Also Called:
Automobile
Mechanic, Automotive Service Technician
Job Description:
Automotive
technicians use their knowledge of mathematics, technology, and electronics as
well as complex diagnostic tools and computer software to analyze and repair
vehicle problems and to perform general evaluation and maintenance tasks.
Service technicians employ a variety of hand and power tools (such as pneumatic
wrenches, and grinding machines) to fix, replace, or tweak malfunctioning parts.
Advancements in the electric and technical components of automobiles and the
introduction of alternate-fuel technologies make this a constantly evolving
profession.
Working
Environment: Conditions can
vary depending on area of specialization and workload. For example, transmission
technicians or brake repairers may need to get their hands dirty, tinkering
around inside the engine or undercarriage; those who specialize in the ECU (the
car’s computer “mainframe”) may be able to make only minor, computerized
adjustments. The average workweek for repair shop auto technicians is 40 hours,
but night or weekend work is sometimes required to meet customer deadlines. In
addition, some aftermarket service technicians do private jobs on the side to
boost their income. (See salary figures below.)
Education and
Training Requirements: In past years,
automotive maintenance and repair skills could be learned through three to four
years of apprenticeship. However, given the great variety of vehicles on the
road today, increasingly complex technical components of vehicles, and evolving
alternative-fuel technologies, post-secondary training is now critical to
finding work in the automobile services industry.
The best training
programs are usually found at vocational schools such as the Hannibal Career
& Technical Center. Vehicle repair and technology training at our vocational
school requires students to take two years of training in our automotive
program. Our program focuses primarily on hands-on training but we do
incorporate textbook learning and technical math into your learning
experience.
Certification and
Manufacturers Training: The National
Institute for Automotive Service Excellence offers experienced technicians the
chance to get nationally certified in various areas of specialization, such as
drive trains, exhaust systems, suspension and steering, brakes, or body systems.
Those technicians with at least two years of work experience or one year at
technical school and one year on the job can opt for the exams. Certification
can often lead to increased pay and better job opportunities. (See the ASE
section of this website for more details.)
Salary Range:
Entry Level
Pay: $21,000-32,000 Mid-Range Pay: $32,000-55,000 Experienced Pay:
$43,000-72,000 Top Level Pay (Master Mechanic): $58,000-108,000
Outlook: Good to
Excellent. The need for qualified technicians will be driven by continued
growth in the number of cars and the introduction of more complex technologies
and components. The outlook for long-term job security is also positive, as the
automotive repair industry has historically been affected very little by
general economic trends and has been able to survive economic downturns.
High-Growth
Industry: With new vehicles
coming to the sales market every year the demand for automobile technicians has
increased progressively over the years. In addition, more focus will be placed
on continuing education and retraining of experienced technicians to keep up
with changing technologies and the demands of industries.
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