more than twice the proportion for all installation, maintenance, and repair careers.
Auto Service Technician job opportunities and outlook -Top of Page-
The number of jobs for auto technicians and mechanics is projected to grow faster than average for all careers over the next decade. Jobs growth will create many new jobs, but total job openings will be significantly larger because many skilled technicians are expected to retire and will need to be replaced.
Jobs for auto technicians and mechanics are expected to increase 14 percent between 2006 and 2016, compared to 10 percent for all careers. It will add a large number of new jobs, about 110,000, over the decade. Demand for technicians will grow as the number of vehicles in operation increases, reflecting continued growth in the driving age population and in the number of multi-car families. Growth in demand will be offset somewhat by continuing improvements in the quality and durability of automobiles, which will require less frequent service.
Jobs growth will continue to be concentrated in automobile dealerships and independent auto repair shops. Many new jobs also will be created in small retail operations that offer after-warranty repairs, such as oil changes, brake repair, air-conditioner service, and other minor repairs generally taking less than 4 hours to complete. Jobs for auto service technicians and mechanics in gasoline service stations will continue to decline, as fewer stations offer repair services.
In addition to openings from growth, many job openings will be created by the need to replace a growing number of retiring technicians. Job opportunities in this career are expected to be very good for those who complete high school or postsecondary auto training programs and who earn ASE certification. Some employers report difficulty in finding workers with the right skills. People with good diagnostic and problem-solving abilities, and training in basic electronics and computer classes are expected to have the best opportunities. Those without formal automotive training are likely to face competition for entry-level jobs.