Like many "blue collar" jobs, advances of technology have increased the technical demands and educational backgrounds of automotive service technicians and car mechanics. Cars have become so technologically advanced, many people feel it's impossible to perform any maintenance themselves anymore. As such, the importance of automotive service technicians is increasing daily. In 2002 there were approximately 818,000 automotive service technicians employed in positions in the United States alone. The majority of these workers are self-employed.

Automotive Service Technician Job Description

The major responsibility of an automotive service technician is to utilize their skills to diagnose the different sources of automotive problems swiftly and accurately.

Duties of automotive service technicians include:

• Writing vehicle damage repair estimates
• Repairing broken or worn mechanical components
• Maintaining repair and service records
• Installing equipment, components and systems
• Testing vehicles both before and after repair
• Repairing electrical wiring, circuits and fixtures

The automotive industry has gradually evolved from mechanical repair to computer technology. With electronic systems and computers being integrated into running vehicles, automotive service technicians must have an increasingly broad knowledge of new vehicle technologies.

The majority of automotive service technicians work 40 hour weeks in automotive repair and maintenance shops, automobile dealers and retailers of automotive parts, accessories and supplies.

Education / Getting Started an an Auto Service Technician

Although many high schools, community colleges and vocational and technical schools offer automotive service technician training programs, employers often seek technicians with associate's degrees or certification.

Certification is a great way to gain the skills and knowledge needed to be successful as an automotive service technician and generally takes less than two years. Career colleges offer various classes in computerized electrical and brake systems, steering and suspension diagnostic systems and fuel and ignition systems. Many colleges even offer ASE certification preparation classes. While ASE certification is optional, it is an essential part of becoming an automotive service technician.

Since there are many kinds of vehicles, and many automotive shops and dealers work on specific makes and models, most automotive service technicians are trained to specialize in only a few different types of vehicles.

Experience is also a very important part of what an employer looks for in a prospective employee. Most technicians begin in entry level positions as trainees working next to more experienced service technicians. Good reading, math and computer skills are a high priority requirement. Employers also look for people with strong communication and analytical skills and the ability to learn quickly to keep up with changing technology.

Salary Ranges / Job Outlook for Automotive Service Technicians

Pay range for automotive service technicians depends upon factors like skill, experience and location. In 2002, the pay range for automotive service technicians was between $16,900 and $52,400 in the United States. The median pay rate was between $10.61 and $19.84 per hour with a median annual salary of approximately $30,600. In addition to a minimum weekly salary experienced technicians generally receive commissions based on labor cost charged to the customer.

In the United States position openings for automotive service technicians is expected to grow steadily during the next decade. Nationwide trends predict that job positions will raise twelve percent within the next eight years. This means there will be approximately 31,890 job openings for automotive service technicians in the United States yearly.

This job growth is mainly attributed to population growth, which is expected to boost demand for vehicles. Families in which both spouses commute to work are becoming increasingly common. This growth is very likely to contribute to expanding vehicle sales and employment in this industry. This is also true as personal incomes continue to rise.

Careers as an automotive service technician are competitive and fast paced. The pay range and demand for these workers is rising each year. If you are interested in vehicles and an ever changing career, then becoming an automotive service technician could be a great choice for you.