Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

What the job really is

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

At a glance

• Sector: Installation, Maintenance & Repair
• O*NET-SOC code: 49-3023
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
• Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices.
• Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
• Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
• Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
• Estimate costs of vehicle repair.
• Confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.
• Align vehicles' front ends.
• Align wheels, axles, frames, torsion bars, and steering mechanisms of automobiles, using special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines.
• Tear down, repair, and rebuild faulty assemblies, such as power systems, steering systems, and linkages.
• Perform routine and scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups.
• Plan work procedures, using charts, technical manuals, and experience.

Tools and technology

Apple Safari, Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, Mozilla Firefox, SAP software, 2-channel lab scopes, 3 pound sledge hammers, 5 pound sledge hammers

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Rail Car Repairers
• Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
• Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
• Motorcycle Mechanics
• Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
• Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
• Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
• Automotive Engineering Technicians

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.