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).
How Much Does an Auto Service Technician Make? | Auto Service Technician Salary
The median yearly salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $35,790 in May 2010 (the most recent data available). This median salary is simply the salary where half the employees earned more and half earned a lesser amount. Employees in the lower 10 percent had an annual salary less than $20,200, and those employees in the top 10 percent earned greater then $59,590. Many experienced technicians working for automobile dealers and independent repair shops receive a commission related to the labor cost charged to the customer.
What Does an Auto Service Technician Do? | Job Description
Auto Mechanic is one of U.S. News and World Report "100 Best Jobs of 2013." Service technicians work on traditional mechanical components, such as engines, transmissions, belts, and hoses. However, they must also be familiar with a growing number of electronic systems. Braking, transmission, and steering systems, for example, are controlled primarily by computers and electronic components. Other integrated electronic systems, such as accident-avoidance sensors, are becoming common as well. In addition, a growing number of technicians are required to work on vehicles that run on alternative fuels, such as ethanol and electricity.
How to Become an Auto Service Technician?
Because automotive technology is becoming increasingly sophisticated, some employers prefer service technicians who have completed a formal training program in a postsecondary . Industry certification is usually required once the person is employed. High school courses in automotive repair, electronics, computers, mathematics, and English provide a good background for prospective service technicians. However, high school graduates often need further training to become fully qualified.
Auto Service Technician Classes and Courses | Degree Programs
Completing a vocational or other career college training program in automotive service technology is considered the best preparation for entry-level positions. Programs usually last 6 months to a year and provide intensive career preparation through classroom instruction and hands-on practice. Short-term certificate programs in a particular skill are also available.
Some service technicians get a 2-year associate's degree. Courses usually include basic mathematics, computers, electronics, and automotive repair. Some programs have recently added classes in customer service, English, and other necessary skills.
Auto Service Technician Jobs | Who is Hiring?
Job opportunities for qualified applicants should be very good as some employers report difficulty finding workers with the right skills and education. Jobseekers who have completed formal career college training programs—especially candidates with training in advanced automotive technology, such as hybrid fuel or computer systems—should enjoy the best job prospects. Those without formal automotive training are likely to face strong competition for entry-level jobs.
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