Occupation Summary

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

O*NET 49-3023.00

Description:

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

Annual Wages:
$48,281.00
Employment Rate:
Employment is expected to increase by 10.42%.
Education Level:
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production). According to O*Net, the majority of people employed in this occupation have this level of education.
Endorsement:
Business and Industry

  1. Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices.
  2. Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
  3. Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
  4. Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
  5. Estimate costs of vehicle repair.
  6. Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
  7. Troubleshoot fuel, ignition, and emissions control systems, using electronic testing equipment.
  8. Confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.
  9. Align vehicles' front ends.
  10. Test electronic computer components in automobiles to ensure proper operation.
  11. Tear down, repair, and rebuild faulty assemblies, such as power systems, steering systems, and linkages.
  12. Perform routine and scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups.
  13. Follow checklists to ensure all important parts are examined, including belts, hoses, steering systems, spark plugs, brake and fuel systems, wheel bearings, and other potentially troublesome areas.
  14. Plan work procedures, using charts, technical manuals, and experience.
  15. Maintain cleanliness of work area.
  16. Align wheels, axles, frames, torsion bars, and steering mechanisms of automobiles, using special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines.
  17. Tune automobile engines to ensure proper and efficient functioning.
  18. Repair, replace, or adjust defective fuel injectors, carburetor parts, and gasoline filters.
  19. Repair and service air conditioning, heating, engine cooling, and electrical systems.
  20. Disassemble units and inspect parts for wear, using micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
  21. Change spark plugs, fuel filters, air filters, and batteries in hybrid electric vehicles.
  22. Overhaul or replace carburetors, blowers, generators, distributors, starters, and pumps.
  23. Repair or replace parts such as pistons, rods, gears, valves, and bearings.
  24. Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
  25. Install, adjust, or repair hydraulic or electromagnetic automatic lift mechanisms used to raise and lower automobile windows, seats, and tops.
  26. Rebuild parts, such as crankshafts and cylinder blocks.
  27. Conduct visual inspections of compressed natural gas fuel systems to identify cracks, gouges, abrasions, discoloration, broken fibers, loose brackets, damaged gaskets, or other problems.
  28. 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.
  29. Repair or rebuild transmissions.
  30. Retrofit vehicle fuel systems with aftermarket products, such as vapor transfer devices, evaporation control devices, swirlers, lean burn devices, and friction reduction devices, to enhance combustion and fuel efficiency.


National Industry Employment Patterns


Industry % of Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics employed Annual Growth Rate
Automobile dealers 33 0.20
Automotive repair and maintenance 32.6 0.53
Automotive parts, accessories, and tire retailers 8.1 0.33


Labor Market Information


2022 Statewide average hourly wage $23.21
2022 National average hourly wage $23.89
2020 National employment 703,800
2020 Texas employment 55,582
Texas projected employment by 2030 61,375
Texas projected annual employment and Turnover openings through 2030 6,285




TEXAS COUNTY MAP BY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AREA
* Due to confidentiality rules, not all regions may have the data displayed. The sum of all the regions may not be equal to the state total.


Top 10 Relevant Knowledge Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
96.00%
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
65.80%
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
65.20%
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
60.40%
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
58.80%
Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
56.20%
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
55.60%
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
54.80%
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
53.00%
Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
50.00%


Top 10 Relevant Skill Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
75.00%
Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
72.40%
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
70.00%
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
70.00%
Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
67.60%
Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
65.00%
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
65.00%
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
65.00%
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
65.00%
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
62.40%


Top 10 Relevant Abilities Relevant Importance Levels
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
77.60%
Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
77.60%
Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
75.00%
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
75.00%
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
75.00%
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
75.00%
Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
72.40%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
72.40%
Extent Flexibility
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
67.60%
Visualization
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
67.60%


  • Getting Information
    -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
    -- Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
    -- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
    -- Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
    -- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Other Activities


  • Independence
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
  • Support
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.



Tools

Acoustic ear muffs or defenders: Protective ear muffs;

Acoustic sensors: Mechanics' stethoscopes;

Adjustable widemouth pliers: Radiator hose pinchoff pliers;

Adjustable wrenches: Adjustable wrenches;

Air compressors: Air compressors;

Ammeters: Ammeters;

Anvils: Anvils; Dolly blocks;

Automotive cleaners: Fuel injection cleaners;

Automotive exhaust emission analyzers: Portable exhaust analyzers; Smoke machines; Exhaust analyzers;

Automotive honing machine: Brake cylinder hones; Brake rotor hones; Engine cylinder hones;

Awls: Awls;

Ball peen hammer: Ball peen hammers;

Bar code reader equipment: Code readers;

Battery acid hydrometers: Battery hydrometers;

Battery chargers: Battery chargers; Battery jump starters;

Battery testers: Battery load testers; Battery/alternator testers;

Bench vises: Vises;

Blow torch: Cutting torches;

Bolt cutters: Bolt cutters;

Borescope inspection equipment: Borescopes;

Box end wrenches: Ratcheting box wrenches; Box end wrenches;

Brake drum lathe: Rotor/drum brake lathes; Brake drum lathes;

Brake repair kits: Shoe retaining spring tools; Disc brake pad spreaders; Brake shoe tools; Brake tools;

C clamps: Locking C-clamps;

Calipers: Dial calipers; Calipers;

Capacitance meters: Capacity testers;

Catalytic combustion analyzers: Catalytic combustion analyzers;

Circuit tester: Test lights; Continuity testers; Circuit testers;

Claw hammer: Claw hammers;

Cleaning scrapers: Gasket scrapers;

Cold chisels: Cold chisels;

Combination pliers: Combination pliers;

Combination wrenches: Combination wrenches;

Compressed air gun: Pneumatic chassis lubriguns; Impact guns;

Compression testers: Cylinder leakage testers; Compression analyzers; Compression testers;

Cutting die: Metal cutting dies;

Deburring tool: Deburring tools;

Desktop computers: Desktop computers;

Diagonal cut pliers: Diagonal cutting pliers;

Dial indicator or dial gauge: Dial gauges; Dial indicators;

Digital testers: Computerized engine analyzers; Handheld computer diagnostic equipment;

Dollies: Auto body dollies;

Drill bit set: Drill bit sets;

Drill press or radial drill: Drill presses; Workshop presses;

Dynamometers: Dynamometers;

Engine ignition systems: Dwell meters;

Engine or vehicle stands: Jack stands; Frame racks; Engine stands;

Feeler gauges: Spark plug gapping tools; Feeler gauges;

Flat hand file: Flat files;

Forklifts: Forklifts;

Gas detectors: Combustible gas detectors;

Gas welding or brazing or cutting apparatus: Gas welding equipment; Oxyacetylene welding equipment;

Grease guns: Grease guns;

Growler tester: Coil testers;

Hacksaw: Hacksaws;

Hammers: Hammers; 3 pound sledge hammers; 5 pound sledge hammers; Brass hammers; Plastic tip hammers; Soft face hammers; Wheel weight hammers;

Hand clamps: Hand clamps; Clutch holding tools;

Hand reamer: Reamers;

Heat guns: Heat guns;

Heat tracing equipment: Infrared digital thermometers; Infrared thermometers;

Hex keys: Allen wrenches; Hex keys;

Hoists: Chain hoists; Hoists;

Hole gauge: Bore gauges;

Hose cutter: Hose cutters;

Hydraulic press brake: Hydraulic shop presses;

Hydraulic press frames: Hydraulic presses;

Impact wrenches: Impact wrenches;

Inspection mirror: Inspection mirrors;

Integrated circuit testers: Mini circuit testers; Light emitting diode LED circuit testers;

Jacks: Transmission jacks; Jacks;

Laser printers: Laser printers;

Leak testing equipment: Light emitting diode LED leak detector lights; Leak detecting diagnostic smoke machines; Leak detection smoke machines; Combustion leak detectors;

Levels: Laser levels;

Linemans pliers: Insulated pliers;

Liquid leak detectors: Leak detectors; Refrigerant leak detectors;

Locking pliers: Channel lock pliers; Locking jaw pliers;

Longnose pliers: Long nose pliers;

Magnetic tools: Magnetic pickup tools;

Metal band sawing machine: Bandsaws;

Metal inert gas welding machine: Metal inert gas MIG welders;

Micrometers: Micrometers;

Mill saw file: Single-cut mill saw files;

Motor starter controls: Remote starter switches;

Multi gas monitors: 5-gas emissions analyzers; Refrigerant gas analyzers; Refrigerant identifiers;

Multimeters: Clamp-on multimeters; 2-channel lab scopes; Multimeters;

Needlenose pliers: Needlenose pliers;

Nibblers: Nibblers;

Nut drivers: Nut drivers;

Ohmmeters: Ohmmeters;

Oil gun: Oil injectors;

Open end wrenches: Crescent wrenches; Open end wrenches;

Organic light emitting displays: Diagnostic code readers; Graphing scanners; Anti-lock braking system ABS/air bag scan tools; Auto scanners; Automotive on-board diagnostics scanners; Modular diagnostic information systems; Scan tools;

Oscilloscopes: Oscilloscopes;

Oxygen sensors: Oxygen sensors;

Paint sprayers: Paint sprayers; High velocity low pressure HVLP spray guns;

Personal computers: Personal computers;

Picks: Picks;

Pipe bending tools: Brake line flaring tools;

Pipe or tube cutter: Exhaust/tail pipe cutters; Tube cutters; Tubing cutters;

Pipe wrenches: Pipe wrenches;

Plasma arc welding machine: Plasma cutters;

Pneumatic drill: Air drills; Pneumatic drills;

Pneumatic hammer: Air hammers; Air chisels;

Pneumatic impact wrenches: Butterfly air wrenches; Air wrenches; Pneumatic wrenches;

Pneumatic sanding machines: Pneumatic orbital sanders; Sandblasters; Air sanders;

Pneumatic vacuum equipment: Brake bleeders; Hydraulic bleed tools; Pneumatic fluid evacuators; Pressure brake bleeders;

Portable data input terminals: Computerized scanners;

Power buffers: Polishers; Buffers;

Power drills: Angle drills; Electric drills; Power drills;

Power flaring tool: Flaring tools;

Power grinders: Power grinders; Grinding equipment;

Power riveter: Rivet guns;

Power sanders: Power sanders;

Power saws: Power saws; Reciprocating saws; Circular saws;

Pressure indicators: Oil pressure gauges; Manifold gauge sets; Fuel pressure testers; Diesel modulator shift testers; Engine oil pressure testers;

Pressure or steam cleaners: Power washers; Steam cleaning equipment;

Protective gloves: Protective gloves;

Pry bars: Pry bars;

Pullers: Slide hammers; Power pullers; Hand pullers; Gear puller tools; Gear pullers; Dent pullers; Ball joint separators; Bearing pullers;

Punches or nail sets or drifts: Taper punches; Punches; Pin punches; Center punches;

Rasps: Stickleback rasps;

Ratchets: Ratchets;

Razor knives: Razor knives;

Refrigerant compressors: Air conditioner chargers;

Remote reading thermometers: Non-contact thermometers;

Retaining ring pliers: Internal retaining ring pliers; External snap ring pliers;

Rivet tools: Riveting tools;

Safety glasses: Safety glasses;

Safety shoes: Safety shoes;

Screw extractors: Screw extractor sets;

Screwdrivers: Phillips head screwdrivers; Straight blade screwdrivers; Screwdrivers;

Scribers: Scribers;

Shears: Shears;

Shielded metal arc welding or stick welding machine: Shielded arc welding tools;

Socket sets: Socket wrench sets; Antenna socket sets;

Sockets: Socket wrenches;

Soldering iron: Soldering irons;

Spark plug tester: Ignition testers;

Spark plug wrench: Spark plug sockets;

Specialty wrenches: Clutch wrenches; Chain wrenches; Breaker bars; Alignment wrenches; Filter wrenches; Flare nut wrenches; Gear wrenches; Ratcheting gear wrenches; Oil filter wrenches; Offset brake wrenches; Locking wrenches;

Speed sensors: Timing lights; Revolutions per minute RPM gauges;

Steering wheel puller: Steering wheel column pivot pin pullers;

Strap wrenches: Strap wrenches;

Stripping tools: Wire strippers;

Tachometers: Tachometers; Laser photo tachometers;

Tape measures: Tape measures;

Taps: Metal cutting taps;

Tire changing machines: Tire changing machines;

Tire pressure gauge: Tire pressure gauges;

Tongue and groove pliers: Tongue and groove pliers;

Torque wrenches: Torque wrenches;

Torx keys: Torx keys; Torx screwdrivers;

Tracer or duplicating or contouring lathe: Bench lathes;

Trim or molding tools: Carbon scrapers; Scrapers; Spoons;

Tube bending machine: Tubing benders;

Two way radios: Two way radios;

Ultrasonic examination equipment: Ultrasonic diagnostic kits;

Utility knives: Utility knives;

Vacuum gauges: Vacuum gauges;

Vacuum pumps: Vacuum pumps; Freon recovery equipment; Antifreeze recovery equipment;

Valve seat cutter: Valve seating equipment;

Voltage or current meters: Spark plug testers; Voltmeters; Alternating current/direct current AC/DC inductive current clamps; Alternator testers; In-line ignition spark testers; Ignition module testers;

Welding masks: Welding masks;

Welding or soldering kit: Spot welding kits;

Wheel alignment equipment: Wheel alignment machines; Computerized suspension analyzers; Front end alignment equipment;

Wheel balancing equipment: Wheel balancers; Strobe wheel balancing systems for heavy vehicles;

Wheel nut or lug wrench: Lug wrenches;

Winches: Winches;

Wire brushes: Wire brushes;

Wire cutters: Wire cutters;

Wire or cable cutter: Cable cutters;

Workshop cranes: Workshop cranes;


Technology

Accounting software: Mitchell Manager Invoicing System;

Analytical or scientific software: Hunter WinAlign; Blue Streak Electronics Buell Diagnostic; CODA Engine Analysis System; Nexiq Tech HDS Suite for Palm; SPX/OTC Genisys ConnecTech PC;

Calendar and scheduling software: Scheduling software;

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software: Computer aided manufacturing CAM software;

Data base reporting software: Genisys Fast Fixes;

Data base user interface and query software: AutoZone ALLDATA; Database software; Recordkeeping software; Vehicle management software; Work order management software;

Electronic mail software: IBM Notes; Microsoft Outlook;

Enterprise resource planning ERP software: SAP software;

Facilities management software: Scott Systems MaxxTraxx Pro; Snap-On ShopKey; Mitchell OnDemand5 Manager; Mainsaver Asset Management; Alliance Automotive Shop Controller; Amcom AUTOS2000;

Information retrieval or search software: Technical manual database software; Online service manual database software;

Internet browser software: Internet browser software;

Office suite software: Microsoft Office software;

Operating system software: Microsoft Windows;

Project management software: Estimating software;

Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel;

Video creation and editing software: YouTube;

Word processing software: Microsoft Word;


Related O*NET occupational titles for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics include:
  • 49-3021.00 Automotive Body and Related Repairers
  • 17-3027.01 Automotive Engineering Technicians
  • 49-3031.00 Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
  • 49-9012.00 Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
  • 49-2092.00 Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
  • 49-2096.00 Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
  • 51-2031.00 Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
  • 49-3051.00 Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
  • 49-3052.00 Motorcycle Mechanics
  • 49-3043.00 Rail Car Repairers


Sources of Additional Information
  • For more details about work opportunities, contact local automobile dealers and repair shops or local offices of the state employment service. The state employment service also may have information about training programs.
  • For information about careers, education, and training programs, visit: Automotive Youth Educational Systems
  • National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation
  • For information about certification, visit: National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
  • CareerOneStop

  • For a career video on automotive service technicians and mechanics, visit: Automotive service technicians and mechanics
  • Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

  • Contact Texas Workforce Commission
    Labor Market and Career Information  |  101 E. 15th Street, Annex Room 0252  |  Austin, Texas 78778
    Official Website  |  1-800-822-PLAN (7526)  |  512.936.3200

    ** The information in this report may be derived from many sources like O*NET, BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), OOH (Occupational Outlook Handbook), and Career One Stop.