How to Become an Automotive Technician in 2025

Automotive technician is an exciting occupation for gearheads. It can earn you above the national annual median wage with a promising career path as you gain more experience. Despite declining car ownership and rising interest in automation, the United States government projects more automotive service technician jobs to open over the long term.

Many confuse automotive technicians with auto mechanics. Understand the nuances between these automotive professionals, and learn what it takes to become a successful service technician.

What Is the Difference Between Automotive Technicians and Auto Mechanics?

The automotive industry doesn’t definitively differentiate automotive service technicians from auto mechanics. Some consider them the same, while others argue that these professionals specialize in distinct fields.

One way to understand these titles’ differences is to define what technicians and mechanics are. A technician is an expert in the practical application of a science, whereas a mechanic maintains and repairs a machine.

Some argue that service technicians mainly handle automotive electronics and computer systems. Others believe auto mechanics only work with nonelectronic components. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics settles the debate by putting these titles into one category.

The federal agency explains that service technicians and mechanics primarily work with automobiles. Therefore, these titles don’t apply to technicians and mechanics specializing in heavy construction equipment, farm machinery, motorcycles and powerboats. The job descriptions of automotive technicians and auto mechanics usually include:

• Basic vehicle care and maintenance
• Examination of critical components
• Parts and systems testing
• Diagnostics
• Repairs and worn-out or broken parts replacement per manufacturer or customer specifications
• Explanation of automotive problems and solutions to customers

The fact-finding agency under the Department of Labor adds that service technicians work with traditional mechanical and modern electronic systems. More automotive technicians now also handle alternative fuels. Those who branch out into electric motors must also learn to perform proper infrared thermography tests and bolt inspections.

What Is the Salary of Automotive Technicians?

In May 2023, the annual median wage for automotive technicians was $47,770, meaning half earned more and the other half made less.

The top 10% of earners took home more than $77,630 annually — 63% higher than the median wage. Conversely, the bottom 10% of earners made 36% below the median wage at less than $30,600.

Most automotive service technicians work full time for auto dealers and independent auto repair shops. Many work overtime, especially during evenings and weekends. Some gravitate toward self-employment to have more control over their time and income potential.

What Is the Job Outlook for Automotive Technicians?

According to TechForce Foundation’s 2023 Technician Supply & Demand Report, automotive technicians are the most in-demand professional technicians in the U.S. Automotive technician job openings account for 495,000 out of the 795,000 new professional technician roles across various industries, including aviation and commercial transportation, to meet the projected demand from 2023 to 2027.

The national nonprofit also added that the technician workforce grew 4.3% from 2021 to 2022. One contributing factor was an uptick in the number of graduates from technical schools and community colleges, which happened for the first time in 10 years.

If more students continue to finish their professional technician programs in the coming years, it will indicate that younger people now view these occupations as viable careers.

How to Become an Automotive Technician in 5 Steps

The path to becoming an automotive service technician is short and straightforward. The private sector and academia work hand in hand to increase the talent supply and address chronic labor shortages.

Follow these five steps to start your career as an automotive technician, land a job with rewarding pay and move up the corporate ladder more quickly.

1. Finish Minimum Education

You can be an automotive technician with a high school diploma. Taking automotive repair, mathematics, computers and electronics courses helps prepare you for this line of work.

However, completing an automotive service technology program in a trade school or community is ideal to qualify for most entry-level positions easily. Automotive service technology programs last for several months. Expect to split your time between coursework and hands-on training in the lab.

After earning your technical diploma, you can apply for a job immediately. Many vocational degree holders seek paid work to earn money while gaining experience. A stable job as an automotive service technician for at least one year helps you secure a certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Being credentialed opens more doors and paves the way for higher pay.

Employers also value associate degree programs. Some may sponsor your education, allowing you to pursue an automotive technology associate degree as a working student.

2. Undergo Training

Every newbie goes through training under the guidance of an experienced service technician. However, you can work independently more quickly after finishing an automotive technology program.

You’ll need more on-the-job training to learn the ropes if you jump in with both feet out of high school. You may start as a trainee technician, technician’s helper or lubrication worker. Your supervision may give you more responsibilities as you gain more knowledge and experience.

3. Develop Nontechnical Skills

Successful service technicians have strong soft skills. The job involves paying attention to detail, keeping your workspace neat and explaining problems and solutions to customers. You need solid observation, organization and communication skills to avoid mistakes, prevent accidents and express yourself well.

Keep working on your soft skills to climb the corporate ladder more quickly. Employees with better people skills make excellent candidates for managerial positions.

Moreover, work on your physical strength and fitness. Moving and lifting heavy objects — such as body panels and engines — comes with the territory.

Good dexterity is also necessary. Tasks like disassembling and reattaching components become more challenging without good hand-eye coordination and hand steadiness.

Improving your nontechnical skills shouldn’t cost money since free online resources are available. However, taking classes in fencing, public speaking, weight training, customer service and other relevant subjects can help.

4. Consider a Specialization

Specializing allows you to understand a particular task or discipline better. It can turn you into a subject-matter expert, increasing your market value when changing companies or working for yourself.

Automotive air-conditioning, drivability, transmission, brake and front-end service technicians are examples of specialists. With the advent of hydrogen cars, training yourself to be the authority on fuel cells may work wonders for your career.

However, specialization opportunities may vary by employer. Many companies prefer their automotive technicians to be generalists.

5. Select a Niche

Targeting a specific group of customers can be a fulfilling career move. For example, working in an automotive restoration shop may feel like heaven if you love antique, vintage and classic wheels. If you have entrepreneurship aspirations, understanding the ins and outs of an industry projected to grow from $2.3 billion in 2022 to $5.5 billion in 2030 globally can lay the foundation for your future business.

Start Your Journey as an Automotive Technician in 2025

Being an automotive service technician is rewarding if you love cars and their inner workings. This career has a rosy outlook and few barriers to entry, so it offers decent pay and long-term job security.