Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Automotive service technicians and mechanics diagnose, adjust, repair, and overhaul vehicles. They work in repair shops, dealerships, service stations, and fleet maintenance facilities. The role involves inspecting vehicles, identifying mechanical problems, and performing repairs using hand tools and diagnostic equipment.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against automotive service technicians and mechanics and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves multiple vehicle inspections and repairs. Technicians might spend time diagnosing an engine issue using computerized diagnostic tools, replacing brake pads, performing oil changes, or fixing transmission problems. Work includes both hands-on repair under the vehicle and seated time reviewing service manuals and communicating findings to customers or supervisors.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely do well in this work if you prefer practical, hands-on problem-solving over abstract thinking, and if you value clear procedures and established systems. You're detail-oriented about rules and specifications, and you find satisfaction in diagnosing issues and completing concrete, measurable repairs.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- SURFACE MAINTENANCE MECHANIC · Army National Guard Units · North Las Vegas, Nevada · $36.42–$42.53
- Power Plant Senior Mechanic · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers · Royal, Arkansas · $61.91–$61.91
- FUEL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM MECHANIC · Air Force Global Strike Command · Warren AFB, Wyoming · $72189–$84210
- Marine Machinery Mechanic · ARMY TRANSPORTATION · Concord, California · $41.55–$48.45
- Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor (General Foreman) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Grand Marsh, Wisconsin · $47.69–$55.63
- Air Conditioning Mechanic Equipment · Office of the Secretary · Washington, District of Columbia · $36.49–$42.63
- MAINTENANCE MECHANIC SUPERVISOR · U.S. Marine Corps · Quantico, Virginia · $45.21–$52.68
- AUTOMOTIVE MECHANIC, NA-5823-10 · U.S. Marine Corps · Jacksonville, North Carolina · $25.14–$25.14
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $56,530 | $68,660 | $78,770 | 310 |
| California | $46,580 | $64,980 | $77,060 | 65,420 |
| Colorado | $46,170 | $61,280 | $78,300 | 12,300 |
| Alaska | $49,340 | $60,840 | $79,560 | 1,420 |
| Massachusetts | $45,560 | $60,760 | $78,560 | 12,710 |
| Connecticut | $45,410 | $60,220 | $74,500 | 6,960 |
| Virginia | $45,080 | $59,330 | $76,540 | 17,880 |
| New Hampshire | $46,600 | $59,020 | $73,010 | 4,840 |
| Montana | $47,230 | $58,740 | $72,270 | 2,900 |
| Oregon | $47,780 | $58,520 | $77,780 | 6,990 |
| Delaware | $45,830 | $58,410 | $71,750 | 1,910 |
| Minnesota | $46,620 | $58,390 | $73,250 | 11,980 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Automotive Service for Career-Technical Education — Safety and Pollution Prevention
- Level I Machine Lubrication Technician (MLT) — International Council for Machinery Lubrication
- Fire Apparatus Technician Level I — Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission, Inc.
- Ambulance Technician Level I — Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission, Inc.
- ARFF Technician Level I — Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission, Inc.
- Law Enforcement Vehicle Installation Technician — Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission, Inc.
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 28 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against automotive service technicians and mechanics and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 49-3023.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.