All About Automotive Specialty Technicians
Job Description & Duties Repair only one system or component on a vehicle, such as brakes, suspension, or radiator.
Life As an Automotive Specialty Technician
- Service biodiesel fuel tanks for algae or sludge accumulation by cleaning, changing filters, or adding algaecides.
- Test electronic computer components in automobiles to ensure proper operation.
- Retrofit vehicle fuel systems with aftermarket products, such as vapor transfer devices, evaporation control devices, swirlers, lean burn devices, or friction reduction devices, to enhance combustion and fuel efficiency.
- Diagnose and repair regenerative braking systems or hydraulic systems in hybrid vehicles.
- Conduct visual inspections of compressed natural gas fuel systems to identify cracks, gouges, abrasions, discoloration, broken fibers, loose brackets, damaged gaskets, or other problems.
- Repair or replace automobile leaf springs.
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What an Automotive Specialty Technician Should Know
These are the skills Automotive Specialty Technicians say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Other Automotive Specialty Technician Job Titles
- Engine Mechanic
- Ignition Expert
- Brake Specialist
- Auto Air Conditioning Mechanic
- Wheel Alignment Mechanic
Automotive Specialty Technician Employment Estimates
There were about 749,900 jobs for Automotive Specialty Technician in 2016 (in the United States). 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.
Automotive Specialty Technician Average Salary
The typical yearly salary for Automotive Specialty Technicians is somewhere between $23,420 and $66,950.

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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Automotive Specialty Technicians
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 do I Become an Automotive Specialty Technician?
What education is needed to be an Automotive Specialty Technician?

What work experience do I need to become an Automotive Specialty Technician?

Automotive Specialty Technicians Sector

Automotive Specialty Technicians work in the following industries:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming an Automotive Specialty Technician might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as an Automotive Specialty Technician sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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