Repair automobiles, trucks, buses, and other vehicles. Master mechanics repair virtually any part on the vehicle or specialize in the transmission system.
Overview
Tasks
Skills
Median Annual Wage: $37,120
Education: Post-secondary certificate (72%); Some college, no degree (16%); High school diploma or equivalent (8%)
Projected Growth: Average (8% to 14%)
Related Job Titles: Automotive Technician; Mechanic; Automotive Service Technician; Auto Technician; Shop Foreman; Certified ASE Master Automotive Technician (Certified Automotive Service Excellence Master Automotive Technician); Master Technician; Automobile Technician; Master Automotive Technician; Truck Technician
Examine vehicles to determine extent of damage or malfunctions.
Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
Follow 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.
Confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.
Perform routine and scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups.
Repair and service air conditioning, heating, engine cooling, and electrical systems.
Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
Plan work procedures, using charts, technical manuals, and experience.
Disassemble units and inspect parts for wear, using micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
Tear down, repair, and rebuild faulty assemblies, such as power systems, steering systems, and linkages.
Repair or replace parts such as pistons, rods, gears, valves, and bearings.
Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
Repair manual and automatic transmissions.
Install and repair accessories, such as radios, heaters, mirrors, and windshield wipers.
Maintain cleanliness of work area.
Repair or replace shock absorbers.
Replace and adjust headlights.
Overhaul or replace carburetors, blowers, generators, distributors, starters, and pumps.
Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Installation - Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.