Automotive Technician

October 30, 2016

Automotive Technician Job Description

Automotive Master Mechanics Repair automobiles, trucks, buses, and other vehicles. Master mechanics repair virtually any part on the vehicle or specialize in the transmission system.

Automotive Technician Salary Statistics as of 2015

Average annual salary for a Automotive Technician is $39278 based on statistics in the U.S. as of 2015. The highest salary recorded was $58610. The lowest salary reported was $21432. These figures will vary on a state to state basis as these are averages across all 50 states.

Median hourly wage for a Automotive Technician is $19.53 based on statistics in the U.S. as of 2015. The highest hourly rate recorded was $29.14. The lowest hourly rate recorded was $10.66. These figures will vary on a state to state basis as these are averages across all 50 states.

Bonuses for a Automotive Technician are based on the years of experience using statistics from the U.S. as of 2015. The average bonus recorded was $0 from people with 15+ years of experience. The average bonus recorded was $0.5 from people with under 1 year of experience.

These are the highest paying states for a Automotive Technician. These numbers are based off the median annual salary as of 2015.
California – $24,658 – $101,367
Florida – $25,826 – $127,233
Georgia – $30,500 – $67,500
New York – $30,724 – $73,546
North Carolina – $30,000 – $39,000
Pennsylvania – $35,773 – $54,045
Texas – $24,730 – $145,437

These are the highest paying cities for a Automotive Technician. These numbers are based off the median annual salary as of 2015.
Denver, Colorado –
Atlanta, Georgia –
San Diego, California –
Houston, Texas –
Raleigh, North Carolina –
Chicago, Illinois –
Honolulu, Hawaii –

This chart outlines the average annual salary of a Automotive Technician from the past 5 years. In 2015 the average annual salary was $39278 while in 2007 it was just $36425.74

Requirements

Technicians that have years of experience, gained it through on the job training. However, due to advances in automotive technology most employers now require a classroom-based education through an accredited automotive repair program. The programs are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Excellence. The programs can be between six months and two years. The length of the course is largely dependent on number of hours attended daily. Many students attend part time because they are already working for a repair shop or auto dealer.

Students can also attend a two-year program sponsored by automotive manufacturers. The students are typically already working under a qualified technician. The program has similarities to many other apprenticeship programs. The student must have the prerequisite number of classroom, as well as, on the job hours to complete the program. Once the training period is over all technicians are required to attend continuing educational classes. This is due to ever changing automotive technology.

Work Environment

Technicians that work for local or state governments or automotive dealerships can expect the traditional 40-hour workweek. However, in some cases, technicians can be asked to work overtime. Technicians that work for private repair shops can have varying hours every week depending on the flow of business. Generally, employees work indoors in heated and cooled shops. Technicians that make service calls away from the shop may be required to work outside to diagnose and repair.

Technicians may also work for an auto parts store. Their duties may include inventory management and parts ordering. Part stores to attract more customers may offer free automotive diagnostics on the premise. The technician would be, as part of their duties, required to perform diagnostics and possibly minor repairs. In some instances, technicians may be asked to install new batteries, add engine coolant or replace headlamp bulbs. By taking advantage of continuing education studies the automotive technician salary can increase, as well as, the job title and position. There are advancements to service bay manager, parts store manager or simply elevated in pay grade.

Job Outlook

There are approximately 750,000 technicians currently employed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics close to 800,000 automotive technicians will be employed by 2018. The automotive technician salary and job position is dependent on many factors. Job experience combined with technical training provided by automotive manufacturers play a large role. Today most employers will require automotive service excellence or ASE certification.

Gender Statistics

Related Jobs

99%

Based on our stats gathered across the U.S. 99% of Automotive Technicians were males while 1% were females. These numbers are based on averages across all states combined. Some individual states may have a much different ratio however.

Past Jobs

Automobile Mechanic
$20,697 – $56,600
Automotive Service Technician
$19,313 – $56,746
Lube Technician
$16,210 – $29,456

Future Jobs

Automotive Service Technician / Mechanic
$21,770 – $57,779
Automobile Mechanic
$20,697 – $56,600
Automotive Service Technician
$19,313 – $56,746