Ever wondered what it’s like to be an auto mechanic?
Automotive mechanics, also commonly referred to as auto technicians, work on cars day in and day out. This is a dynamic career and it’s anything but mundane. Depending on the environment they work in and the types of vehicles that come through their door, automotive technicians can do anything from completing routine maintenance services to performing entire engine replacements on a typical day.
At Universal Technical Institute (UTI), students can train to pursue a career in the automotive industry through a hands-on program designed to help them develop the skills employers are looking for.1,18 The Automotive Technology program can be completed in just 51 weeks and includes instruction on diagnostics, repair and industry-relevant tools and systems.7
If you’re looking for a job that involves working with cars, meeting a variety of clients and mastering complex technology, this could be the career path for you. Keep reading to learn what automotive mechanics do, auto mechanic salary, how to become one and more.
Automotive Mechanic Duties and Responsibilities
Automotive mechanics diagnose, maintain, inspect and repair cars, light trucks and other vehicles. They possess in-depth knowledge of how electrical and mechanical systems come together to make a vehicle run. Similar to the way a doctor must be familiar with the human body, an auto technician must understand all of the different parts of a vehicle and the functions they serve.
Mechanics are found working in a variety of different environments, including dealerships, automotive parts stores, tire shops and repair shops, just to name a few. Some travel to customer job sites or even homes to complete repairs. Often, they are also responsible for researching and ordering parts, managing invoices and talking on the phone with customers.
So, what can you expect to find in an auto mechanic job description? While job responsibilities can vary depending on a technician’s chosen career path, some typical automotive technician duties found in an auto mechanic job description include:
- Perform routine maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, battery installations, transmission flushes and more.
- Diagnose and troubleshoot vehicles for a variety of problems.
- Advise customers and provide estimates.
- Execute repairs and test drive vehicles to ensure everything is working properly.
- Ensure vehicles meet state requirements for emissions and safety.
- Help to maintain inventory.
- Document the repair process and maintain important paperwork.
- Follow safety procedures.
- Complete continued training to stay relevant with technology and industry best practices.
As you can see, being a mechanic is a multifaceted job. Mechanics need to know the technical side of things to deliver safe and reliable vehicles to clients, but they must also have people skills to provide excellent customer service.
Mechanics are found working in a variety of different environments, including dealerships, automotive parts stores, tire shops and repair shops, just to name a few. Some travel to customer job sites or even homes to complete repairs. Oftentimes, they are also responsible for researching and ordering parts, managing invoices and talking on the phone with customers.
The schedule of a mechanic can vary, but auto mechanics typically work full-time, five to six days per week. Each facility determines its own wages, whether it’s flat-rate or hourly. Some technicians receive a commission and some facilities offer overtime.
Specific wages are determined based on the workplace, which we’ll discuss more later in this article.
Automotive Mechanic Job Description
The job of a modern-day mechanic looks much different than in years past. Today’s technicians use traditional tools like wrenches, but they also must be familiar with the complicated mechanical and electronic systems found in many of the cars we see on the road.
So, what can you expect to find in an auto mechanic job description? While job responsibilities can vary depending on a technician’s chosen career path, some typical automotive technician duties found in an auto mechanic job description include:
- Perform routine maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, battery installations, transmission flushes and more.
- Diagnose and troubleshoot vehicles for a variety of problems.
- Advise customers and provide estimates.
- Execute repairs and test drive vehicles to ensure everything is working properly.
- Ensure vehicles meet state requirements for emissions and safety.
- Help to maintain inventory.
- Document the repair process and maintain important paperwork.
- Follow safety procedures.
- Complete continued training to stay relevant with technology and industry best practices.
As you can see, being a mechanic is a multifaceted job. Mechanics must know the technical side of things in order to deliver safe and reliable vehicles to clients, but they must also have people skills in order to provide excellent customer service.
Automotive Mechanic Salary & Outlook
According to the BLS, the number of vehicles in use is expected to continue to rise. Therefore, more entry-level candidates will be needed to perform basic auto mechanic duties like vehicle maintenance and repair, such as replacing brake pads and changing oil.
In fact, according to the BLS there are 67,000+ estimated average annual automotive technician job openings in the U.S.41 Many job openings will be in auto dealerships and independent repair shops, where a good majority of service technicians work.
So, what is an auto mechanic’s earning potential? The median annual salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics in the United States was $47,770 in May 2023.25 This means that half of automotive technicians earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.
To learn how automotive technician salaries vary by state, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Whether you’re looking to stay in a specific area or are open to working in a variety of locations, career services may be available to help you find a position. For example, UTI's Career Services department helps connect students and graduates to available jobs across the country.
All in all, becoming an automotive technician can be a great career path with exciting opportunities. If you love working with your hands, enjoy learning about evolving technology and take pride in helping others, this could be the right career choice for you.
Median Annual Automotive Mechanic Salary by Location
You may be wondering, “How much do automotive mechanics make?” While salaries can vary across the country, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported the top 10 median annual wages for automotive technicians by state as of May 2023.*
*Not entry-level and is dependent on factors like experience, location, demand and employer compensation.
Rank | State | Annual Median Wage |
1 | District of Columbia | $62,940 |
2 | California | $61,610 |
3 | Alaska | $60,810 |
4 | Washington | $57,550 |
5 | Maryland | $55,190 |
6 | New Jersey | $53,280 |
7 | Delaware | $51,430 |
8 | Colorado | $50,940 |
9 | New Hampshire | $50,000 |
10 | Hawaii | $49,700 |
To see median annual salaries for auto technicians in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, check out our blog post here.
Key Factors Determining Automotive Mechanic Salary
Automotive mechanic salary can vary based on several important factors. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow in your career, understanding what influences pay in the automotive field can help you plan your path forward. Here are some of the key elements that can impact how much an automotive technician earns:
Years of experience
Like many skilled trades, experience plays a big role in determining automotive technician pay. Entry-level technicians typically earn less as they build skills and gain on-the-job knowledge. However, with several years of experience, technicians often see steady wage increases, especially if they consistently perform quality work and take on more complex jobs. Senior techs with long-term experience can command higher salaries and may even move into supervisory or management roles.
Certifications and specializations
Holding industry-recognized certifications, such as ASE (Automotive Service Excellence), can significantly boost a technician’s earning potential. Specialized training in areas like diesel engines, hybrid and electric vehicles, or manufacturer-specific systems can also lead to higher pay.
At Universal Technical Institute (UTI), students can take their training further through Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training (MSAT) programs.11 These programs are created in collaboration with top automotive manufacturers and are designed to provide focused instruction on the latest technology and vehicle systems. Graduates of MSAT programs may be better positioned to pursue roles with those specific manufacturers, potentially opening doors to higher-paying, brand-aligned opportunities.
Technicians with these additional credentials are often more in demand, allowing them to qualify for advanced positions and higher salary brackets.
Industry sector
Where a technician works can also impact their salary. For example, those working at high-end dealerships or in specialized repair facilities may earn more than those in general service shops. Fleet maintenance, motorsports and government roles are other sectors that can offer competitive pay depending on the location and demand.
Commission or flat-rate pay
Many automotive technicians are paid on a flat-rate or commission basis, meaning their earnings are tied to the amount of work they complete. In this structure, productivity directly influences income—technicians who work efficiently and take on more complex jobs can earn more than those paid hourly. However, pay can fluctuate depending on customer volume and job availability, which is important to consider when evaluating compensation options.
Automotive Program Graduate Story
Automotive Mechanic Salary FAQs
While outcomes can vary, earning industry-recognized certifications, like those from the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), may help boost earning potential. Additional training in areas such as hybrid and electric vehicle systems, diesel engines or manufacturer-specific programs can also make technicians more competitive in the job market, potentially leading to higher pay over time.
Compensation structures in the automotive industry vary by employer. Some mechanics are paid hourly, especially when starting out, while others earn a flat-rate or commission based on the number of billable hours they complete. In commission-based roles, earnings can depend on productivity and efficiency but pay may fluctuate based on workload and customer volume.
Many automotive employers offer benefits such as health insurance, retirement savings plans, paid time off and even tool reimbursement. The availability and quality of these benefits can differ widely depending on the size of the employer, the technician’s position and years of service. It’s always a good idea to ask about benefits when considering job opportunities.
In some workplaces, technicians may have the chance to earn additional income through overtime or weekend work. Pay rates for these shifts often vary and may depend on company policies and local labor laws. While not all employers offer these opportunities, those that do may provide a path to increase overall earnings.
Salaries in the automotive industry vary by role, experience and location. Some of the higher-paying positions may include master technicians, shop foremen, service managers and specialists who work with high-performance or luxury vehicles. Roles that require advanced diagnostics or manufacturer-specific expertise can also be among the better-compensated in the field.