Life As an Automotive Specialty Technician
Job Description: Repair only one system or component on a vehicle, such as brakes, suspension, or radiator.
A Day in the Life of an Automotive Specialty Technician
- Tune automobile engines to ensure proper and efficient functioning.
- Repair or replace automobile leaf springs.
- Troubleshoot fuel, ignition, and emissions control systems, using electronic testing equipment.
- 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.
- Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
- Retrofit vehicle fuel systems with aftermarket products, such as vapor transfer devices, evaporation control devices, swirlers, lean burn devices, or friction reduction devices, to enhance combustion and fuel efficiency.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as an Automotive Specialty Technician?
Below is a list of the skills most Automotive Specialty Technicians say are important on the job.
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:
- Auto Service Mechanic
- Brake Shoe Rebuilder
- Clutch Rebuilder
- Diesel Retrofit Installer
- Maintenance Electrician
What Kind of Automotive Specialty Technician Job Opportunities Are There?
In the United States, there were 749,900 jobs for Automotive Specialty Technician in 2016. 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.
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.
How Much Does an Automotive Specialty Technician Make?
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Automotive Specialty Technicians
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
- Snap-On ShopKey
- Alliance Automotive Shop Controller
- Online service manual database software
How to Become an Automotive Specialty Technician
What education or degrees do I need to become an Automotive Specialty Technician?
What work experience do I need to become an Automotive Specialty Technician?
Where Automotive Specialty Technicians Are Employed
Automotive Specialty Technicians work in the following industries:
You May Also Be Interested In…
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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