Automotive service technicians and mechanics
SOC Code: 49-3023Also known as:
A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician), AC Mechanic (Air Conditioning Mechanic), Alternative Fuel Vehicle Maintenance Technician (AFV Maintenance Tech), Alternative Fuel Vehicle Repair Technician (AFV Repair Tech), Ambulance Mechanic
Median Annual Salary
$49,670
+4.2% growth (2024-2034)
70K
Openings/Year
806K
Current Jobs
What Automotive service technicians and mechanics Do
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.
💰 Salary
$49,670
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.2%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
70K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
805,600
Projected Employment (2034)
839,200
Related Careers
Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers
$53,990 •
+3.4% growth
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
$60,640 •
+2.4% growth
Rail car repairers
$65,680 •
+2.8% growth
Motorcycle mechanics
$47,200 •
+5.3% growth
Engine and other machine assemblers
$52,540 •
-21.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Repairing
Troubleshooting
Critical Thinking
Operations Monitoring
Equipment Maintenance
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
- Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices.
- Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
- Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
- Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
- Estimate costs of vehicle repair.
- Confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.
- Align vehicles' front ends.
- Align wheels, axles, frames, torsion bars, and steering mechanisms of automobiles, using special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines.
- Tear down, repair, and rebuild faulty assemblies, such as power systems, steering systems, and linkages.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Automotive service technicians and mechanics
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a automotive service technicians and mechanics:
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician
41,728 degrees awarded •
751 colleges offer this program
Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician
2,100 degrees awarded •
86 colleges offer this program
Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician
1,112 degrees awarded •
48 colleges offer this program
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technology/Technician, General
630 degrees awarded •
23 colleges offer this program
High Performance and Custom Engine Technician/Mechanic
470 degrees awarded •
11 colleges offer this program
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology/Technician
412 degrees awarded •
21 colleges offer this program
Motorsports Engineering Technology/Technician
32 degrees awarded •
1 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Automotive service technicians and mechanics
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become automotive service technicians and mechanics.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do automotive service technicians and mechanics make?
The median annual salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics is $49,670.
What education do automotive service technicians and mechanics need?
Most automotive service technicians and mechanics positions require a postsecondary nondegree award.
Common degree programs include Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician, Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician, Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician.
Is becoming automotive service technicians and mechanics a good career choice?
Automotive service technicians and mechanics is projected to see +4.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 70,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for automotive service technicians and mechanics?
Top colleges for aspiring automotive service technicians and mechanics include
Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Dallas College, WyoTech, GateWay Community College, College of Lake County.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to automotive service technicians and mechanics?
Automotive service technicians and mechanics may also be known as: A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician), AC Mechanic (Air Conditioning Mechanic), Alternative Fuel Vehicle Maintenance Technician (AFV Maintenance Tech), Alternative Fuel Vehicle Repair Technician (AFV Repair Tech), Ambulance Mechanic, Antenna Installer, Antenna Specialist, ASE Master Mechanic (Automotive Service Excellence Master Mechanic), Audio Installer, Auto A/C Installer (Automotive Air Conditioning Installer), Auto A/C Mechanic (Automotive Air Conditioning Mechanic), Auto Bench Mechanic (Automotive Bench Mechanic), Auto Brake Mechanic (Automotive Brake Mechanic), Auto Clutch Rebuilder (Automotive Clutch Rebuilder), Auto Clutch Specialist (Automotive Clutch Specialist), Auto Engine Mechanic (Automotive Engine Mechanic), Auto Garage Mechanic (Automotive Garage Mechanic), Auto Glass Tech (Automotive Glass Technician), Auto Headlight Mechanic (Automotive Headlight Mechanic), Auto Heater Mechanic (Automotive Heater Mechanic).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.