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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.
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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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- 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.
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.
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?
What work experience do I need to become an Automotive Specialty Technician?
Related Careers
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.