Information Provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
Automotive Service Technicians And Mechanics
Formal automotive technician training is the best preparation for these challenging technology-based jobs. Opportunities should be very good for automotive service technicians and mechanics with diagnostic and problem-solving skills, knowledge of electronics and mathematics, and mechanical aptitude. Automotive technicians and mechanics must continually adapt to changing technology and repair techniques as vehicle components and systems become increasingly sophisticated.
On average, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
earn $ 16.24 per hour.
Job Opportunities for Skilled Trade Careers are
expected to:
Increase as fast as the average.
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology/Technician
Autobody Repair
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician
Automotive Engineering Technology
Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician
Diesel Engine Specialists
Anyone whose car or light truck has broken down knows the importance of the jobs of automotive service technicians and mechanics. The ability to diagnose the source of a problem quickly and accurately requires good reasoning ability and a thorough knowledge of automobiles. Many technicians consider diagnosing hard-to-find troubles one of their most challenging and satisfying duties.
Automotive technology is rapidly increasing in sophistication, and most training authorities strongly recommend that persons seeking automotive service technician and mechanic jobs complete a formal training program in high school, or in a postsecondary vocational school or community college. However, some service technicians still learn the trade solely by assisting and learning from experienced workers. Courses in automotive repair, electronics, physics, chemistry, English, computers, and mathematics provide a good educational background for a career as a service technician.
Automotive service technicians and mechanics held about 803,000 jobs in 2004. The majority worked for automotive repair and maintenance shops, automobile dealers, and retailers and wholesalers of automotive parts, accessories, and supplies. Others found employment in gasoline stations; home and auto supply stores; automotive equipment rental and leasing companies; Federal, State, and local governments; and other organizations.
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology
Automotive Jobs Today
Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES)
National Automobile Dealers Association
National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
