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Automotive Specialty Technician

All About Automotive Specialty Technicians

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

Life As an Automotive Specialty Technician

  • Rebuild, repair, or test automotive fuel injection units.
  • Repair or replace automobile leaf springs.
  • Convert vehicle fuel systems from gasoline to butane gas, ethanol, methane, or other alternative or biofuel systems.
  • Tune automobile engines to ensure proper and efficient functioning.
  • Test electronic computer components in automobiles to ensure proper operation.
  • Service or repair butane gas, ethanol, methane, or other alternative or biofuel systems.

Skills Needed to be an Automotive Specialty Technician

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.

Other Automotive Specialty Technician Job Titles

  • Radio Antenna Installer
  • Diesel Retrofit Installer
  • Heavy Line Technician
  • Auto Heater Mechanic
  • Automobile Mechanic (Auto Mechanic)

Is There Job Demand for Automotive Specialty Technicians?

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 749,900 jobs in the United States for Automotive Specialty Technician. 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. The BLS estimates 75,600 yearly job openings in this field.

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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.

Automotive Specialty Technician Average Salary

The average yearly salary of an Automotive Specialty Technician ranges between $23,420 and $66,950.

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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 each U.S. state?

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?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Automotive Specialty Technicians may use on a daily basis:

  • 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
  • Online service manual database software
  • Alliance Automotive Shop Controller
  • Snap-On ShopKey

Becoming an Automotive Specialty Technician

What education is needed to be an Automotive Specialty Technician?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Where do Automotive Specialty Technicians Work?

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Below are examples of industries where Automotive Specialty Technicians work:

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Those interested in being an Automotive Specialty Technician may also be interested in:

Career changers with experience as an Automotive Specialty Technician sometimes find work in one of the following fields:

References:

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

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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