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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Median Salary
47,770
Job Outlook
+3%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

76%

Self-employed

19%

State and local government

2%

Private not for profit

1%

Federal Government

1%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 67,800 openings for automotive service technicians and mechanics are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$20,950

10%

$47,770

Median

$62,940

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Post-secondary certificate

    50%

  • High school

    42%

  • Some college

    5%

  • Associate's degree

    1%


Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician
  • Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician
  • Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technology/Technician, General
  • Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology/Technician
  • Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician
  • High Performance and Custom Engine Technician/Mechanic

Skills and Interests

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid


What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Mechanical
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Transportation

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Low


What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test