5 Benefits of Pursuing Automotive Tech Jobs

Automotive technician careers involve everything from diagnosing and repairing issues on cars and trucks to servicing and providing preventative maintenance. These jobs are in high demand with 265.3 million vehicles1 on the road every year in the U.S.

If you’re looking for a rewarding well-paying automotive career, this could be the job for you!

1. Pay is competitive and income growth is quick.

Entry-level automotive tech jobs typically start around $30,000, and professionals can increase their salary fast as they expand their knowledge of car repairs and electronic systems. The median salary for auto techs is $39,600, and superstars who excel in their niche oftentimes earn six figures!

2. Auto techs get a sense of a job well done when customers are back on the road.

One of the biggest benefits of becoming an auto tech is the sense of satisfaction after completing a project. Customers are often worried about their vehicle and are unable to explain exactly what’s wrong with it. When auto techs understand the issue, customers are relieved to know they’re in good hands. Customers rely on professionals to help get their lives back to normal, so putting their vehicle on the road again is a wonderful feeling.

3. Auto tech jobs offer variety in day-to-day work.

Auto techs work on nearly every electronic and mechanical system in vehicles, so each day offers new challenges. The variety of work is a top benefit of pursuing automotive tech jobs. Plus technicians are equipped with lifelong skills they can bring with them anywhere in the world.

4. Exploring advanced technology in cars is exciting!

Modern vehicles are a collection of high-tech computers on wheels. With electronics like back up cameras, infotainment systems and pedestrian detection, auto tech jobs have never been more focused on advanced technology. Auto techs who can repair these new systems will see their salary increase quickly as they are essential to their team’s success.

5. In just two years students can get trained and gain auto tech jobs.

One of the coolest things about pursuing this career is that students can get started in the industry very quickly. Students can earn their auto education in just two years, and oftentimes they find jobs while they’re still in school.

The auto industry is booming, and it needs highly trained technicians who are passionate about cars to keep consumers on the road. With the motivation to learn and the drive to take on new challenges, pursuing an auto tech job is a great career choice.

Auto Career Paths

Auto Service Tech:

Diagnose, repair and perform preventative maintenance on cars and light trucks. Virtually every system on today’s vehicles is electronically controlled by computers, and auto techs use sophisticated diagnostic tools to improve engine performance and repair transmissions, steering and suspension, brake, electrical and heating and air conditioning systems. There is a high demand for well-trained technicians.

Salary: $39,550 median salary¹

Education: High school diploma required. Auto-specific certificate or degree recommended.

Traits of the Best Auto Service Techs:

Love for hands-on work
Drive to take on a challenge and solve problems
Motivation to learn and adapt to ever-changing technology
Attention to detail when working on cars

Collision Tech:

Use specialized tools, materials and techniques to straighten or replace damaged body panels and structural components as well as perform related mechanical and electrical repairs, restraint system repairs and stationary glass replacement. Employees are in high demand, as accidents are common.

Salary: $54,842 median salary²

Education: High school diploma required. Auto-specific certificate or degree recommended.

Traits of the Best Collision Techs:

Attention to detail
Committed to keep up with techniques to restore modern vehicles
Interpersonal skills to work with the team and with customers
Ability to manage time efficiently and deliver repairs on time

Paint Tech:

Automotive paint technicians perform partial and complete refinishing of vehicles, applying the latest two-stage and three-stage paint technology. Create exciting custom paint jobs on new and vintage cars.

Salary: $58,981 median salary³

Education: High school diploma required. Auto-specific certificate or degree recommended.

Traits of the Best Paint Techs:

Steady hand and good hand-eye coordination
Attention to detail
Eye for creativity
Interpersonal skills to work with the team and with customers

Service Advisor:

Act as liaison between customers and auto techs to guide car repairs through the shop. Help identify cause of damage and options for repairs. Assist in ordering parts and double-checking car repairs. Deliver repaired vehicles to customers.

Salary: $40,991 median salary⁶

Education: High school diploma required. Auto-specific certificate or degree recommended.

Traits of the Best Service Advisors:

Knack for customer service, verbal and written communication
Ability to build trust and relationships with customers
Technical know-how of cars and repairs
Ability to manage multiple projects at once

Collision Estimator:

Identifies required repair work and computes cost of replacement parts and labor to restore vehicle to its pre-accident condition using electronic estimating software. Explains estimate to customer and answers questions the customer has about the work needed. Works with insurance company representatives to manage claims.

Salary: $51,116 median salary⁴

Education: High school diploma required. Past auto experience recommended.

Traits of the Best Collision Estimators:

Attention to detail to ensure accuracy
Strong set of interpersonal communication skills
Customer service mindset dedicated to helping customers get back on the road
Ability to manage multiple projects at once

Auto Shop Owner:

Manage the day-to-day operations of an automotive repair facility, including staffing, facility/equipment, customer service, financial, marketing and other aspects of running a business. Often work in other positions within the industry before becoming an auto shop owner.

Salary: Varies based on experience and location.

Education: High school diploma required. Post-secondary education in business and/or automotive repair recommended.

Traits of the Best Auto Shop Owners:

Entrepreneurial and self-motivated personality
Ability to lead a team and solve problems
Go-getter attitude to tackle everyday challenges
Attention to detail to ensure shop is profitable and efficient

Parts Professional:

An automotive parts professional handles parts purchases by wholesale and retail customers over the phone, electronically and in person. The parts professional uses electronic catalogs to identify, source, sell and deliver the correct part needed for the job. They assist customers, manage inventory and deal with any returns or warranty issues that arise. Parts professionals work in a variety of settings, from auto parts stores and automotive recycling facilities to wholesale supply businesses and new car dealers.

Salary: $48,804 median salary⁵

Education: High school diploma required. Past auto experience recommended.

Traits of the Best Parts Professionals:

Extensive knowledge of auto repair and parts
Committed to customer service and communication
Experience in inventory management

Auto Machinist:

An automotive machinist builds, reconditions and repairs entire engines and various engine parts. A machinist operates equipment such as engine dynamometers, drills, lathes, mills and other shop hand tools. Machinists work in auto parts stores, industrial tool and die shops, or even as pit crew mechanics for NASCAR or other race circuits.

Salary: $42,600⁷

Education: High school diploma required. Auto-specific certificate or degree recommended.

Traits of the Best Auto Machinists:

Love for working with your hands
Drive to take on challenges and solve problems
Steady hand and good hand-eye coordination
Passion to work as a critical part of a team