Automotive service technicians and mechanics fix cars or light trucks that have broken down. They must be able to figure out the source of the problem quickly and correctly. They must know automobiles well.

The type of work they do has changed over the years. It used to be simple mechanical repair. Today it is a high technology job. Cars and trucks today are run by electronic systems and computers. The computers tell the automotive service technicians and mechanics how well the car or truck is performing. To do their job, technicians must know a lot about how complex parts of the car and truck work together. They must be able to work with electronic equipment that tells them what is wrong. They must be able to read and understand manuals that are computer-based. At the same time they must be able to use tools they have used in the past.

About half of all automotive service technicians work a 40-hour week. Almost 30 percent work more than 40 hours a week. Many who put in long hours work for themselves. Some service shops are open in the evenings and on weekends.

Most service technicians work indoors in repair shops. Many times technicians must work with dirty and greasy parts. They often lift heavy parts and tools. Minor cuts, burns, and bruises are common. Technicians usually avoid serious accidents when the shop is kept clean and in order. It is also important that they follow safety practices.

Automotive technology is becoming more complex. Persons who want to enter this field should get formal training. You can get this training either in high school or in a vocational school. Some people still learn this trade from helping and learning from experienced workers.

Training programs usually use both classroom instruction and hands-on practice. In some technical and trade schools this training lasts 6 months to a year. In community colleges this training usually lasts 2 years. In addition to automotive training, it also includes other classes like math, English, and computers. When students finish this type of training they get an associate degree or certificate.

Automakers and some car dealers sponsor 2-year programs for students to enter after high school. This leads to an associate degree. Students in these programs usually spend 6 to 12 weeks going to class full time. Then they spend the same number of weeks working for a dealer. While there, they work with someone with lots of experience.

Employers look for people with strong communication and analytical skills for trainee jobs. Technicians also need good reading, math, and computer skills. They must study technical manuals and keep up with the latest in the field. Trainees also must have mechanical skills and know how cars work.

The middle half of all automotive service technicians earned between $10.61 and $19.84 per hour. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $8.14. The highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $25.21.

Many experienced technicians who work for car dealers and repair shops are paid a commission. The amount they earn depends on the labor cost paid by the customer. In this case, earnings per week depend upon the amount of work completed. Some automotive service technicians are members of labor unions.

Automotive service technicians and mechanics held about 818,000 jobs in 2002. Most worked in car repair shops, for car dealers, or for places that sell car parts and supplies. Others worked in gas stations, home and auto supply stores, and for companies that rent cars. Still others worked for the government and other organizations. About 16 percent worked for themselves.

Job opportunities are expected to be very good for persons who complete a training program. Persons who are good at figuring out problems should have the best chances. Their training should include basic electronics skills. Persons without formal automotive training will likely have to compete for entry-level jobs.

Employment in this field should increase about as fast as the average through the year 2012. There will be many openings in this field as experienced technicians move to other jobs or retire. Most people who enter this field can expect steady work. This is because changes in economic conditions and in other industries have little effect on the amount of work.

• Automotive body and related repairers
• Diesel service technicians and mechanics
• Small engine mechanics
  
  Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook -- U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics

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