Diesel Mechanic
Diagnose and repair trucks, buses and diesel-powered equipment.
- $61,770
- 6–24 months
Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing career
Automotive Service Technician
Also called: Auto Mechanic · Automotive Technician · Car Mechanic · Master Technician
What automotive service technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an automotive service technician do?
Automotive service technicians inspect, maintain, diagnose and repair cars and light trucks, using computerized diagnostics to fix engines, brakes, electrical systems, steering, suspension and climate control. The median pay is $50,620 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 6–24 months, and employment is projected to grow +5.0% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$50,620$24.34/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+5.0%2025–35, faster than average
- Openings per year66,200Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationPostsecondary nondegree awardBLS classification
- Time to train6–24 monthsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs825,800Employment, 2025
What automotive service technicians do
Auto technicians are part mechanic, part electronics troubleshooter. They perform oil changes and inspections, replace brakes and suspension parts, diagnose check-engine lights with scan tools, and repair increasingly complex electrical, hybrid and electric-vehicle systems.
Many techs complete a certificate or associate program at a technical school; others start as lube or tire techs and learn on the job. ASE certifications, manufacturer training and EV high-voltage skills can raise pay significantly.
Typical duties
- Perform inspections and preventive maintenance
- Diagnose problems with scan tools and test equipment
- Repair brakes, steering, suspension and drivetrain components
- Repair engines and electrical systems
- Service heating and air-conditioning systems
- Explain repairs and estimates to service advisors and customers
- Test-drive vehicles and verify repairs
Work environment and schedule
Technicians work in dealerships, independent repair shops, chain stores, fleet garages and government agencies. Shops can be noisy and are often heated and ventilated, but work involves lifting, awkward positions and exposure to fluids.
Schedule: Mostly full-time, including some evenings and Saturdays. Pay is often hourly or flat-rate.
A day in the life
- Pick up repair orders: brakes, a check-engine light and a 60,000-mile service.
- Perform a multipoint inspection and 60K service, noting worn wiper blades and a leaking shock.
- Diagnose a misfire: scan codes, check freeze-frame data and swap coils to confirm a failed ignition coil.
- Replace front brake pads and rotors and torque lug nuts to spec.
See a full day in the life of an automotive service technician →
Automotive Service Technician salary
Half of automotive service technicians earned more than $50,620 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $34,660 for the lowest 10% to $81,790 for the top 10%.
Full automotive service technician pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an automotive service technician
- Finish high school
- Complete an automotive program
- Start in an entry-level role
- Earn ASE certifications
- Specialize
Many employers prefer graduates of a postsecondary automotive program (six months to two years). Some techs learn on the job. ASE certification is the industry standard for proving skill.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an automotive service technician →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Computerized diagnostics
- Brake and suspension repair
- Electrical troubleshooting
- Engine performance
- Wheel alignment
People skills
- Logical thinking
- Customer communication
- Efficiency
- Honesty
All automotive service technician skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fast entry through certificate programs or on-the-job training
- Jobs available almost everywhere
- Problem-solving with technology
- Clear path to master tech, shop foreman or ownership
Cons
- Physically demanding and sometimes dirty work
- Flat-rate pay can vary week to week
- Personal tool investment
- Constant learning as vehicles change, especially EVs
Certifications and licenses
- ASE A1–A9: Automotive certifications in engine repair, transmissions, suspension, brakes, electrical, HVAC, engine performance and more.
- ASE Master Technician: Earned by passing A1–A8.
- EPA Section 609: Required to service motor vehicle air-conditioning refrigerants.
- EV / hybrid high-voltage training: Manufacturer or industry training for safely working on electrified vehicles.
Career path
- Lube or Apprentice Technician: Perform maintenance and learn systems.
- Automotive Technician: Diagnose and repair independently.
- Master or Diagnostic Technician: Handle complex problems and EVs.
- Shop Foreman, Service Manager or Owner: Lead teams or run a business.
Learn the job before day one
Our Automotive Service Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as read and interpret OBD-II codes and replace front brake pads and rotors, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Aircraft Mechanic
Inspect, maintain and repair airplanes and helicopters to FAA standards.
- $79,870
- 18–30 months
Industrial Maintenance Technician
Keep factory machinery running with mechanical, electrical and PLC troubleshooting.
- $64,520
- 1–4 years
Customer Service Representative
Help customers solve problems by phone, chat and email, and keep them coming back.
- $44,770
- 2–6 weeks (paid training)
Compare: Auto Technician vs. Diesel Mechanic · Auto Technician vs. Aircraft Mechanic · Auto Technician vs. Maintenance Technician · Auto Technician vs. Customer Service Rep
Automotive Service Technician FAQ
Do you need certification to be an auto mechanic?
It isn’t legally required in most states, but ASE certification is the industry standard and many employers require it for higher-level roles.
How long does auto mechanic school take?
Certificate programs take about six months to a year; associate degree programs take about two years.
Will EVs eliminate auto technician jobs?
EVs need fewer routine services, but they still need tires, brakes, suspension, electrical and high-voltage work: technicians with EV skills are in demand.
How much does an automotive service technician make?
The median annual wage for automotive service technicians was $50,620 ($24.34 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $34,660 and the highest 10% earned more than $81,790.
How long does it take to become an automotive service technician?
Most people need about 6–24 months of training. Many employers prefer graduates of a postsecondary automotive program (six months to two years). Some techs learn on the job. ASE certification is the industry standard for proving skill.
Do you need a degree to be an automotive service technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
More automotive service technician questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 49-3023 (Automotive service technicians and mechanics).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Automotive service technicians and mechanics (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.