An automotive technician is a trained professional who is responsible for the maintenance and repair of cars and trucks. They typically work in service stations or auto shops. Automotive technicians can earn a good wage, with the average salary being $36,610 per year.
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Job Description
Automotive technicians are responsible for the maintenance and repair of cars and trucks. They work in service stations, auto dealerships, and in some large organizations with their own fleets of vehicles. Automotive technicians need to be able to identify and diagnose problems with a vehicle, and then repair or replace the necessary parts. They also need to keep up with the latest technology in the automotive industry.
Automotive technicians inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.
An automotive technician diagnostics and repairs vehicles. They work with a variety of tools, including computer-aided diagnostic tools, to figure out what is wrong with a vehicle and then fix the problem. Automotive technicians typically work in repair shops, although some work for automobile dealerships.
The median annual salary for an automotive technician was $37,850 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10 percent of earners made more than $58,520, while the bottom 10 percent made less than $22,090.
Most automotive technicians have at least a high school diploma although some have completed postsecondary training programs in automotive technology. Many technicians also become certified by completing a voluntary certification program sponsored by either their employer or a trade organization such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
Education
To become an automotive technician, you need to have at least a high school diploma although many employers prefer applicants who have completed some postsecondary education, such as a 1- or 2-year automotive program at a trade school or community college. Some technicians may also choose to pursue further education and specialize in a particular area, such as transmission repair or air-conditioning systems.
Automotive technicians must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Education requirements for automotive technicians vary by employer, but most mechanics must have a high school diploma or equivalent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Many workers complete a formal training program at a technical school, community college or trade school after graduation. Employers also value prospective mechanics who have completed an apprenticeship. These programs typically last four years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
Most automotive technicians hold a certificate or diploma from a trade or technical school, or an associate’s degree in automotive technology. A high school diploma is usually required for admission to these programs. Community colleges typically offer 2-year programs that lead to an associate’s degree, while some trade and technical schools offer 1-year diploma and certificate programs.
Many technicians receive postsecondary training from technical and trade schools.
Education for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics can vary. Many technicians receive postsecondary training from technical and trade schools. A growing number of technicians are trained through formal apprenticeships that combine on-the-job experience with classroom instruction, although certification is not required to be an automotive technician or mechanic. Many experienced service technicians enter the occupation after completing a formal training program at a vocational-technical institute or community college.
Completion of a formal training program in automotive service technology is generally preferred by employers, and may be required for some positions. Also, many states have programs that allow students to take the necessary exams to become certified mechanics after completing a certain amount of on-the-job training. Employers often prefer certification from either The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).
Certification
To become an automotive technician, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete an automotive training program. You may also need to have certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Automotive technicians typically make $16.21 per hour or $33,780 per year.
Automotive technicians can get voluntary certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
Automotive technicians can get voluntary certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), which can demonstrate to employers and customers that they have the knowledge and skills needed to do their jobs well. To become certified, technicians must pass one or more ASE exams.Technicians who maintain their certifications by taking ASE-approved continuing education courses can earn Master Technician status.
Skills
Automotive technicians are responsible for the maintenance and repair of vehicles. They use a variety of tools to diagnose and repair problems. Many technicians also specialize in a particular area, such as brakes, transmissions, or engines.
Automotive technicians need strong problem-solving skills.
auto mechanics must be able to identify problems quickly and correctly. They often use diagnostic computers when they are trying to find out what is wrong with a vehicle. They also have to be able to communicate with customers and explain what needs to be done to fix a problem.
Automotive technicians need physical strength and dexterity. They have to be able to lift heavy parts and tools and work in small spaces. Many technicians learn their trade through a 4-year apprenticeship program. Some community colleges offer 2-year programs in automotive technology.
Salary
Automotive technicians are in high demand and due to this, they are able to command a high salary. The average salary for an automotive technician is $19.26 per hour. This means that they make an average of $40,180 per year. The top 10% of automotive technicians make an average of $24.84 per hour, which equates to $51,700 per year.
The median annual salary for automotive technicians was $37,120 in May 2019.
The median annual salary for automotive technicians was $37,120 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $22,770, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $58,320. Median earnings in the industries employing the largest number of automotive technicians were as follows:
* General merchandise stores $39,710
* Automotive equipment rental and leasing $38,900
* Automotive parts, accessories, and tire stores $38,670
* Federal government $38,620
* Local government $37,140
Employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow 3 percent from 2019 to 2029. Openings will result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force, such as retirements. Job prospects should be best for those who have completed postsecondary training in automotive service technology.
