Auto Technician Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Are you searching for an auto technician job description? Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an auto technician. Feel free to use our job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an auto technician.
Who is an Auto Technician?
An Auto Technician is well-trained automotive personnel who works on cars, sometimes specializing in one or more car brands or working with any brand. The term “auto technician” (also known as “automotive technician” in most of North America, “light vehicle technician” in British English, and “motor mechanic” in Australian English) refers to a mechanic who works on cars. Their primary responsibility when fixing cars is to swiftly and precisely diagnose the issue. They frequently have to provide pricing quotes to clients either before work begins or following a partial disassembly for inspection. Their work may involve replacing one or more parts as assemblies or repairing a single part. In contemporary developed nations, routine car maintenance is an essential component of an auto technician’s job, but in others, they are only consulted when a vehicle is already breaking down or overwhelmed.
An auto technician’s work also includes performing preventive maintenance, however, this cannot be done on vehicles that are not frequently serviced by a technician. The periodic replacement of various parts, which takes place before failure to avert much more expensive harm, is one misunderstood aspect of preventative maintenance. Due to the increasingly complex technology already built into automobiles, the majority of car dealerships and independent workshops today equip each technician with powerful diagnostic computers, without which they would not be able to identify or fix a vehicle. For those looking to pursue skills as automobile mechanics or technicians, there are numerous programs and colleges in the United States that offer instruction. Automobile maintenance and repair, painting, collision repair, air conditioning, electronics, heating systems, and truck and diesel mechanics are among the disciplines covered in training.
Programs for training technicians are assessed on standards created by the automobile industry by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). The four categories that NATEF accredits programs in are automotive, collision, trucks (diesel technology), and alternative fuels. Diesel mechanics has evolved into a profession that is quite different from those who work on gasoline engines. On its website, NATEF lists secondary and postsecondary institutions that offer accredited programs. Some mechanics have earned ASE certification, a regulated technique for evaluating their level of ability and expertise. Although certification for mechanics is not mandated by law, some businesses only hire or advance staff who have passed ASE exams. The technician must be ready to learn new technologies and systems because the technology utilized in cars is constantly evolving.
The physical demands of the auto technician’s employment include frequent exposure to severe temperatures, lifting large things, and spending long periods in uncomfortable positions. They can also have to cope with chemical exposure issues. Mechanics are increasingly using the internet in their work and giving online guidance. Today, mechanics themselves frequently search the internet for data to aid in the diagnosis and/or repair of automobiles. Since computers connected to the Internet now provide quick access to a wealth of technical guides and information, paper-based service manuals for vehicles have become far less common.
Additionally, the number of online appointment scheduling services has increased, enabling clients to book appointments for vehicle maintenance. In a more recent approach to providing mobile mechanic services, the online appointment booked by the individual in need of repairs becomes a dispatch call, and the mechanics travel to the customer’s location to complete the work. Additional education and training could lead to becoming a supervisor or manager, or with a baccalaureate or graduate degree, an automotive engineer or design specialist.
Auto Technician Job Description
What is an auto technician job description? An auto technician job description is simply a list of duties and responsibilities of an auto technician in an organization. Below are the auto technician job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write an auto technician job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The majority of an automotive technician’s work involves diagnosing and fixing engine systems. The following responsibilities and tasks may be assigned to automotive technicians:
- Repairing the steering and brake systems
- Checking and fixing electrical and electronic system
- Replacing or repairing fuel and transmission components as necessary. Including air conditioners and engine cooling, repair cooling devices and systems
- Conducting safety inspections, emissions inspections, and other state-required vehicle inspections
- Maintaining a tidy and secure workplace
- Creating legible, accurate documentation that reflects the work you’ve done
Qualifications
- Experience repairing cars and engines or auto mechanic education is essential
- Required are ASE certificates
- Possess an active driver’s license
- Complete an associate’s degree program in vehicle repair and maintenance
- Possess the ability to conduct oneself professionally and offer helpful customer service
- To keep reliable records, one must read, evaluate, and transcribe data
- The ability to carry out regular upkeep and other activities in a hurried setting
- Physical strength also qualifies you because you may need to lift 50 lb. of weight in objects
- A high school diploma or its equivalent
- Lube technician experience, or be willing to undergo on-the-job training
- knowledge of car air conditioning systems
- Dexterity in using the diagnostic tools
- Diesel engine knowledge, heavy equipment experience, diesel mechanic experience, or the willingness to get on-the-job training
- Good hand-eye coordination.
Essential Skills
A good technician can be distinguished from a great one by having comprehensive knowledge of the automobile sector in addition to soft skills like communication and problem-solving. During the interview process, you can distinguish yourself from other candidates and pique an employer’s attention by demonstrating that you have fundamental mechanic abilities.
- Adaptability: Automotive technicians must first and foremost be flexible. Technicians must advance alongside the industry’s continual change. The greatest technicians are adaptable and prepared to take on any new challenge that comes their way, although it can be easy to get set in your ways. The majority of technicians will claim that their routine labor never makes them feel “bored.” Their profession is fast-paced and no two days at work are the same. You will need to be able to adjust to your environment and be prepared to occasionally wear several hats, whether you’re talking with a customer, working on a repair, or diagnosing a vehicle
- Diagnostic & Mechanical Skills: When a customer brings their automobile in for service, they are frequently under pressure and feel overwhelmed. An excellent technician understands this and can locate the issue’s root cause swiftly and effectively. They employ their mechanical and electrical expertise to finish the repair and get the vehicle back on the road after they’ve detected the problem. Auto technicians are experts in the many different problems that can arise in vehicles and how to fix them. They can locate the issue, carry out the repair, and keep in touch with the customer the entire time whether it’s a problem with the brakes, electrical system, or ignition
- Social Skills: Your success as an automotive technician will depend on your capacity for excellent interpersonal communication. While working on automobiles will take up a large portion of your day, you will also speak with clients frequently. Your customers will count on you to keep them updated on the status of the repairs, and you may need to retrain the customer on how to operate new car technology in many circumstances
- Professionalism: Great technicians realize the value of being professional in addition to having people skills. Put your best foot forward because you’ll be the dealership or repair shop’s face in the eyes of your customers. This entails wearing appropriately, acting respectfully, being honest, and upholding the principles of your employer
- Problem-Solving: In your day-to-day work as a technician, problems will certainly arise, just as in any career. This calls for quick thinking and problem-solving skills. A technician’s responsibility is to find a solution that is best for both the customer and the business, whether the repair is taking longer than anticipated or the customer is dissatisfied with their car
- Utilization of Technology: Technology advancements have changed the automotive business. Modern mechanics use sophisticated diagnostic tools to work on complex vehicles in addition to simply turning wrenches. Because of this technological change, there is a strong demand for technicians who are certified to utilize the newest tools and machinery. Employers look for tech-savvy technicians that are motivated to stay on top of advancements in their area. The employer will gain from your eagerness to learn and willingness to take advantage of any additional training possibilities, and your professional development will as well
- Ethical Knowledge: Techs who are successful have an amazing work ethic. They aren’t scared to get their hands filthy and put in the hard work necessary to finish the project since they are aware that their clients are counting on them. They labor tirelessly on each repair they undertake since their enthusiasm for the field fuels their desire to succeed
How to Become an Auto Technician
You might want to have a look at your possibilities before deciding on an auto mechanic job. You may, for instance, focus on manufacturing or repairs. Additionally, you might work with other vehicles, such as tractors and trucks. Depending on the state you live in, the process of becoming an auto mechanic may also appear different. Some states demand particular education or licensing. However, the following prerequisites are commonly met by all potential auto technicians:
- Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent: Although a degree isn’t necessarily needed, many employers prefer candidates who can show they are proficient in reading, writing, and math
- Complete Hands-On Experience: Learning via experience is often required to become an auto technician. This could involve practical high school auto mechanic coursework, courses at a vocational school, internships, or an apprenticeship. The quantity of training necessary varies between states and businesses
- Obtain Certification: Specialty certification may be necessary for some auto technician positions. Employers might, for instance, insist that you obtain an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification in a pertinent field
- You might need to take particular courses in a certain subject area depending on the employment. If you work for a dealership, for instance, you might need training on the cars the dealership offers.
Where to work as an Auto Technician
An Auto Technician’s education and training will provide you with many job opportunities. Your choice of employment location is influenced by several variables, such as your specialty, whether you trained for a particular manufacturer, and of course, your preferences. Here is a list of places or offices to work as an Auto Technician:
- Auto Mechanics and Service Companies: If you earn a degree or certificate in general automotive technology, you will be prepared for a wide variety of positions working as a mechanic or service tech. This means you’ll work on cars to maintain them and diagnose problems and make repairs.
- Auto Dealership Companies: If you are convinced that working as an Auto Technician in a dealership is what you want to do, applying to a manufacturer’s training program may make sense. In addition to their training facilities, businesses like Ford, Chevrolet, Nissan, BMW, Toyota, Honda, and others provide courses at community colleges and technical institutes. You can learn how to service their automobiles from these courses, which also offer a path to employment at a dealership for one of these companies Most self-employed auto technicians are owners of repair shops and are therefore also entrepreneurs. With some training and knowledge under your belt, you may consider opening up your service shop or body repair, or paint shop
- Paint and Body Repair: You might wish to think about specializing in body painting and restoration. Applying and maintaining paint finishes on automobile bodies requires specialized knowledge and training. These workers are in great demand and frequently work in body and paint shops. Some of these businesses specialize in this kind of work solely, while others are general businesses that do bodywork in addition to auto repair and maintenance. Additionally, dealerships use trained body and paint personnel
- Self-Employment: Being self-employed is another alternative available to certified and trained technicians. If you’re interested in a career in auto repair, you can anticipate having a variety of possibilities as well as a job that is engaging and hands-on. You have options when you train to be an automotive mechanic, including running your little repair shop or working in a big dealership.
Auto Technician Salary Scale
As of May 2020, the median annual wage for auto technicians was $44,050, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Graduates of auto mechanic training programs can find work in dealerships, small repair shops, and auto manufacturers, among other places. Although many mechanics work standard business hours, you can find jobs where you’re in charge of delivering weekend service or after-hours emergency repairs.