Automotive Specialty Technicians: Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Stan T.Career, Overview

Auto Technicians

Auto Technicians repair only one system or component on a vehicle, such as brakes, suspension, or radiator.

Salary
$46760
Becoming One
Medium
Education
Post-secondary certificate
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match



Job description

Automotive Specialty Technicians repair only one system or component on a vehicle, such as brakes, suspension, or radiator.

  • Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
  • Estimate costs of vehicle repair.
  • Troubleshoot fuel, ignition, and emissions control systems, using electronic testing equipment.
  • Repair, overhaul, or adjust automobile brake systems.
Read more about what does an Automotive Specialty Technician really do at work and what is it like being and working as one.



Salary

Average salary
$43730 per year

Average hourly wage
$21 per hour


Auto Technicians with little to no experience tend to make between $23420 and $30220 while the more experienced ones can earn over $54720 per year.

Top 5 paying states Hourly Annual
DC $29 $59,350
AK $27 $55,910
MD $24 $50,050
CT $24 $49,980
WA $24 $49,680

One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as an Automotive Specialty Technician is to move to a higher paying state like DC. Right now, the highest paying states for Auto Technicians are DC, AK, MD, CT and WA.

However, a higher pay at DC doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at DC might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.

Three other factors that can increase your salary as an Automotive Specialty Technician is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.


Requirements

Recommended degree level
Post-secondary certificate

We asked other Auto Technicians what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a Post-Secondary Certificate followed by a High School Diploma.

Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.

Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies, General
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician
Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Technology/Technician
Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician
Read more about how to become an Automotive Specialty Technician and the degree, training and education you need.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of being an Automotive Specialty Technician.

PROS
Suitable for people who likes practical and hands-on work
Suitable for people who wants to work in a supportive work environment
This career is perfect for people who love to work outdoors.
It is not too difficult to get into this career. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
CONS
Not suitable for people who likes to help and teach others
Salary is below average
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week)

What is the job like

Job satisfaction
67%

Is this job meaningful
52%


67% of Auto Technicians said they were satisfied with their job and 52% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.

Bayway Volvo Cars in Houston, TX

I’m a Volvo technician at Bayway Volvo Cars in Houston, TX. My typical day My days are definitely unpredictable. I go into work not knowing what types of cars will be brought in for me to work on. Once I’m at work, I may have to start by sitting around waiting for a customer to … Read More


Ford Dealership

A typical day at work includes a variety of different vehicle diagnosis, repairs, and maintenance services. Since our dealership uses an online scheduling appointment system, I am able to know up to two weeks in advance what my schedule will include for a certain day of the week. In regards to the appointments that are … Read More



Is this right for me

Best personality for this career
The Builders and The Thinkers

You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.



Learn more about Auto Technicians

Summary (You are here)
Job Description
Salary
Requirements
Quiz

Related career information

Auto Technicians job description, Auto Technicians salary, Auto Technicians information, what is the job of an Automotive Specialty Technician like, pros and cons about Automotive Specialty Technicians, colleges and universities for Automotive Specialty Technicians, is Automotive Specialty Technicians the right career for me, careers in Trades and Services

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