AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN JOB DESCRIPTION, CAREERS, SALARY, EMPLOYMENT ...

Duties: Maintain and repair automobiles, vans, trucks, and SUVs; perform duties as required
Alternative Title: Automotive Service Technician, Auto Mechanic
Salary Range: $19,000 to $58,000
Education or Training ? High school diploma; formal or on the job training
Experience ? Previous experience working with vehicles usually required
Special Skills and Personality Traits ? Analytical, problem solving, troubleshooting, interpersonal, communication, reading, math, and computer skills; decisive, detail oriented, persistent, cooperative, honest, ethical, innovative, and dependable

Position Description
Automotive Technicians are the experts who repair and perform preventive maintenance on automobiles, vans, trucks, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) for their owners. Their job is to inspect and diagnose a vehicle to determine what work needs to be done and then perform the job efficiently and quickly.

For the last few decades, cars and other motorized vehicles have come equipped with computerized components. Onboard computers control just about everything, from engines, transmissions, ignitions, and braking systems under the hood to air conditioning systems, radios, steering systems, and global positioning systems in the driver and passenger compartment. Thus, in addition to basic principles of automobile maintenance and repair, today?s Automotive Technicians are knowledgeable about computers and electronics as well as how the various parts and components of motor vehicles act and interact with each other.

The complex technologies in modern vehicles require regular monitoring and testing so that technicians can diagnose problems. Therefore, Automotive Technicians use equally complex and sensitive equipment to perform such tests. These technicians also continue to use traditional tools of their trade such as screwdrivers, pneumatic wrenches, hydraulic jacks, hammers, pulling tools, grinders, and lathes.

Many Automotive Technicians work for service centers at automobile dealerships, franchise and independent auto shops, and service stations. Many others work for companies and organizations such as car rental agencies, government offices, and educational institutions that maintain their own fleets of cars and trucks. Some technicians are self employed.

To keep vehicles in top condition as well as to prevent serious problems from developing, Automotive Technicians perform regularly scheduled maintenance on them. They carry out such routine tasks as changing oil, rotating tires, adjusting brakes, checking batteries, filling fluid levels, and replacing sparkplugs, radiator hoses, air filters, and fan belts. They check the engine, transmission, and other automobile systems to ensure that they are working correctly and effectively. They may also install vehicle accessories such as lights or windshield wipers.

When problems occur with vehicles, Automotive Technicians confer with vehicle owners to hear their explanation of what seems to be wrong with their cars or trucks. These mechanics then narrow down the problem by using computerized diagnostic equipment that hooks directly to a vehicle?s computerized components and measures the performance of the engine, fuel line, ignition, and all other computerized components. By a process of elimination, Automotive Technicians test several components until the problem is identified. The diagnostic equipment displays information about each test, which Automotive Technicians check against standard results that indicate optimum running conditions specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

When needed, these technicians drive the vehicle to observe how it behaves on the road. During such test drives, Automotive Technicians may use handheld diagnostic devices. These technicians also use computers to access manufacturer manuals, schematics, and procedural checklists, which aid them in diagnosing problems. These databases are updated frequently for new vehicles and for new repair techniques. Once the problem is isolated, these technicians make adjustments, repairs, or replace parts.

Automotive Technicians perform a variety of routine tasks, such as:

? inspecting diagnostic equipment and tools for damages

? conferring with other technicians, foremen, and customers

? planning work schedules and processes

? estimating the cost of repairs or maintenance

? completing paperwork

? reading technical manuals and diagrams to keep abreast of new developments in automotive design

? maintaining their work area

? moving equipment and other heavy objects around their work area

As Automotive Technicians gain experience, they may choose to specialize by working on certain vehicle makes or models. They may focus on specific aspects of vehicle maintenance or repair. For example, technicians might work solely on repairing or rebuilding transmissions or engines, working with brake systems or air conditioning systems, or by only performing tune-ups.

Automotive Technicians work both indoors and outdoors. They stand for long periods and work in close quarters, both in and out of vehicles. They lift heavy objects and often work in uncomfortable positions to reach vehicle components. They may be required to wear protective equipment to decrease the risk of exposure to loud noises, fumes, and hazardous chemicals, including antifreeze, gasoline, and solvents. These technicians usually work 40 hours per week, but may put in additional hours during evening hours or on weekends to meet deadlines.

Salaries

Salaries for Automotive Technicians vary, depending on such factors as their experience, employer, and geographic location. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports in its May 2007 Occupational Employment

Statistics (OES) survey that the estimated hourly wage for most of these technicians ranged between $9.25 and $27.72 per hour. The estimated annual salary for most automotive service technicians and mechanics ranged between $19,240 and $57,650.

These technicians may earn an hourly wage, a flat rate per job, or a commission that is based on the labor cost that a customer is charged. Technicians who work on a commission basis may be guaranteed a minimum weekly salary.

Employment Prospects

The BLS reports in its May 2007 OES survey that an estimated 650,780 automotive service technicians and mechanics were employed in the United States. Nearly 70 percent of them worked in the automotive repair and maintenance industry and the automobile dealer industry.

According to the BLS, the employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to increase by 14 percent through 2016. In addition, technicians will be needed to replace those who retire, advance to higher positions, or transfer to other jobs.

In general, the demand for experienced Automotive Technicians is favorable. Opportunities for entry level positions are stronger for applicants who have completed formal automotive training.

Advancement Prospects

Automotive Technicians can advance in various ways according to their interests and ambitions. As they gain experience, they can specialize in a particular type of vehicle (such as alternative-fuel automobiles) or specific kind of automotive repair (such as transmission or brakes). They can also advance by becoming customer service advisers. Those with supervisory and managerial ambitions can be promoted to such positions as shop foreman or service manager. Entrepreneurial individuals can open their own repair shops.

Automotive Technicians can also use their experience to move into sales, marketing, or business management. Some technicians become automotive instructors in high schools, community colleges, vocational schools, or technical schools.

Many Automotive Technicians measure their success by earning higher incomes, by receiving greater responsibilities, and through job satisfaction.

Education and Training

Employers generally require that entry level applicants possess a high school diploma or general equivalence diploma. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed some postsecondary training, particularly in automotive technology.

Individuals enter the field of automotive technology in various ways. Some start as technicians helpers or trainee technicians and learn their skills on the job. Others complete a formal training program in high school or earn a professional certificate or associate degree from a vocational school, technical school, or community college. Automotive service training programs typically provide both theory and practical experience to students.

To stay competitive, Automotive Technicians must stay up-to-date with automotive technology, such as computer and electronic systems. Hence, many technicians enroll in workshops, seminars, and courses throughout their careers to update their skills and knowledge. Some employers send their employees? both trainees and experienced technicians?to manufacturer training centers to learn to repair components, such as air conditioners, or new car models.

Experience, Special Skills, and Personality Traits

Employers prefer to hire applicants for entry level positions who have previous experience working on vehicles. They may have gained experience through on the job training, through automotive courses or training programs, or by personally working on cars as a hobby.

To perform their work effectively, Automotive Technicians must have excellent analytical, problem solving, and troubleshooting skills. They also need strong interpersonal and communication skills, as they must be able to work well with colleagues, managers, and customers. In addition, these technicians must have strong reading, math, and computer skills. Being decisive, detail oriented, persistent, cooperative, honest, ethical, innovative, and dependable are some personality traits that successful Automotive Technicians share.

Unions and Associations

Some Automotive Technicians belong to labor unions, such as the UAW and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. Unions represent their members in contract negotiations for better terms regarding pay, benefits, and working conditions. Unions also handle any grievances that members may have against their employers.

Professional organizations are also available to Automotive Technicians locally, statewide, and nationally. One national group is the International Automotive Technicians Network. By joining professional associations, individuals can take advantage of various professional resources and services, such as networking opportunities, training programs, and publications.

For contact information for the above organizations, see Appendix III.

Tips for Entry

1. As a high school student, start gaining experience working in the automotive industry. For example, you might obtain a part time or summer job with a car dealer or a repair shop. Lower level jobs, such as car washer, can lead to apprentice technician positions.

2. Many Automotive Technicians complete certification programs from manufacturers or the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence to enhance their employability

3. First impressions are important when you meet prospective employers. Wear clean, neat, and appropriate clothing. Stand straight. Be polite. Talk clearly, properly, and avoid bragging about yourself.

4. Visit your state employment office for help in finding job openings.

5. Use the Internet to learn more about a career as an Automotive Technician. You might start by visiting the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation Web site at http://www natef.org

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Source: http://hanneby.com/2011/08/automotive-technician-job-description-careers-salary-employment-definition-education-and-training-requirements/

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