Automotive Technician Salary

Responsibilities, Qualifications and Compensation of Automotive Technician and Automotive Technician Salary

The difficult economy has made it very challenging to find a fulfilling job with a good salary. However, there are certain careers that are still highly in demand despite the tough economic times. The reason for this is that the position requires a special skill that is essential in many peopleâ??s everyday life. A good example of this job is that of an automotive technician.

The general automotive technician job description include checking, maintaining and fixing vehicles and light trucks that function on gasoline or alternative fuels. It also consists of writing repair estimates of vehicle damage; repairing worn out and broken parts; and keeping service and repair records. Moreover, automotive technicians are expected to know how to install equipment, systems and components; conduct pre and post repair vehicle test; and fix electrical wiring, fixtures and circuits.

Aside from their general job description, automotive technicians have specific responsibilities according to their level. Entry- level technicians mainly perform inspections, minor car repairs and automobile maintenance such as oil change, tire rotation and lubrication work. Mid-level technicians are responsible for identifying and fixing engine, electrical, transmission, brakes, steering and suspension problems. Inspecting and testing new cars to create detailed reports on the work that the vehicle requires is also part of the mid-level automotive technician job description. Technicians at the master level still perform the work of their lower level counterparts. But, they have bigger responsibilities which include checking the vehicle to ensure that the repair and safety specifications of the manufacturers are met as well as test-driving the car and automotive systems using different tools like compression gauges, computer-operated diagnostic devices and infrared engine analyzers. The automotive technician job description of those in the master level who works for car dealerships also includes performing repairs of vehicles under warranty to ensure that it stays in good quality and condition.

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To become an automotive technician, specific experience and number of National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence or ASE certifications must be met. For those at the entry level, they must be experienced in oil change and minimal car repair tasks as well as possess at least one recent and valid certification. Mid-level technicians are expected to have worked for at least three years in a professional setting and three valid certifications. Master-level technicians must have an average of five years experience with at least five of the eight certifications.

The qualifications and skills needed to work as an automotive technician is well compensated with a good salary. Based on the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average automotive technician salary in the United States is $15.30 per hour. At this rate, the individual salary of the different levels of technicians is not yet accounted for. Statistics show that entry level automotive technician salary is about $10 every hour. On the other hand, master level technician hourly salary is at least $25. Aside from the automotive technician salary, those who work as full time technician also enjoy great benefits in the form of healthcare, 401K, disability insurance and other additional perks. The most common employers of automotive technicians include the local government, car dealers, vehicle repair and maintenance shops, gasoline stations and automobile car accessory stores.