Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Automotive service technicians and mechanics, often called service technicians or service techs, inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.

Duties

Automotive service technicians and mechanics typically do the following:

• Identify problems, often by using computerized diagnostic equipment
• Test parts and systems to ensure that they work properly
• Perform basic care and maintenance, including changing oil, checking fluid levels, and rotating tires
• Repair or replace worn parts, such as brake pads, wheel bearings, and sensors
• Perform repairs to manufacturer and customer specifications
• Document repairs and maintenance performed, including parts used, hours worked, and vehicle condition
• Explain automotive problems and repairs to clients

Although service technicians work on traditional mechanical systems, such as engines, transmissions, and drivebelts, they also must be familiar with electronic systems and sensors, such as those used for braking, transmission, and accident avoidance.

Some technicians primarily focus on electric vehicles. Those who work on electric vehicles perform routine maintenance and identify issues related to battery performance, regenerative braking systems, and electric motor efficiency.

Service technicians use many different tools, including computerized diagnostic tools and power tools, such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding torches, and jacks and hoists. These tools usually are owned by their employers.

Service technicians also use many common hand tools, such as wrenches, pliers, and sockets and ratchets. Service technicians typically own these tools themselves.

These workers must follow safety procedures and environmental regulations, such as when dealing with high-voltage electric vehicle systems or when disposing of oil or other hazardous materials.

The following are examples of types of service technicians:

Automotive air-conditioning technicians install and repair air-conditioners and parts, such as compressors, condensers, and controls. These workers must be trained and certified in handling refrigerants.

Brake technicians diagnose brake system problems, adjust brakes, replace brake rotors and pads, and make other repairs on brake systems. Some technicians specialize in both brake and front-end work. (See “Front-end technicians.”)

Diagnostic technicians use their extensive knowledge of engine management and fuel, electrical, ignition, and emissions systems to diagnose issues that prevent engines from performing efficiently. They often use the onboard diagnostic system of a car and electronic testing equipment, such as scan tools and multimeters, to find the malfunction.

Front-end technicians diagnose ride, handling, and tire wear problems. To correct these problems, they frequently use special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines.

Transmission technicians and rebuilders work on gear trains, couplings, hydraulic pumps, and other parts of transmissions. An extensive knowledge of computer controls and the ability to diagnose electrical and hydraulic problems are needed to work on these complex components.

Technicians who specialize in diesel engines are described in the diesel service technicians and mechanics profile.

Technicians who work on farm equipment, construction vehicles, and railcars are described in the heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians profile.

Technicians who repair and service motorcycles, motorboats, and small all-terrain vehicles are described in the profile on small engine mechanics.

Automotive service technicians and mechanics held about 805,600 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of automotive service technicians and mechanics were as follows:

Service technicians typically work in well-ventilated and well-lit repair shops. Although technicians often identify and fix automotive problems with computers, they commonly work with greasy parts and tools, sometimes in uncomfortable positions. They may need to lift and maneuver heavy objects, such as tires.

These workers usually stand for most of the day. They may be exposed to fumes, chemicals, and noise. Occasionally, service technicians might need to work outdoors, in all types of weather.

Injuries and Illnesses

Automotive service technicians and mechanics have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Injuries may result from incidents, such as contact with equipment, falls, and overexertion. Workers reduce the risk of injury by following safety procedures and practices, such as using proper lifting techniques and wearing steel-toed shoes and other personal protective equipment (PPE).

Work Schedules

Most service technicians work full time. Evening or weekend work may be required.

Automotive service technicians and mechanics typically complete a program in automotive service technology or a related field. However, some workers enter the occupation with a high school diploma and learn on the job. Certification may be required.

The median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $49,670 in May 2024.

Employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 70,000 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.