Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.
173 alternate job titles:
Salary Information
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics: $49,670 (median) per year.
Starting salary (10th percentile).
Required expreience: Varies by Company
Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
| Task Description | Category |
|---|---|
| Operate transportation equipment to demonstrate function or malfunction. | General |
| Inspect vehicles to determine overall condition. | General |
| Record information about parts, materials or repair procedures. | General |
| Test mechanical systems to ensure proper functioning. | General |
| Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance. | General |
| Adjust vehicle components according to specifications. | General |
| Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts. | General |
| Repair non-engine automotive or vehicle components. | General |
| Estimate costs for labor or materials. | General |
| Read work orders or descriptions of problems to determine repairs or modifications needed. | General |
| Troubleshoot equipment or systems operation problems. | General |
| Align equipment or machinery. | General |
| Test electrical circuits or components for proper functioning. | General |
| Reassemble equipment after repair. | General |
| Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair. | General |
| Inspect mechanical components of vehicles to identify problems. | General |
| Plan work procedures. | General |
| Clean work areas. | General |
| Repair defective engines or engine components. | General |
| Service heating, ventilation or air-conditioning (HVAC) systems or components. | General |
| Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts. | General |
| Disassemble equipment to inspect for deficiencies. | General |
| Rewire electrical or electronic systems. | General |
| Install vehicle parts or accessories. | General |
| Inspect gas systems or components to identify leaks or other potential hazards. | General |
| Confer with coworkers to coordinate work activities. | Management |
| Confer with customers or users to assess problems. | Analysis |
| Service vehicles to maintain functionality. | Maintenance |
| Service green vehicles to make repairs or maintain good working order. | Maintenance |
| Rebuild parts or components. | Development |
Technology Requirements
| Technology | Description |
|---|---|
| Apple Safari | Internet browser software |
| Microsoft Edge | Internet browser software |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software |
| Microsoft Windows | Operating system software |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software |
| Mozilla Firefox | Internet browser software |
| SAP software | Enterprise resource planning ERP software |
| Alliance Automotive Shop Controller | Facilities management software |
| Amcom AUTOS2000 | Facilities management software |
| Blue Streak Electronics Buell Diagnostic | Analytical or scientific software |
| CODA Engine Analysis System | Analytical or scientific software |
| Computer aided manufacturing CAM software | Computer aided manufacturing CAM software |
| Estimating software | Project management software |
| Hunter WinAlign | Analytical or scientific software |
| IBM Notes | Electronic mail software |
| Internet browser software | Internet browser software |
| Mainsaver Asset Management | Facilities management software |
| Mitchell Manager Invoicing System | Accounting software |
| Mitchell OnDemand5 Manager | Facilities management software |
| Nexiq Tech HDS Suite for Palm | Analytical or scientific software |
| Online service manual database software | Information retrieval or search software |
| SPX/OTC Genisys ConnecTech PC | Analytical or scientific software |
| Scheduling software | Calendar and scheduling software |
| Scott Systems MaxxTraxx Pro | Facilities management software |
| Snap-On ShopKey | Facilities management software |
| Technical manual database software | Information retrieval or search software |
| YouTube | Video creation and editing software |
| AutoZone ALLDATA | Data base user interface and query software |
| Database software | Data base user interface and query software |
| Genisys Fast Fixes | Data base reporting software |
| Recordkeeping software | Data base user interface and query software |
| Vehicle management software | Data base user interface and query software |
| Work order management software | Data base user interface and query software |
Relevant Certifications
Industry certifications that may be valuable for this career role:
| Certification | Issuing Organization | Practice Test |
|---|---|---|
| ARFF Technician Level I | Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission, Inc. | Not Available |
| ARFF Technician Level II | Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission, Inc. | Not Available |
| ARFF Technician Level III | Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission, Inc. | Not Available |
| ASE Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Test (Test G1) | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence | Not Available |
| ASE Automobile Technician | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence | Not Available |
| ASE Medium/Heavy Truck Technician Certification | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence | Not Available |
| ASE Parts Specialist Certification | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence | Not Available |
| ASE School Bus Technician | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence | Not Available |
| ASE Transit Bus Technician | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence | Not Available |
| ASE Truck Equipment Technician | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence | Not Available |
| Advanced Engine Performance Specialist | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence | Not Available |
| Alternate Fuels Technician (Light Vehicle Compressed Natural Gas Technician) | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence | Not Available |
| Ambulance Technician Level I | Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission, Inc. | Not Available |
| Ambulance Technician Level II | Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission, Inc. | Not Available |
| Ambulance Technician Level III | Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission, Inc. | Not Available |
| Automobile Advanced Engine Performance Specialist | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence | Not Available |
| Automobile Parts Specialist | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence | Not Available |
| Automobile Service Consultant (C1) | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence | Not Available |
| Certified Auto Glass Master | Auto Glass Safety Council | Not Available |
| Certified Auto Glass Qualified Technician | Auto Glass Safety Council | Not Available |
| Certified Auto Glass Technician | Auto Glass Safety Council | Not Available |
| Certified Lubrication Specialist | Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers | Not Available |
| Chassis Technician | Automotive Transmission Rebuilders Association | Not Available |
| Diagnostician | Automotive Transmission Rebuilders Association | Not Available |
| Electric Vehicle Technician | ETA International | Not Available |
| Fire Apparatus Technician Level I | Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission, Inc. | Not Available |
| Fire Apparatus Technician Level II | Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission, Inc. | Not Available |
| Fire Apparatus Technician Level III | Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission, Inc. | Not Available |
| Fluid Power Mobile Hydraulic Mechanic | International Fluid Power Society | Not Available |
| Law Enforcement Vehicle Installation Technician | Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission, Inc. | Not Available |
| Level I Machine Lubrication Technician | International Council for Machinery Lubrication | Not Available |
| Level II Machine Lubrication Technician | International Council for Machinery Lubrication | Not Available |
| Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence | Not Available |
| Management Level I Supervisor | Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission, Inc. | Not Available |
| Management Level II Supervisor | Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission, Inc. | Not Available |
| Master Automobile/Light Truck Technician | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence | Not Available |
| Master Medium/Heavy Truck Specialist | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence | Not Available |
| Master Technician | Automotive Transmission Rebuilders Association | Not Available |
| Master Transit Bus Technician | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence | Not Available |
| Master Truck Equipment Technician | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence | Not Available |
| Military Tactical Wheeled Vehicle Certification - Chassis (MIL4) | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence | Not Available |
| Military Tactical Wheeled Vehicle Certification - Diesel Engines (MIL2) | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence | Not Available |
| Military Tactical Wheeled Vehicle Certification - Drive Train (MIL3) | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence | Not Available |
| Military Tactical Wheeled Vehicle Certification - Electrical/ Electronic Systems (MIL6) | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence | Not Available |
| Military Tactical Wheeled Vehicle Certification - Preventive Maintenance Checks & Services (MIL8) | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence | Not Available |
| Military Tactical Wheeled Vehicle Certification - Suspension, Steering, and Hydraulics (MIL5) | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence | Not Available |
| Rebuilder Specialist | Automotive Transmission Rebuilders Association | Not Available |
| S/P2 - Safety & Pollution Prevention | S/P2 | Not Available |
| Undercar Specialist: Exhaust Systems | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence | Not Available |