The benefits of becoming an auto technician

Learning Advanced Technologies

This course will teach you a lot about electronic and mechanical systems. Modern cars are equipped with smart sensors, infotainment and parking assistance systems as well as pedestrian detection systems. Practical, hands-on learning is a major part of what you will learn.

This is the right career for you if you’re curious about tech and like working in a practical setting.

Variation in your Work

Every day, an auto mechanic must deal with many challenges. Auto technicians are not confined to a single place. They move around and do many different tasks every day.

Rapid Earnings Potential

It is possible to quickly get your career started as an automotive technician. A college degree can take up to four years. However, entry-level technician training typically takes only two years. Most technicians are able to find work while still in school, even though your training may require you to become an apprentice.

Transferable Skills

You will gain skills during your degree or training program that will allow you to easily take on a new job within the transportation industry. An automotive technician is required to work in many areas of the automotive industry.

Job satisfaction

Helping people with difficult problems and helping them get back on track can give you immense satisfaction. It is priceless to help a customer understand their problem and get their car back on the road.

What is the Average Salary for Automotive Technicians?

Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2019, the median annual salary for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics stood at $42,090. An entry-level automotive technician’s average annual wage is $24,400 or $12 an hour. The top 10% of mechanics made more than $68,880 per year.

Depending on where you work, the number of jobs available and the pay they offer can be very different. In 2019, for example, the District of Columbia’s annual average wage for auto mechanics was $61,350 while West Virginia technicians earned $34,290 over the same time period.

Did you know that for every 1000 jobs in Rhode Island, there were 5.35 jobs for mechanics and auto technicians? New England Tech, a Rhode Island-based institute, is a great place to start your career as an automotive technician.

Outlook for the Job

BLS predicts that automotive mechanics and technicians will be less in demand from 2019 to 2029.

The declining number of jobs demonstrates the fact that automotive technicians need to adapt to changing technology. Service technicians are preferred by employers to be able to perform specialized tasks rather than mechanics who do repetitive work.

Find out the differences between an automotive technician and a mechanic.

Service technicians will need to do more than routine maintenance and repairs, such as changing oil or replacing brake pads, as vehicles become more sophisticated. The new vehicles are equipped with a variety of interconnected electronic and electrical systems including sensors, control systems and cameras. These systems may need to be repaired or diagnosed.

Career

There are many opportunities for advancement in the automotive industry, particularly if technicians are well-versed in automotive technology and have great customer service skills. After obtaining all relevant certifications, service technicians can move up to master mechanic.

These jobs are available after you have completed your education:

Auto Service Technician
Collision Tech
Paint Tech
Service Advisor
Collision Estimator
Parts Professional
Auto Parts Machinist

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Job Description

Responsibilities

Technicians are trained to diagnose and repair automobile problems. Technicians used to only fix the mechanical parts of cars. An automotive technician must now be able to repair a wide range of electrical components, as manufacturers have launched advanced cars.

A technician’s day-to-day duties can include:

Diagnostic and testing of parts and systems to determine the root cause
Preventative maintenance tasks like wheel alignment, oil and coolant changes, filter replacement, and so on.

Advice to customers about car care and fixes

Installation of systems that meet safety and emissions standards
Customers can get an estimate for automotive repair and replacement costs

Client relationship maintenance

You will need to use a variety power tools and equipment to disassemble and assemble parts
For a maximum inventory of parts, coordinate with the stores and supplies department

Work Environment

Automotive technicians can work in many settings. You may be required to work during the day at car dealerships or garages.

It is possible to work in an environment with loud noises, fumes, oils, or other hazardous conditions. You will need to operate pneumatic and hydraulic tools, lift heavy objects and use hand tools to repair any safety hazards. Many employers place a high value on worker safety.