What does an automotive service technician do? Duties, pay and outlook
Automotive service technicians and mechanics inspect, maintain and repair cars and light trucks. Most complete a program in automotive service technology or a related field, though some start with a high school diploma and learn on the job. The EPA requires refrigerant handling certification.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| O*NET-SOC code | 49-3023.00 (Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics) |
| Typical entry-level education | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Training | Short-term on-the-job training |
| Licensing | EPA refrigerant certification; specialty certifications optional |
| Median annual wage | $50,620 per year (May 2025, BLS) |
| Projected growth | 5 percent, 2025 to 2035 (faster than average) |
| Number of jobs | 825,800 (2025) |
| Projected openings | About 66,200 per year, on average, over the decade |
What does an automotive service technician do?
The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) lists these duties:
- Identify problems, often by using computerized diagnostic equipment.
- Test parts and systems to ensure that they work properly.
- Perform basic care and maintenance, including changing oil, checking fluid levels and rotating tires.
- Repair or replace worn parts, such as brake pads, wheel bearings and sensors.
- Perform repairs to manufacturer and customer specifications.
- Document repairs and maintenance performed, including parts used, hours worked and vehicle condition.
- Explain automotive problems and repairs to clients.
Work environment
Largest employers by share of jobs: Automobile dealers 32 percent; automotive mechanical and electrical repair and maintenance 25 percent; self-employed workers 15 percent; automotive parts, accessories, and tire retailers 6 percent; other automotive repair and maintenance 4 percent. Technicians usually work in well-ventilated, well-lit shops. Most work full time, and evening or weekend work may be required.
Education, training and licensing
- Education: Most technicians complete a program in automotive service technology or a related field. High school courses in automotive repair, electronics, computers and mathematics help. Programs at high schools, community colleges and technical institutes may lead to a certificate or associate's degree, and some are sponsored by manufacturers or dealers.
- Without a formal program: Workers usually start as trainees, technicians' helpers or lubrication workers, and may complete an apprenticeship.
- EPA certification: The EPA requires technicians who buy or work with refrigerants to be certified in proper refrigerant handling.
- Specialty certifications: Certifications exist in areas such as automatic transmission and transaxle, brakes, and electrical and electronic systems. They generally require prior experience and an exam, and employers may prefer or require them. Certification may bring higher pay.
Skills that matter
The OOH names customer-service skills, detail orientation, dexterity, mechanical skills, physical strength and problem-solving skills. O*NET lists the knowledge, skills and tasks for this occupation in its Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics summary.
How much do automotive service technicians and mechanics make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $50,620 per year (May 2025). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,660 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $81,790.
Median annual wage by industry, May 2025 (BLS):
| Industry | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| Automobile dealers | $59,920 |
| Automotive mechanical and electrical repair and maintenance | $49,630 |
| Automotive parts, accessories, and tire retailers | $45,700 |
| Other automotive repair and maintenance | $35,730 |
See the OOH pay tab and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for more detail. Our guide on how to research pay explains how to read these numbers.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations, with about 66,200 openings projected each year on average over the decade.
How to get hired
- Choose a training path. Compare programs at high schools, community colleges and technical institutes, including manufacturer or dealer sponsored programs, with starting as a trainee or helper.
- Get the EPA certification. If you will work with refrigerants, you need it, and it is often part of postsecondary programs.
- Explain your work clearly. The OOH lists documenting repairs and explaining problems to clients among the duties. Give examples on your resume; our no experience resume guide shows how.
- Ask how pay works. Some shops pay hourly while others pay based on the work completed. Use how to research pay and search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Automotive body and glass repairers; Diesel service technicians and mechanics; Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians; Small engine mechanics; Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians.
Related guides on LiveRec: electricians, truck drivers.
Frequently asked questions
Do auto mechanics need certification? The EPA requires technicians who work with refrigerants to be certified. Other certifications are optional but employers may prefer or require them.
Do you need college to be an auto technician? Most complete a postsecondary program, though some enter with a high school diploma and learn on the job.
How are automotive technicians paid? Some shops pay hourly, while others pay based on the work completed.
Is auto repair a growing field? BLS projects 5 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, faster than average.
Related guides
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Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-3023.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.