Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
SOC: 49-3023 O*NET: 49-3023.00
Median Salary
$50,620
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
$34,660
10th percentile
Early Career
$38,900
25th percentile
Median
$50,620
50th percentile
Experienced
$70,430
75th percentile
Top Earners
$81,790
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$34,660
25th
$38,900
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$50,620
Mean: $56,420
75th
$70,430
90th
$81,790
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $47,130 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $38,900 and $70,430
- •Salary spread is 62.3% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 704,640 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 Trade50.5%
Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers45%
Automobile Dealers37.5%
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
69,750 jobs$48,3101.09x
California
65,420 jobs$64,9800.79x
Florida
49,930 jobs$48,2601.11x
New York
32,020 jobs$54,1200.73x
Illinois
29,510 jobs$49,1701.07x
Pennsylvania
29,400 jobs$49,8001.07x
North Carolina
26,510 jobs$48,2001.18x
Ohio
22,640 jobs$48,7100.90x
Michigan
22,280 jobs$54,1201.12x
Georgia
22,070 jobs$49,0601.00x
Virginia
17,880 jobs$59,3300.96x
New Jersey
17,640 jobs$56,6100.91x
Missouri
17,210 jobs$49,1601.29x
Indiana
16,480 jobs$49,3601.14x
Arizona
16,400 jobs$49,5701.12x
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 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Mechanical
100%
#2
Repairing
100%
#3
Deductive Reasoning
100%
#4
Troubleshooting
94%
#5
Manual Dexterity
92%
#6
Critical Thinking
86%
#7
Near Vision
82%
#8
Operations Monitoring
80%
#9
Customer and Personal Service
80%
#10
Equipment Maintenance
74%
Skills Overview
Mechanical
advanced5.0
100%
Repairing
advanced5.0
100%
Deductive Reasoning
advanced5.0
100%
Troubleshooting
advanced4.7
94%
Manual Dexterity
advanced4.6
92%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.3
86%
Near Vision
intermediate4.1
82%
Operations Monitoring
intermediate4.0
80%
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:
Mechanical
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Repairing
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Deductive Reasoning
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Troubleshooting
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Manual Dexterity
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Near Vision
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Customer and Personal Service
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Equipment Maintenance
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Inductive Reasoning
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
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
Must Have:
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
Learn on the Job:
- →Monitoring
- →Active Listening
- →Computers and Electronics
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Troubleshooting
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
- ✓Repairing
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Troubleshooting
- ★Mechanical
- ★Customer and Personal Service
- ★Repairing
- ★Critical Thinking
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
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics.
Browse Training Programs →The Apprenticeship Route: Earn While You Learn
You don't necessarily need to pay for school to enter this field. There are 430 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system — including 60 union/joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, typically starting at 40–50% of the journeyman rate, and finish with no tuition debt.
Most sponsors: SC (54) , VA (48) , GU (38) , TX (29) , IL (21)
How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)
Trade Colleges That Train for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Sonoran Desert Institute
Tempe, AZ
3.3k program completions/year
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
2.9k program completions/year
South Florida Institute of Technology
Miami, FL
2.4k program completions/year
Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, GA
1.9k program completions/year
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX
1.3k program completions/year
Jefferson Community and Technical College
Louisville, KY
1.2k program completions/year
Chattahoochee Technical College
Marietta, GA
1.2k program completions/year
Universal Technical Institute of Texas Inc.
Houston, TX
1.1k program completions/year
St Philip's College
San Antonio, TX
1.1k program completions/year
River Parishes Community College
Gonzales, LA
1.1k program completions/year
WyoTech
Laramie, WY
1.1k program completions/year
Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc
Avondale, AZ
1.0k program completions/year
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