Occupation Details
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.
Quick Navigation
Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Relationships
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$33,990.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$48,710.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$59,690.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
38,720
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
49,920
+1,120 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
5,444
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.3%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
College Helps - Some college classes or training
Experience Requirements
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Education Requirements
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- 2-channel lab scopes
- 5 pound sledge hammers
- 5-gas emissions analyzers
- Adjustable wrenches
- Air chisels
- Air compressors
- Air conditioner chargers
- Air drills
- Air hammers
- Air sanders
- Air wrenches
- Alignment wrenches
- Allen wrenches
- Alternator testers
- Ammeters
- Angle drills
- Antenna socket sets
- Anti-lock braking system ABS/air bag scan tools
- Antifreeze recovery equipment
- Anvils
- Auto body dollies
- Automotive on-board diagnostics scanners
- Awls
- Ball joint separators
- Ball peen hammers
- Bandsaws
- Battery chargers
- Battery hydrometers
- Battery jump starters
- Battery/alternator testers
Technology
- Amcom AUTOS2000
- AutoZone ALLDATA
- CODA Engine Analysis System
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Database software
- Estimating software
- Genisys Fast Fixes
- Hunter WinAlign
- IBM Notes
- Internet browser software
- Mainsaver Asset Management
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- write vehicle damage repair estimates
- maintain equipment service records
- maintain repair records
- estimate cost for repair services
- estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
- estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
- determine installation, service, or repair needed
- determine installation, service, or repair needed
- plan or organize work
- examine vehicles to determine extent of damages and repairs needed
- examine vehicles to determine extent of damages and repairs needed
- use electronic calibration devices
- use electronic calibration devices
- use engine diagnostic equipment
- use engine diagnostic equipment
- operate engine emission testing equipment
- operate engine emission testing equipment
- operate lathes
- use lifting equipment in vehicle repair setting
- use lifting equipment in vehicle repair setting
- operate vehicle engine electrical system test equipment
- operate vehicle engine electrical system test equipment
- solder vehicle components
- solder vehicle components
- use auto or vehicular body repair equipment
- use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
- use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
- use hand or power tools
- use hand or power tools
- set up and operate variety of machine tools
- use pneumatic tools
- use pneumatic tools
- use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
- use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
- use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
- use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
- use acetylene welding/cutting torch
- use acetylene welding/cutting torch
- weld together metal parts, components, or structures
- weld together metal parts, components, or structures
- use soldering equipment
- use soldering equipment
- use machine tools in installation, maintenance, or repair
- operate hoist, winch, or hydraulic boom
- adhere to safety procedures
- adhere to safety procedures
- perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
- perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
- move or fit heavy objects
- move or fit heavy objects
- repair vehicle body parts
- install electronic equipment, components, or systems
- install electronic equipment, components, or systems
- repair or replace electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, or equipment
- repair or replace electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, or equipment
- test electrical/electronic wiring, equipment, systems or fixtures
- identify properties of metals for repair or fabrication activities
- identify properties of metals for repair or fabrication activities
- understand service or repair manuals
- understand service or repair manuals
- understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
- understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
- stock or organize goods
- stock or organize goods
- identify base metals for welding
- identify base metals for welding
- test vehicle computer processors to detect malfunctions
- test vehicle computer processors to detect malfunctions
- apply filler substances to dents in vehicle bodies
- fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
- fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
- align vehicle frame
- align vehicle frame
- align or adjust clearances of mechanical components or parts
- align or adjust clearances of mechanical components or parts
- align or adjust clearances of vehicle body parts or components
- align or adjust clearances of vehicle body parts or components
- diagnose mechanical problems in machinery or equipment
- diagnose mechanical problems in machinery or equipment
- repair commercial transportation equipment
- repair commercial transportation equipment
- maintain or repair cargo or passenger vehicle
- maintain or repair cargo or passenger vehicle
- repair vehicle transmissions
- test mechanical products or equipment
- test mechanical products or equipment
- maintain welding machines or equipment
- maintain welding machines or equipment
- overhaul vehicle major operating units, such as engines or transmissions
- conduct tests to locate mechanical system malfunction
- conduct tests to locate mechanical system malfunction
- repair or replace malfunctioning or worn mechanical components
- repair or replace malfunctioning or worn mechanical components
- lubricate machinery, equipment, or parts
- service vehicle with water, fuel, or oil
- examine vehicle to detect malfunctions, damage, or maintenance needed
- examine vehicle to detect malfunctions, damage, or maintenance needed
- diagnose malfunctioning vehicle systems
- diagnose malfunctioning vehicle systems
- assemble, dismantle, or reassemble equipment or machinery
- assemble, dismantle, or reassemble equipment or machinery
- inspect machinery or equipment to determine adjustments or repairs needed
- inspect machinery or equipment to determine adjustments or repairs needed
- follow vehicle repair procedures
- follow vehicle repair procedures
- use oral or written communication techniques
- follow safe waste disposal procedures
- follow safe waste disposal procedures
- use combination welding procedures
- use combination welding procedures
- use knowledge of metric system
- use knowledge of metric system
- use knowledge of welding filler rod types
- use knowledge of welding filler rod types
- test operate vehicles before or after repair
- test operate vehicles before or after repair
- read schematics
- read schematics
- read technical drawings
- read technical drawings
- read vehicle manufacturer's specifications
- read vehicle manufacturer's specifications
- obtain information from clients, customers, or patients
- obtain information from clients, customers, or patients
- read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
- read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Repair or rebuild transmissions.
- Retrofit vehicle fuel systems with aftermarket products, such as vapor transfer devices, evaporation control devices, swirlers, lean burn devices, and friction reduction devices, to enhance combustion and fuel efficiency.
- 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.
- Conduct visual inspections of compressed natural gas fuel systems to identify cracks, gouges, abrasions, discoloration, broken fibers, loose brackets, damaged gaskets, or other problems.
- 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.
- Align wheels, axles, frames, torsion bars, and steering mechanisms of automobiles, using special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines.
- Tear down, repair, and rebuild faulty assemblies, such as power systems, steering systems, and linkages.
- Perform routine and scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups.
- Follow checklists to ensure all important parts are examined, including belts, hoses, steering systems, spark plugs, brake and fuel systems, wheel bearings, and other potentially troublesome areas.
- Plan work procedures, using charts, technical manuals, and experience.
- Maintain cleanliness of work area.
- Change spark plugs, fuel filters, air filters, and batteries in hybrid electric vehicles.
- Repair and service air conditioning, heating, engine cooling, and electrical systems.
- Disassemble units and inspect parts for wear, using micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
- Test electronic computer components in automobiles to ensure proper operation.
- Rebuild parts, such as crankshafts and cylinder blocks.
- Overhaul or replace carburetors, blowers, generators, distributors, starters, and pumps.
- Repair or replace parts such as pistons, rods, gears, valves, and bearings.
- Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
- Troubleshoot fuel, ignition, and emissions control systems, using electronic testing equipment.
- Diagnose and replace or repair engine management systems or related sensors for flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) with ignition timing, fuel rate, alcohol concentration, or air-to-fuel ratio malfunctions.
- Tune automobile engines to ensure proper and efficient functioning.
- Repair, replace, or adjust defective fuel injectors, carburetor parts, and gasoline filters.
- Install, adjust, or repair hydraulic or electromagnetic automatic lift mechanisms used to raise and lower automobile windows, seats, and tops.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Automotive and Heavy Equipment Mechanics
Visit this link for information on this career in the military.
Learn MoreAutomotive service technicians and mechanics
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreSociety of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
The Society of Automotive Engineers, International, (SAE) has been a catalyst in advancing the mobility industry for 100 years. SAE is your one-stop resource for standards development, events, and technical information and expertise used in designing, building, maintaining, and operating self-propelled vehicles for use on land or sea, in air or space.
Learn More