Nature of the Work

Automotive service technicians inspect, maintain, and repair automobiles and light trucks that run on gasoline, diesel, or alternative fuels such as ethanol. They perform basic care maintenance, diagnose problems, and plan and execute vehicle repairs. The responsibilities of automotive service technicians and mechanics have evolved from simple mechanical repairs to high-level technology-related work. Today, integrated electronic systems and complex computers regulate vehicles and their performance while on the road. This increasing sophistication of automobiles requires workers to use computerized shop equipment and work with electronic components while maintaining their skills with traditional hand tools. Technicians must have a broad knowledge of how vehicles' complex components work and interact.

To locate problems, technicians use a diagnostic approach. They first test to determine whether components and systems are secure and working properly. They then isolate the components or systems that might be the cause of the problems. Service technicians use a variety of tools in their work. They use pneumatic wrenches and other power tools to remove bolts quickly, machine tools like lathes and grinding machines to rebuild brakes, welding and flame-cutting equipment to remove and repair exhaust systems, and jacks and hoists to lift cars and engines.

Career Outlook

Employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 67,800 openings for automotive service technicians and mechanics are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retire.

Employment

The number of vehicles in use is expected to continue rising over the projected decade, and some service technicians will be needed to maintain and repair them. Many owners are keeping their vehicles longer, which should support demand for these workers to provide the servicing that older vehicles often require.

The increased demand for calibrations and repairs for advanced safety systems will also support demand for these workers. However, the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles, which require less maintenance and repair, may limit some of the future  demand for these workers.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics