What is the salary of a Automotive Service Technician and Mechanic?

The typical salary range is $34,769 - $69,538 per year.

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Which studies lead to becoming a Automotive Service Technician and Mechanic?

Tech & EngineeringGrowingBright Outlook

Automotive Service Technician and Mechanic

Operational-level

Also known as: A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician), AC Mechanic (Air Conditioning Mechanic), Alternative Fuel Vehicle Maintenance Technician (AFV Maintenance Tech), Alternative Fuel Vehicle Repair Technician (AFV Repair Tech)

Tech & EngineeringBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As an Automotive Service Technician, you diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul cars and trucks. You'll spend your days using various tools and equipment to fix engines, brakes, and other systems, often working inside vehicles. You'll wear safety gear like shoes, glasses, and gloves, and you'll interact with customers and team members for face-to-face discussions. This hands-on role suits you if you excel at critical thinking, active listening, and problem-solving.

Automotive TechnologyVehicle MaintenanceAutomotive DiagnosticsMechanical RepairEngineeringTechnical SkillsVocational TradesTechnicalAutomotiveSkilled Trade

A Day in the Life

Your shift starts at 7:30 AM at 'Precision Auto Repair' in Phoenix, Arizona. You punch in, grab a coffee, and head straight to the locker room to pull on your steel-toed boots, safety glasses, and durable work gloves. The large whiteboard in the service bay already lists the day's first vehicles. You scan for your name and the first job assigned: a routine oil change and tire rotation on a customer's minivan, plus a quick check on a brake squeal.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Apple Safari Microsoft Edge Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Windows Microsoft Word Mozilla Firefox SAP software

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Bright Outlook

O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: grows rapidly over the next decade.

Projected growth

+5%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

66,200

per year (US)

Jobs today

825,800

in 2025 → 866,700 (2035)

Typical entry education

Postsecondary nondegree award

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

Moderate

Working in a team

Moderate

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

High

Time pressure

High

Time spent sitting

Low

Working outdoors

Moderate

Indoor, climate-controlled

High

Dealing with customers

Moderate

Level of competition

Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Growing Job Market

This career has a rapid growth outlook, with employment projected to increase by 5.0% through 2035. Around 66,200 job openings are expected each year, and the median annual wage is about $50,620. You can advance from entry-level roles like an apprentice to become a lead mechanic or move into shop management or training.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Tire Technician
Lube Technician
Automotive Mechanic Apprentice

Automotive Service Technician and Mechanic

Where it can lead

Lead Mechanic
Shop Manager
Automotive Instructor

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will increasingly assist automotive technicians with advanced diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and optimizing repair procedures. While some routine tasks may become automated, the need for human expertise in complex repairs, interpreting data, and adapting to new vehicle technologies (like EVs and autonomous systems) will remain strong. Technicians will integrate AI tools into their workflows, shifting focus towards analysis and specialized interventions.

Salary

$50,620

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position