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Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
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Median pay

$49,670
Median annual pay for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

4.2%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

70,000
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

805,600
Estimated U.S. employment for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+33,600
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical additional preparation: Short-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

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Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Monitoring
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mechanical
  2. 2Customer and Personal Service
  3. 3Computers and Electronics
  4. 4Engineering and Technology
  5. 5English Language
  6. 6Transportation

Abilities

  1. 1Deductive Reasoning
  2. 2Manual Dexterity
  3. 3Finger Dexterity
  4. 4Inductive Reasoning
  5. 5Near Vision
  6. 6Problem Sensitivity

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Perseverance
  4. 4Integrity
  5. 5Cautiousness
  6. 6Stress Tolerance

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  3. 3Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  4. 4Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
  5. 5Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  6. 6Handling and Moving Objects

Work context

  1. 1Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  2. 2Exposed to Contaminants
  3. 3In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
  4. 4Frequency of Decision Making
  5. 5Spend Time Standing
  6. 6Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

Representative tasks

  • Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
  • Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices.
  • Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
  • Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
  • Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
  • Estimate costs of vehicle repair.
  • Confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.
  • Align vehicles' front ends.

Software and tools

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Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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