What is an Automotive Specialty Technician?
Automotive Specialty Technician Definition Repair only one system or component on a vehicle, such as brakes, suspension, or radiator.
Life As an Automotive Specialty Technician
- Diagnose and repair regenerative braking systems or hydraulic systems in hybrid vehicles.
- Install or repair air conditioners and service components, such as compressors, condensers, and controls.
- Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
- Service biodiesel fuel tanks for algae or sludge accumulation by cleaning, changing filters, or adding algaecides.
- Diagnose and replace or repair engine management systems or related sensors for flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) with ignition timing, fuel rate, alcohol concentration, or air-to-fuel ratio malfunctions.
- Inspect propane or natural gas high-pressure tanks, piping, or pressure regulators.
Featured schools near , edit
Automotive Specialty Technician Needed Skills
When polled, Automotive Specialty Technicians say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Automobile Service Station Mechanic
- Automotive Technician (Auto Technician)
- Hydraulic Specialist
- Hydramatic Mechanic
- Front End Mechanic
Job Opportunities for Automotive Specialty Technicians
In the United States, there were 749,900 jobs for Automotive Specialty Technician in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 45,900 new jobs for Automotive Specialty Technician by 2026. The BLS estimates 75,600 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Automotive Specialty Technician are Utah, Georgia, and Idaho. Watch out if you plan on working in District of Columbia, Maine, or Kansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of an Automotive Specialty Technician
The salary for Automotive Specialty Technicians ranges between about $23,420 and $66,950 a year.
Automotive Specialty Technicians who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Automotive Specialty Technicians in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $41,050 |
| Alaska | $55,910 |
| Arizona | $44,360 |
| Arkansas | $37,710 |
| California | $48,720 |
| Colorado | $48,040 |
| Connecticut | $49,980 |
| Delaware | $44,260 |
| District of Columbia | $59,350 |
| Florida | $39,990 |
| Georgia | $42,600 |
| Hawaii | $46,250 |
| Idaho | $41,060 |
| Illinois | $46,300 |
| Indiana | $40,910 |
| Iowa | $41,360 |
| Kansas | $40,670 |
| Kentucky | $38,030 |
| Louisiana | $39,880 |
| Maine | $38,940 |
| Maryland | $50,050 |
| Massachusetts | $45,780 |
| Michigan | $42,220 |
| Minnesota | $42,520 |
| Mississippi | $38,640 |
| Missouri | $43,080 |
| Montana | $39,920 |
| Nebraska | $42,400 |
| Nevada | $46,270 |
| New Hampshire | $45,170 |
| New Jersey | $48,620 |
| New Mexico | $40,680 |
| New York | $44,350 |
| North Carolina | $41,620 |
| North Dakota | $44,970 |
| Ohio | $40,420 |
| Oklahoma | $40,240 |
| Oregon | $45,670 |
| Pennsylvania | $40,580 |
| Rhode Island | $40,560 |
| South Carolina | $40,040 |
| South Dakota | $41,450 |
| Tennessee | $40,930 |
| Texas | $44,260 |
| Utah | $42,840 |
| Vermont | $41,000 |
| Virginia | $47,730 |
| Washington | $49,680 |
| West Virginia | $34,470 |
| Wisconsin | $41,180 |
| Wyoming | $46,490 |
What Tools & Technology do Automotive Specialty Technicians Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Automotive Specialty Technicians:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Data entry software
- Microsoft Windows
- Database software
- IBM Notes
- Scheduling software
- YouTube
- Internet browser software
- Estimating software
- Technical manual database software
- Snap-On ShopKey
- Alliance Automotive Shop Controller
- Online service manual database software
How to Become an Automotive Specialty Technician
Education needed to be an Automotive Specialty Technician:
How Long Does it Take to Become an Automotive Specialty Technician?
Where Automotive Specialty Technicians Work
The table below shows the approximate number of Automotive Specialty Technicians employed by various industries.
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming an Automotive Specialty Technician might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Automotive Specialty Technician in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.