What Do Automotive Specialty Technician Do?
Job Description & Duties Repair only one system or component on a vehicle, such as brakes, suspension, or radiator.
Life As an Automotive Specialty Technician
- Service internal combustion engine systems for hybrid electric vehicles.
- Replace defective mufflers and tailpipes.
- Repair or rebuild clutch systems.
- Install or repair air conditioners and service components, such as compressors, condensers, and controls.
- Repair or replace automobile leaf springs.
- 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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Qualities of 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.
Related Job Titles
- Carburetor Rebuilder
- Vehicle Fuel Systems Converter
- Repair Technician
- Auto Radiator Mechanic
- Trim Technician
Job Outlook for Automotive Specialty Technicians
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. 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.
How Much Does an Automotive Specialty Technician Make?
The average yearly salary of an Automotive Specialty Technician ranges between $23,420 and $66,950.

Automotive Specialty Technicians who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Automotive Specialty Technicians 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 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
How do I Become an Automotive Specialty Technician?
Education needed to be an Automotive Specialty Technician:

How Long Does it Take to Become an Automotive Specialty Technician?

Where do Automotive Specialty Technicians Work?

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
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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