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
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. PayThe median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $50,620 in May 2025. 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for automotive service technicians and mechanics. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of automotive service technicians and mechanics with similar occupations. 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.
Your Next Step
Explore shorter-term education and training pathways that may prepare you for this type of work.
Pay
The median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $50,620 in May 2025. 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for automotive service technicians and mechanics. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of automotive service technicians and mechanics with similar occupations. 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.
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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for automotive service technicians and mechanics. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of automotive service technicians and mechanics with similar occupations. 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.
What They Do
Automotive service technicians and mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.
Work Environment
Automotive service technicians and mechanics usually 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. Most work full-time, which may include evenings or weekends.
How to Become an Automotive Service Technician or Mechanic
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.
Pay
The median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $50,620 in May 2025.
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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for automotive service technicians and mechanics.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of automotive service technicians and mechanics with similar occupations.
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.
Work Environment
Automotive service technicians and mechanics usually 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. Most work full-time, which may include evenings or weekends.
How to Become an Automotive Service Technician or Mechanic
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.
Pay
The median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $50,620 in May 2025.
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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for automotive service technicians and mechanics.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of automotive service technicians and mechanics with similar occupations.
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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for automotive service technicians and mechanics.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of automotive service technicians and mechanics with similar occupations.
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.
More Information
Learn more about automotive service technicians and mechanics by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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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.