What does an automotive technician do?
Automotive technicians work in car repair shops, car dealership service departments, fleet maintenance garages and other mechanic shops. They inspect vehicles, identify and communicate repair needs and complete mechanical and electrical work to ensure vehicles are operational. Typically, automotive technicians repair basic parts and handle routine maintenance, such as rotating tires and changing oil and other fluids.
Workers in this role also support overall workflows and efficiency in shops and garages by cleaning up around their stations, organizing parts and cleaning tools when needed.
Automotive technician skills and qualifications
Strong candidates often demonstrate analytical, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, which may be important for success in this role. Organizational capabilities and customer service skills are also valuable competencies that set top candidates apart.
Skills commonly listed in automotive technician job descriptions include:
- Experience using diagnostic and repair tools to identify and address issues in vehicles
- Knowledge of automotive systems and components, particularly the brands your business services most
- Strong time management skills to support accurate estimates for repair timelines
- Communication skills for explaining repair needs and work done to customers or service writers
- Ability to understand and follow technical manuals, safety procedures and manufacturer updates
Automotive technician experience requirements
Skills-first hiring approaches consider candidate knowledge and capability before assessing years of experience. Successful automotive technicians have basic experience in performing routine auto maintenance tasks. You might also search for candidates with a working knowledge of state inspection guidelines, including emissions and safety.
Candidates who have worked for quick lube shops or demonstrated technical automotive skills in trade school environments may have the experience required for entry-level roles. Employers hiring for more advanced positions might prioritize candidates with dealership experience.
Automotive technician education and training requirements
Automotive technician education and training requirements are based on the needs of your shop. An applicant’s certifications can help you evaluate them within a skills-first hiring framework, as Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification or manufacturer certifications help you understand the candidate’s demonstrated skills.
While this position doesn’t come with specific education requirements, candidates who have completed automotive repair classes in trade school may have the basic knowledge of vehicle maintenance required for your role.
Automotive technician salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an automotive technician is $28.41 per hour. The salary can vary depending on your company’s location, the candidate’s experience, the type of cars you service and other factors.
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