Automotive service technicians use broader skills as cars grow more sophisticated

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource Classifieds | seattletimes.com

October 9, 2009

Automotive service technicians use broader skills as cars grow more sophisticated

4 Comments |
E-mail |
Print
- Share:

Outlook: Employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to increase 14 percent over the 2006-16 decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

Pay: The 6,300 automotive service technicians in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $43,870 in 2008.

The job: Automotive service technicians inspect, maintain and repair cars and 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. As a result, automotive service workers are now usually called technicians rather than mechanics.

Training/licensing: Most employers regard the successful completion of a vocational training program in automotive service technology as the best preparation for trainee positions. Graduates of these programs may need further training to become qualified.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Is your pay competitive? Find out by using our Salary Wizard.

4 Comments |
E-mail |
Print
- Share:

4 Comments

Auto Body Repair on October 13, 2009 5:16 AM | Reply

Thank you. I like your content. Very nice

chris on October 13, 2009 6:42 AM | Reply

automotive mechanics are poor!!!!!!!!!
i wanted to be one till i saw the wages!

Mobile Mechanics on October 25, 2009 9:51 PM | Reply

By becoming skilled in multiple auto repair services, technicians can increase their value to their employer and their pay.

Bill B on April 17, 2010 4:14 AM | Reply

The automotive service trade is just not worth being in anymore! I've worked in automotive and diesel service for over thirty years. I've been mechanic-technician, shop foreman and lately an automotive technology instructor. I am an ASE Certified Master Technician.

In order to keep up with the rapidly changing technology in this field, one must study continuously! And many expensive hand tools and electronic test devices are needed for the work. The typical Master Technician's tool set easily runs in excess of $20,000.

The $43,870 median annual rate of pay cited in the article is about right! Some make more and some make less. This accurately places many auto technicians in the $33 to $53 thousand dollar range. This is ludicrous! Required continuous technical studies combined with never-ending purchases of required tool and test devices are not justified by the small compensation. Until this changes, it makes no sense to be in this line of work.

Automotive service technicians use broader skills as cars grow more sophisticated

4 Comments

Leave a comment