AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN – TRAINING REQUIRED and JOB OUTLOOK

What does an automotive technician do?

It is your job as an automotive technician to diagnose and repair mechanical problems with vehicles. While this is most commonly about mechanical parts, modern cars require more electrical knowledge. While most jobs are fairly similar, there are many specialized positions. You may be responsible for:

To identify the root cause of automotive mechanical problems, run diagnostics and test parts

Preventative maintenance of vehicles, including tire rotations and oil changes, filter replacement and filter replacement, is performed.

Giving advice to customers about how to improve their car-care.
Follow any state laws regarding safety and emissions.
Use your personal knowledge to disassemble or reassemble parts
To keep costs down, use warranties, spare parts, and personal expertise.
Offering and writing a general estimate for customers
Customer satisfaction skills are used to build trust with clients
You can maintain a steady supply by ordering the right parts and keeping your inventory updated.
Collaborating with mechanics to diagnose and determine the best course of action
Knowing how to use all types of tools, even power tools, is essential for any repair.
To ensure that each aspect of the vehicle is inspected, we use rigorous checklists
To further your knowledge about late-model vehicles, you can enroll in continuing education classes
Learn how to repair electric, hybrid, diesel and gasoline-powered cars
As needed, answering phones to make appointments and provide updates to customers about progress.

Work Environment

The majority of mechanics work in a garage, although they might have to occasionally work in an office or on a job site.

Most mechanics working in repair shops or dealerships work in a garage during the day. It’s a different job than almost any other. Automotive technicians work in tight spaces and uncomfortable environments, depending on the job at hand. Ear protection is also necessary because most of the tools in an auto shop can be loud. Garages are home to hazardous liquids and gases, which require proper ventilation. In extreme cases, breathing apparatus may be required.

Another important aspect of being an automotive technician is safety. Workers must use lifts to reach heavy vehicles. This presents safety hazards. High-pressure hydraulic and pneumatic tools are also used by technicians. Safety training is essential and safety protocols must be followed. Automotive technicians are more likely to sustain minor injuries than other equipment.

The mechanics are available to answer the phones and discuss the problem with customers. Sometimes, it is necessary to take the customer into the garage to diagnose the problem. This helps to build customer trust which is something that many people in the industry strive for. If the vehicle is totally disabled, other technicians can offer their services. They will need to have their own tools in order to finish the job at the location, not in a garage. In most cases, however, the cost of purchasing and using tools can be deducted from your tax bill.

Requirements Qualifications

Education

The education requirements for automotive technicians vary depending on their level of expertise. Employers require basic knowledge of mechanics, but many employers expect more specialized knowledge about specific components or cars. Most automotive technicians have certificates or an associate’s degree, on top of a high-school diploma. These areas include:

Two-year associate’s degree in applied science (AAS), Automotive Maintenance or Automotive Technology.

To be eligible for certification from the National Institute for Automotive Excellence, (ASE-Certified), applicants must have at least two years of experience in the workplace.

Pass all eight ASE exams to become a Master Automotive Technician
If applicable, state-required licensing exams
Brand-specific certification (Ford, BMW, etc.)

Information Technology

Management
Business Administration

Automotive technicians need to be certified and educated. They also need to learn on the job to conform to the company’s procedures, ethics and operations. They might also be trained on new or unfamiliar equipment.

Experience

Automotive technicians start their education under the supervision of a teacher who helps them through a series lessons and finally, exams. After a candidate has graduated from an accredited program they typically work as an apprentice for two years to a veteran technician. The new technician learns more complicated tasks and performs basic repairs.

Automotive technicians gain more experience and are able to take on more responsibility. Pay rates will increase the faster and more skilled an automotive technician becomes. According to data, 27 percent of automotive technicians are between 6-10 years old and 18 percent have 11-15 years and 12 percent have 16-20 years experience. The most skilled technicians have over 20 years of experience, while those with 0-5 years are only 24%.

These numbers show that experience is highly valued within the industry but newcomers should not be afraid to inquire about possible job opportunities.

Skills

While mechanical and tool skills are essential for automotive technicians, there are other attributes that can improve job performance and increase employment opportunities. These are the skills employers seek when they hire an automotive technician.

Knowledge of tools

Manual tools include wrenches and wrenches as well as pliers and swivel grips.
Drills and pneumatic tools are some examples of power tools.
Customer Service – Building relationships with customers and discussing repairs and diagnostics
Work ethic – You must have the ability to work long hours, especially in times of high business volume.
Technical aptitude – Understanding which tool to use in diagnosing and fixing a problem
Strong verbal communication skills – A technician must be able to translate complex mechanical words and phrases into simple terms that are understandable by customers.

What is the Average Salary for Automotive Technicians?

An average salary for entry-level automotive technicians is $38,000 per year, even if they have no previous experience. Earning potential increases significantly after two years of experience and a certificate. An automotive technician’s national average salary is $66,000. The highest earners in this field make an annual income of approximately $120,000.

Wages can fluctuate in different markets. The highest average salaries in Houston, Austin and Phoenix are, for example, Baltimore. Candidates can expect to earn more than $36,000 annually in each of these cities.

Automotive Technician job prospects

Proposed Growth

The automotive technician job grew by 2 per cent between 2013 and 2019, making it one the 10 most popularly-expanding transportation jobs. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (USBLS), automotive technician employment growth is expected increase 1 percent over 10 years. This will add 39,100 new jobs to the sector. The main reason for this job growth is independent auto shops.

Career outlook

There are many opportunities for automotive technicians who excel in their jobs. This includes those with superior mechanical knowledge and customer service skills. This can lead to master mechanic employment. This job requires the same skills as an automotive technician but also includes a managerial element. The master mechanic is responsible for all the other employees.

The self-employment route is another option that top automotive technicians choose. While there is more risk in starting a business than with an employee, the rewards are much greater than if one works as an employee. Plus, they have the freedom to manage the business however they wish. Automotive technicians are a great choice if you enjoy working with your hands, building and solving problems. It requires little formal education, but can still be a rewarding career.

What does an automotive technician do?

Work Environment