Service Advisor Job Description Guide

A good job description helps ensure that the most qualified Service Advisors will apply for the position. Use this template, adding your own details, to create a job posting that meets your needs for a Service Advisor.
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What does a Service Advisor do?

A Service Advisor is a liaison between service technicians and customers in a car dealership. They assist customers in determining problems with their vehicles while providing accurate repair descriptions to technicians. In addition, they are responsible for greeting clients, listening to customer requests, scheduling service appointments and estimating repair costs. They can also be responsible for test driving vehicles, conducting inspections and verifying insurance coverage. 

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Service Advisor duties and responsibilities

Full-time Service Advisors spend the majority of their time in an office setting, although they frequently visit the repair shop. Duties and responsibilities may include the following: 
  • Greeting customers and directing them to an available technician
  • Consulting with technicians about needed repairs and alternatives that can be offered in place of expensive repairs
  • Answering customer questions about service outcomes and consulting with technicians when necessary
  • Informing customers about potential cost savings and warranty protections
  • Assisting customer with deciding to fix their car through the dealership's shop or trading the vehicle in
  • Overseeing and managing the service center's scheduling and workflow
  • Informing customers of changes in service or when their vehicle is ready to be picked up

Service Advisor skills and qualifications

Some automotive careers focus on one main skill area, such as finance, customer service or mechanics. A Service Advisor uses skills from each of these areas, including: 
  • Customer service skills: Service Advisors deal with suppliers, provide estimates and schedule appointments, so being courteous and friendly is essential. They also need to be able to handle customer complaints diplomatically and politely. 
  • Communication skills: As a liaison between the customer and technician, a Service Advisor needs to be able to clearly explain the technician's repair recommendations to customers while communicating customer needs to technicians.  
  • Comprehension skills: Service Advisors should be able to comprehend customers questions and concerns as well as what is being said when technicians give complex service recommendations. 
  • Engineering and mechanical expertise: Having extensive knowledge in these areas is essential when looking over complex technical documents, ordering online and speaking with technicians. 
  • Troubleshooting skills: Service Advisors need to be able to think on their feet and quickly resolve issues when customers change their minds about service work, repairs are running behind schedule or parts arrive late. 
  • Math and writing skills: Service Advisors prepare and calculate estimates so having good math and writing skills are an essential part of the job. 

Service Advisor salary expectations

A Service Advisor makes an average of $54,724 per year. Salary may depend on level of experience, education and the geographical location.

Service Advisor education and training requirements

Individuals interested in becoming a Service Advisor can start their education while in high school by enrolling in the Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) program. Often, this program is offered as a partnership with franchised dealerships and automobile manufacturers. Completing this program qualifies graduates for postsecondary automotive education or entry-level technician positions.

While a college degree isn’t usually required, some postsecondary education is often helpful when looking for full-time employment as employers often prefer a candidate with experience in the field. Completing an apprenticeship or formal training can often make finding full-time positions easier. 

Service Advisor experience requirements

Individuals can begin preparing for a service advisor career while in high school by enrolling in industry-sponsored youth training programs. Apprenticeships, postsecondary training programs, on-the-job training and work experience are all required to advance to managerial positions. 

Job description samples for similar positions

If you’re recruiting for positions related to the Service Advisor, see our job descriptions for similar roles:

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Job Description Examples

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