Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
Using precise hand and finger movements to control tools, equipment, or materials.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become an Automotive Service Technician or Mechanic Automotive service technicians and mechanics learn from more experienced workers. Automotive service technicians and mechanics typically complete a program in automotive service technology or a related field. However, some workers enter the occupation with a high school diploma and learn on the job. Certification may be required.
Education
Students interested in becoming an automotive service technician or mechanic may benefit from taking high school courses in automotive repair, electronics, computers, and mathematics. High schools, community colleges, and technical institutes offer programs in automotive service technology and related fields. These programs usually provide intensive career preparation through classroom instruction and hands-on practice, and they may result in earning a certificate or an associate’s degree. Some programs are sponsored by automobile manufacturers or dealers and focus on repairing a specific type of vehicle; others may focus on a particular subject, such as brake maintenance or engine performance. Some service technicians enter the occupation without having completed an education program in automotive service technology. These workers usually learn their skills through on-the-job
Training
. Training Automotive service technicians and mechanics typically receive at least some training on the job. The amount of training can vary. Those who have graduated from automotive service technology programs may require a relatively short period of on-the-job training. Workers who enter the occupation without having completed a program in automotive service technology usually require longer training periods. These workers may start as trainee technicians, technicians’ helpers, or lubrication workers. They gradually acquire more knowledge and skill by working with experienced mechanics and technicians. Some workers may complete an apprenticeship program, which usually combines paid on-the-job training with technical instruction.
Licenses, Certifications & Registrations
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all technicians who buy or work with refrigerants to be certified in proper refrigerant handling. No formal test preparation is required, but many trade schools, unions, and employer associations offer training programs designed for the EPA exam. More information on refrigerant certification is available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Employers may require or prefer that their service technicians become certified, and some employers will pay for their workers to earn relevant certifications. Having industry certifications demonstrates competence and may bring higher pay. There are multiple automobile specialty areas for certification, such as automatic transmission/transaxle, brakes, and electrical/electronic systems. To become certified, technicians typically must have previous experience and must pass an exam. Information on certifications is available from CareerOneStop.
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Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 66,200 openings for automotive service technicians and mechanics are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment The number of vehicles in use is expected to continue rising over the projections decade, and service technicians will be needed to maintain and repair them. Many owners are keeping their vehicles longer, which should support demand for these workers to provide the service that older vehicles often require. In addition, the increased demand for calibrations and repairs for advanced safety systems will also support demand for these workers. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers 5% Automotive service technicians and mechanics 5% Total, all occupations 3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Do
Automotive service technicians and mechanics, often called service technicians or service techs, inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.
Duties
Automotive service technicians and mechanics typically do the following:
- Identify problems, often by using computerized diagnostic equipment
- Test parts and systems to ensure that they work properly
- Perform basic care and maintenance, including changing oil, checking fluid levels, and rotating tires
- Repair or replace worn parts, such as brake pads, wheel bearings, and sensors
- Perform repairs to manufacturer and customer specifications
- Document repairs and maintenance performed, including parts used, hours worked, and vehicle condition
- Explain automotive problems and repairs to clients
Although service technicians work on traditional mechanical systems, such as engines, transmissions, and drivebelts, they also must be familiar with electronic systems and sensors, such as those used for braking, transmission, and accident avoidance.
Some technicians primarily focus on electric vehicles. Those who work on electric vehicles perform routine maintenance and identify issues related to battery performance, regenerative braking systems, and electric motor efficiency.
Service technicians use many different tools, including computerized diagnostic tools and power tools, such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding torches, and jacks and hoists. These tools usually are owned by their employers.
Service technicians also use many common hand tools, such as wrenches, pliers, and sockets and ratchets. Service technicians typically own these tools themselves.
These workers must follow safety procedures and environmental regulations, such as when dealing with high-voltage electric vehicle systems or when disposing of oil or other hazardous materials.
The following are examples of types of service technicians:
Automotive air-conditioning technicians install and repair air-conditioners and parts, such as compressors, condensers, and controls. These workers must be trained and certified in handling refrigerants.
Brake technicians diagnose brake system problems, adjust brakes, replace brake rotors and pads, and make other repairs on brake systems. Some technicians specialize in both brake and front-end work. (See “Front-end technicians.”)
Diagnostic technicians use their extensive knowledge of engine management and fuel, electrical, ignition, and emissions systems to diagnose issues that prevent engines from performing efficiently. They often use the onboard diagnostic system of a car and electronic testing equipment, such as scan tools and multimeters, to find the malfunction.
Front-end technicians diagnose ride, handling, and tire wear problems. To correct these problems, they frequently use special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines.
Transmission technicians and rebuilders work on gear trains, couplings, hydraulic pumps, and other parts of transmissions. An extensive knowledge of computer controls and the ability to diagnose electrical and hydraulic problems are needed to work on these complex components.
Technicians who specialize in diesel engines are described in the diesel service technicians and mechanics profile.
Technicians who work on farm equipment, construction vehicles, and railcars are described in the heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians profile.
Technicians who repair and service motorcycles, motorboats, and small all-terrain vehicles are described in the profile on small engine mechanics.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Automotive service technicians and mechanics held about 825,800 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of automotive service technicians and mechanics were as follows:
| Automobile dealers | 32% |
| Automotive mechanical and electrical repair and maintenance | 25 |
| Self-employed workers | 15 |
| Automotive parts, accessories, and tire retailers | 6 |
| Other automotive repair and maintenance | 4 |
Service technicians typically work in well-ventilated and well-lit repair shops. Although technicians often identify and fix automotive problems with computers, they commonly work with greasy parts and tools, sometimes in uncomfortable positions. They may need to lift and maneuver heavy objects, such as tires.
These workers usually stand for most of the day. They may be exposed to fumes, chemicals, and noise. Occasionally, service technicians might need to work outdoors, in all types of weather.
Injuries and Illnesses
Automotive service technicians and mechanics have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Injuries may result from incidents, such as contact with equipment, falls, and overexertion. Workers reduce the risk of injury by following safety procedures and practices, such as using proper lifting techniques and wearing steel-toed shoes and other personal protective equipment (PPE).
Work Schedules
Most service technicians work full time. Evening or weekend work may be required.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Customer-service skills. Service technicians discuss automotive problems—along with options to fix them—with their customers. These workers must be courteous, good listeners, and ready to answer customers’ questions. Detail oriented. Service technicians must be aware of small details when inspecting or repairing vehicle systems, because mechanical and electronic malfunctions are often caused by misalignments or other easy-to-miss causes. Dexterity. Service technicians perform many tasks that require steady hands and good hand–eye coordination, such as assembling or attaching components and subassemblies. Mechanical skills. Service technicians must be familiar with vehicle components and systems and know how they interact with each other. They often must disassemble major parts for repairs and be able to put them back together properly. Physical strength. Service technicians must sometimes lift and maneuver heavy parts, such as tires and body panels. Problem-solving skills. Service technicians use diagnostic equipment on vehicle systems and components to identify and fix issues in increasingly complicated mechanical and electronic systems. They must be familiar with electronic control systems and the appropriate tools needed to fix and maintain them.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about automotive service technicians and mechanics by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.