Automotive Engineering Technicians
Assist engineers in determining the practicality of proposed product design changes and plan and carry out tests on experimental test devices or equipment for performance, durability, or efficiency.
Also called: Automotive Design Checker (Auto Design Checker), Automotive Engineering Technician, Automotive Technician (Auto Technician), Automotive Test Technician (Auto Test Technician), Durability Technician, Laboratory Technician (Lab Technician)
Median pay
$74,510
Pay for the broader BLS group “Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians”
Pay range (10th–90th)
$48,400 – $106,050
People employed
36,190
Whole BLS group
Holland code
RIC
Realistic · Investigative · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 2.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 3.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 4.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Automotive Engineering Technicians pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (44 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians”.
What automotive engineering technicians do
- 01Document test results, using cameras, spreadsheets, documents, or other tools.
- 02Set up mechanical, hydraulic, or electric test equipment in accordance with engineering specifications, standards, or test procedures.
- 03Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, work specifications, drawings, or charts.
- 04Inspect or test parts to determine nature or cause of defects or malfunctions.
- 05Monitor computer-controlled test equipment, according to written or verbal instructions.
- 06Analyze test data for automotive systems, subsystems, or component parts.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Mathematics
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology
- Mechanical
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from automotive engineering technicians
- Avionics Technicians89% · —
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment86% · —
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics85% · —
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment84% · —
- Medical Equipment Repairers81% · —
Change into automotive engineering technicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Avionics Technicians86% · $82,280
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics85% · $50,620
- Medical Equipment Repairers81% · $61,660
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door80% · $74,340
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment80% · $74,090
Majors that lead here
- Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician
- Mechanical/Mechanical Engineering Technology/Technician
- Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians, Other
- Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.