June 30, 2008

Automotive service technician

• 1 Comment |
• E-mail |
• Print
• • Share:
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

Pay: The average annual pay for this job in the Seattle-Tacoma area is $44,140, or $21.22 an hour, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. The least-skilled automotive service technicians in the Seattle area make a median of $35,726 a year, according to salary.com; the most highly skilled earn a median wage of $53,669.

Demand: The number of jobs for automotive service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow faster than average for all occupations over the next decade. Employment growth will create many new jobs, and many skilled technicians are expected to retire and will need to be replaced.

Need to know: Automotive service technicians inspect, maintain and repair automobiles and light trucks that run on gasoline, electricity or alternative fuels such as ethanol. The increasing sophistication of automobiles requires workers who can use computerized shop equipment and work with electronic components while maintaining their skills with traditional hand tools.

Training: Most employers regard a vocational training program in automotive service technology as the best preparation for trainee positions. Some trade- and technical-school programs provide concentrated training for six months to a year, depending on how many hours the student attends each week. Associate-degree programs in this field at community colleges are usually two years long. Once hired, it typically takes two to five years of on-the-job experience to become a fully qualified service technician.

Certification: Acquiring National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification is important for those seeking work in large, urban areas. Certification is available in one or more of eight different areas, such as electrical systems, engine repair, brake systems, suspension and steering, and heating and air-conditioning.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence: www.asecert.org/

• 1 Comment |
• E-mail |
• Print
• • Share:
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

Read more
Salary and Benefits, salary

1 Comments

Truck Seat Covers and Don on August 2, 2010 12:24 PM | Reply

That is very interesting. We know we need a lot of good automotive service techs - and it's a dirty job but someone has to do it.

Leave a comment

* required field

Your name: *

E-mail address: (Will not be displayed)

Your comment: *

Captcha:

Type the characters you see in the picture above.