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Automotive Specialty Technician

All About Automotive Specialty Technicians

Example of Automotive Specialty Technician Job Repair only one system or component on a vehicle, such as brakes, suspension, or radiator.

What Do Automotive Specialty Technicians Do On a Daily Basis?

  • Install or repair air conditioners and service components, such as compressors, condensers, and controls.
  • Replace defective mufflers and tailpipes.
  • Estimate costs of vehicle repair.
  • Test electronic computer components in automobiles to ensure proper operation.
  • Repair or replace defective ball joint suspensions, brake shoes, or wheel bearings.
  • Diagnose and replace or repair engine management systems or related sensors for flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) with ignition timing, fuel rate, alcohol concentration, or air-to-fuel ratio malfunctions.

Things an Automotive Specialty Technician Should Know How to Do

These are the skills Automotive Specialty Technicians say are the most useful in their careers:

Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

  • Radiator Specialist
  • Auto Air Conditioning Apprentice
  • Air-Conditioning Mechanic
  • Hydramatic Specialist
  • Automobile Service Advisor

What Kind of Automotive Specialty Technician Job Opportunities Are There?

There were about 749,900 jobs for Automotive Specialty Technician in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 45,900 new jobs for Automotive Specialty Technician by 2026. There will be an estimated 75,600 positions for Automotive Specialty Technician per year.

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The states with the most job growth for Automotive Specialty Technician are Utah, Georgia, and Idaho. Watch out if you plan on working in District of Columbia, Maine, or Kansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Salary for an Automotive Specialty Technician

The salary for Automotive Specialty Technicians ranges between about $23,420 and $66,950 a year.

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Automotive Specialty Technicians who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.

How much do Automotive Specialty Technicians make in different U.S. states?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $41,050
Alaska $55,910
Arizona $44,360
Arkansas $37,710
California $48,720
Colorado $48,040
Connecticut $49,980
Delaware $44,260
District of Columbia $59,350
Florida $39,990
Georgia $42,600
Hawaii $46,250
Idaho $41,060
Illinois $46,300
Indiana $40,910
Iowa $41,360
Kansas $40,670
Kentucky $38,030
Louisiana $39,880
Maine $38,940
Maryland $50,050
Massachusetts $45,780
Michigan $42,220
Minnesota $42,520
Mississippi $38,640
Missouri $43,080
Montana $39,920
Nebraska $42,400
Nevada $46,270
New Hampshire $45,170
New Jersey $48,620
New Mexico $40,680
New York $44,350
North Carolina $41,620
North Dakota $44,970
Ohio $40,420
Oklahoma $40,240
Oregon $45,670
Pennsylvania $40,580
Rhode Island $40,560
South Carolina $40,040
South Dakota $41,450
Tennessee $40,930
Texas $44,260
Utah $42,840
Vermont $41,000
Virginia $47,730
Washington $49,680
West Virginia $34,470
Wisconsin $41,180
Wyoming $46,490

What Tools & Technology do Automotive Specialty Technicians Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Automotive Specialty Technicians:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Data entry software
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Database software
  • IBM Notes
  • Scheduling software
  • YouTube
  • Internet browser software
  • Estimating software
  • Technical manual database software
  • Snap-On ShopKey
  • Alliance Automotive Shop Controller
  • Online service manual database software

Becoming an Automotive Specialty Technician

What kind of Automotive Specialty Technician requirements are there?

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What work experience do I need to become an Automotive Specialty Technician?

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Those thinking about becoming an Automotive Specialty Technician might also be interested in the following careers:

Are you already one of the many Automotive Specialty Technician in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

References:

Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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