Occupations49-3023.00

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

Median annual pay
$49,670

BLS, 2024

Employment
805,600

U.S., 2024

Ten-year outlook
+4.2%

2024–34

Annual openings
70,000

Projected average

The work

Core tasks

  1. 01Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
  2. 02Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices.
  3. 03Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
  4. 04Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
  5. 05Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
  6. 06Estimate costs of vehicle repair.
  7. 07Confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.
  8. 08Align vehicles' front ends.
  9. 09Align wheels, axles, frames, torsion bars, and steering mechanisms of automobiles, using special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines.
  10. 10Tear down, repair, and rebuild faulty assemblies, such as power systems, steering systems, and linkages.
  11. 11Perform routine and scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups.
  12. 12Plan work procedures, using charts, technical manuals, and experience.

Capabilities

Essential skills

Critical ThinkingActive ListeningMonitoringSpeakingReading ComprehensionWritingActive LearningLearning StrategiesMathematicsScience

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading

U.S. employment is projected to move from 805,600 in 2024 to 839,200 in 2034, a +4.2% change.

BLS projects an average of 70,000 openings each year over the period, including openings created by workers leaving the occupation.