Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.
Also called: AC Tech (Air Conditioning Technician), Alternative Fuel Vehicle Maintenance Technician (AFV Maintenance Tech), Ambulance Mechanic, ASE Master Mechanic (Automotive Service Excellence Master Mechanic), Auto AC Installer (Automotive Air Conditioning Installer), Auto AC Mechanic (Automotive Air Conditioning Mechanic)
Median pay
$50,620
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$34,660 – $81,790
People employed
704,640
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
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.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 2.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 3.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 4.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 5.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics salary in every state →
What automotive service technicians and mechanics do
- 01Follow checklists to ensure all important parts are examined, including belts, hoses, steering systems, spark plugs, brake and fuel systems, wheel bearings, and other potentially troublesome areas.
- 02Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
- 03Perform routine and scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups.
- 04Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
- 05Align wheels, axles, frames, torsion bars, and steering mechanisms of automobiles, using special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines.
- 06Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
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: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
- A certification can help.
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 service technicians and mechanics
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers91% · +11%
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door87% · +47%
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles86% · −4%
- Automotive Engineering Technicians85% · group pay
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers83% · +6%
Change into automotive service technicians and mechanics
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles89% · $48,420
- Automotive Engineering Technicians85% · $74,510
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers85% · $56,210
- Home Appliance Repairers80% · $50,990
- Hydroelectric Plant Technicians78% · $102,040
Majors that lead here
- Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician
- Motorsports Engineering Technology/Technician
- Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technology/Technician, General
- Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician
- Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Technology/Technician
- Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician
- Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology/Technician
- High Performance and Custom Engine Technician/Mechanic
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.