Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
SOC: 49-3023 O*NET: 49-3023.00
Median Salary
$49,670
per year
Job Growth
📈 4.2%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
70
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.
What does a Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$33,660
10th percentile
Early Career
$38,140
25th percentile
Median
$49,670
50th percentile
Experienced
$65,660
75th percentile
Top Earners
$80,850
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$33,660
25th
$38,140
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$49,670
Mean: $55,260
75th
$65,660
90th
$80,850
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $47,190 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $38,140 and $65,660
- •Salary spread is 55.4% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 688,840 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:805,600
Top Industries
Retail Trade50.7%
Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers45.2%
Automobile Dealers37.7%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+4.2%
Annual Openings:70,000
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)805,600
Current
2034 (Projected)839,200
+4.2%
+33,600
Employment Change
+4.2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
Texas
67,060 jobs$48,6601.08x
California
62,110 jobs$63,3700.77x
Florida
46,090 jobs$48,5201.05x
New York
31,790 jobs$51,6500.75x
Pennsylvania
29,020 jobs$49,7901.08x
Illinois
26,710 jobs$50,4500.99x
North Carolina
25,260 jobs$48,5301.15x
Georgia
24,000 jobs$48,8001.11x
Ohio
22,950 jobs$47,0100.93x
Michigan
20,650 jobs$48,8401.05x
Virginia
17,740 jobs$56,3200.98x
Arizona
17,390 jobs$49,4001.22x
New Jersey
16,820 jobs$57,2900.89x
Missouri
16,810 jobs$46,7101.29x
Tennessee
16,390 jobs$47,4601.12x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Repairing
100%
#2
Troubleshooting
94%
#3
Critical Thinking
86%
#4
Operations Monitoring
80%
#5
Equipment Maintenance
74%
#6
Monitoring
66%
#7
Operation and Control
60%
#8
Active Listening
54%
#9
Judgment and Decision Making
46%
#10
Complex Problem Solving
40%
Skills Overview
Repairing
advanced5.0
100%
Troubleshooting
advanced4.7
94%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.3
86%
Operations Monitoring
intermediate4.0
80%
Equipment Maintenance
intermediate3.7
74%
Monitoring
intermediate3.3
66%
Operation and Control
intermediate3.0
60%
Active Listening
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Repairing
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Troubleshooting
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Equipment Maintenance
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Operation and Control
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Active Listening
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Continuous Mining Machine Operators82%
5 shared skills
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic82%
5 shared skills
Sailors and Marine Oilers82%
5 shared skills
Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas82%
5 shared skills
Ship Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Wellhead Pumpers82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Learn on the Job:
- →Monitoring
- →Active Listening
- →Operation and Control
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Troubleshooting
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Repairing
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Troubleshooting
- ★Repairing
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Equipment Maintenance
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechApple Safari
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Edge
🔥 Hot TechMozilla Firefox
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Windows
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
Apple Safari
Microsoft Edge
Mozilla Firefox
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Analysis & Evaluation (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)Operations & Execution (3)General Responsibilities (14)Planning & Development (1)
1
Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation100% perform100%
2
Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping97% perform98%
3
Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution94% perform96%
4
Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Estimate costs of vehicle repair.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Troubleshoot fuel, ignition, and emissions control systems, using electronic testing equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution79% perform86%
9
Align vehicles' front ends.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Test electronic computer components in automobiles to ensure proper operation.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on analysis & evaluation activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.26
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.15
Integrity
ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level3.83
Analytical Thinking
ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level3.77
Independence
ImportantIndependence
Importance Level3.75
Persistence
ImportantPersistence
Importance Level3.74
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.3
Dependability
4.2
Integrity
3.8
Analytical Thinking
3.8
Independence
3.8
Persistence
3.7
Self-Control
3.6
Cooperation
3.5
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
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