Automotive Technician Job Description, Key Duties, and Responsibilities

This post provides detailed information on the automotive technician job description, including the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities they commonly perform.

It also highlights the major requirements that you may be expected to fulfill to be hired for the automotive technician role.

What Does an Automotive Technician Do?

An automotive technician is the person licensed to diagnose problems, repair, and maintain vehicles.

They are the problem solvers in the automotive world, combining mechanical know-how with high-tech diagnostic equipment to keep cars running safely and efficiently.

According to UEI College, an automotive technician is trained to keep automobiles in good working condition by diagnosing faults and performing repairs and maintenance on them when necessary.

The automotive technician job description involves diagnosing mechanical problems using computerized equipment, performing routine maintenance on vehicles, such as changing oil and rotating tires, and repairing and replacing parts that wear out.

It also entails retesting the adjusted systems, and making explanations about the work done to customers.

These tech-savvy mechanics usually report to a service manager or the shop owner in a dealership, independent repair shop, or specialized service center.

One might find them working their magic on a car in a variety of settings, from small local garages to a large automotive dealership or even in a company’s fleet maintenance facility.

But you are possibly wondering about the amount of education and training necessary to reach this level?

Most employers regard formal education as a necessary complement to on-the-job training; those who acquire certification are considered very desirable as employees.

This generally means completion of a postsecondary program in automotive technology, which may run from six months for a certificate to a year, or two years for an associate’s degree.

But the learning doesn’t stop there. As cars become more complex and riddled with technology, ongoing training is an absolute must.

Many technicians obtain certifications through organizations like the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence to stay on top of their game.

Another area of specialization that attracts an auto technician is in hybrid or electronic vehicles, car customization for performance or appearance, safety and emissions inspection, or even specialty car brands or systems, for example, transmissions or air conditioning.

While this is a position that can be found all over the world, there is a bit of tweaking from country to country.

In some countries, they might work better with automotive repairs for older models, while in other countries they continue to work on the new automotive technologies for electric and self-driving vehicles.

This has been the reason why, during hiring, employers will tend to look for a technician who is mechanically inclined and equipped with problem-solving skills, attention to details, and good customer service abilities.

After all, explaining complex car problems to non-technical folks is part of the job.

It is important to note that automotive technicians are part of a regulated industry.

Within the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sets standards regarding the safety and emissions for vehicles, which technicians must follow in the performance of their job.

Generally, service technicians stand most of the day, and they usually work in well-ventilated and well-lighted repair shops. Although technicians use computers often to diagnose and repair automotive problems, the work frequently greases up the parts and tools; this may also be done in uncomfortable positions.

Automotive Technician Job Description Sample/ Example/ Template

The automotive technician job description consists of the following duties, tasks, and responsibilities:

• Conduct basic care maintenance, which includes changing oil, rotating tires, and checking brakes
• Perform basic diagnostics about the malfunctioning of motor vehicles by utilizing the computerized mechanisms, which generally take some physical effort for this purpose
• Repair and replace defective or worn-out parts in major systems of motor vehicles, including engines, transmissions, electrical systems, and suspensions
• Provide inspection on vehicles for safety, potential hazards, and warn customers on the importance of maintenance
• Perform vehicle road tests to ensure quality workmanship is done following repairs or preventative maintenance
• Interact with existing customers to explain mechanical problems, damages, and repairs that are required to be fixed, providing input on proper maintenance
• Make various installations, adjustments and repairs of specialized tools and equipment
• Document the work performed in writing: completed installations, parts, and labor hours
• Follow safety practices and maintain a neat, orderly working environment
• Stay current with developments of technologies in automotive and repair procedures and be certified accordingly
• Repair and replace automotive glass, from windshields to side windows. Service and repair air conditioning and heating systems
• Rebuild engines and transmissions as necessary. Repair hybrid and electric vehicle systems
• Perform routine maintenance as directed in vehicle owner’s manuals
• Use wiring diagrams and technical manuals to understand and follow directions
• Assist with ordering parts and inventory control. Train junior technicians or apprentices
• Assist other technicians in performing complex repair work
• Provide estimated cost of repair and maintenance work undoing
• Adhere to safety and environmental procedures in the workplace.

Overall, the job of automotive technicians is extensive and ranges from making routine maintenance services to even requiring complex diagnostic work and repairs.

The work they do depends a lot on the type of workplace they are and their specific specialization, as well as the level of experience they hold.

Automotive Technician Job Description for Resume

If you have worked before as an automotive technician or are presently working in that role and are making a new resume or CV, then you can craft an impressive Professional Experience for your resume by applying the above automotive technician job description sample.

You can utilize the duties and responsibilities highlighted above for an automotive technician in making the Professional Experience part of your resume.

This will show to the recruiter/employer that that you’ve been effective in performing the duties of an automotive technician, which can boost your chances of being hired for the new job that you are seeking, especially if it requires someone with some automotive technician work experience.

Automotive Technician Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for Career Success

This competitive world of automotive repair, therefore, definitely calls for the technician to marry technical knowledge with his or her physical and soft skills.

Here are important qualities to have to be successful in your automotive technician career, which are also major requirements commonly cited by employers/recruiters for hiring for the position:

• Mechanical aptitude
• Knowledge of automotive systems
• Technical diagnostic use of mechanical equipment and software
• Understanding electrical systems and electronics
• Computer controls and onboard diagnostics
• Knowing different makes and models of vehicles
• Ability to read technical manuals and diagrams and interpret them
• Knowledge of safety procedures and regulations
• Good color vision to help tell colored wires and components apart
• Good hand-eye coordination
• Color vision to discern colored wires and components
• Tolerate working in awkward and uncomfortable positions (ie. standing, crouching, lying under vehicles)
• Effective communication skills both in oral and in writing.
• Manage time and organizing skills
• Ability to work effectively individually and as part of a team
• Patience and persistence in troubleshooting tough problems
• Adaptability to keep ahead of changing car and truck technologies
• Dedication towards continuous learning to improve your skill set
• Honesty and integrity in diagnosing and repairing vehicles.

By combining these technical skills with physical ability and soft skills, top service will be provided, and successful careers will be built in this dynamic field.

Automotive Technician Employment

The employment size or number of jobs of automotive technicians and mechanics was 676,570, according to the May, 2023 report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

However, survey data on Zippia shows that there are presently more than 92,598 automotive technicians employed in the United States.

Employment by Industry

Also, the BLS report states that the industries with the highest employments for automotive service technicians and mechanics include:

• Automobile Dealers, 250,180
• Automotive Repair and Maintenance, 236,770
• Automotive Parts, Accessories, and Tire Retailers, 50,230
• Local Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation), 16,020
• Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers, 12,320.         

Employment by State

The States with the highest number of employments for automotive technicians, according to reports on Zippia include Texas and California, with 4,275 and 4,013 employments respectively.

The top five States for automotive technician employment are shown here:

Automotive Technician Salary

The average annual salary of automotive service technicians and mechanics in the United States was $51,940, according to the May 2023 report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

According to Zippia, the average pay for automotive technicians in the U.S. is currently $40,910.

Salary by Industry

The BLS report gave the industries with the highest salaries for automotive service technicians and mechanics to include:

• Telecommunications, $93,120
• Natural Gas Distribution, $85,390
• Scientific Research and Development Services, $81,750
• Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution, $80,780
• Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing, $79,890.

Salary by State

The highest paying States for automotive technicians in the United States include District of Columbia and California, with average annual salary of $49,802 and $48,512 respectively.

Here are the top five paying States for automotive technicians in the U.S. according to data from Zippia:

Conclusion

This post provides a valuable guide on the automotive technician job description, tasks, career prospects, expected salary, and trends in the industry.

This is a useful resource not only for the prospective technician and practicing professionals but also an eye-opener to the demands of the job by the employer. Relative to its dynamism, the automotive industry offers the chance to learn and develop continuously, furnishing the raw materials for an enthralling career choice for any enthusiastic individual who loves to troubleshoot around technology.