Having over 268.8 million vehicles on U.S. roads in 2016, as per Statista¹, underscores the great need for skilled auto technicians. If you possess mechanical skills, enjoy hands-on work, and seek a career with limited educational prerequisites, then pursuing a role as an auto technician might be your path. Within just several years, you could earn a competitive salary and find plentiful chances for career growth. 

Similar to numerous individuals, you might be completely unaware of the steps to becoming an automotive technician. Thankfully, the path is quite clear and quick — no lengthy education is required. Importantly, launching your career doesn't necessitate a college degree. 

What is an Auto Technician? 

An automotive technician is skilled in the upkeep and repair of vehicles, focusing on every component and system. Many technicians are employed in auto shops, managing comprehensive maintenance and repair tasks, whereas others focus on particular systems or repair methods. Historically, their work primarily involved mechanical components; however, modern practices also incorporate dealing with computerized innovations. 

Should you possess a knack for mechanics and seek a promising career trajectory, pursuing a role as an automotive technician could be the solution. For individuals eager to bypass extended periods of academic study, acquiring skills as an auto technician offers a swift and straightforward route to begin receiving a substantial income. There are several major advantages to becoming an auto technician, such as: 

• Start earning a paycheck quickly. You can earn an auto repair certificate in as little as six months. On-the-job training is par for the course in this industry, so you can start earning a paycheck almost right away.
• Enjoy competitive pay. Even entry-level car mechanics earn well above minimum wage. Depending on your ambitions, you could progress into owning your own shop or into a lucrative industry and do quite well for yourself.
• Choose your career path. You don’t have to stick with being an auto tech. Many who start out there progress into a dizzying array of careers in a variety of industries.
• Breathe easy with career stability. With hundreds of millions of vehicles out there, the automotive industry is an excellent one in terms of job security. Talented technicians are in high demand across the country.

How to Become an Auto Technician

Several routes exist for those aiming to become an auto technician. To illustrate, here is a possible approach you might take to achieve this career:

Begin early in high school: Taking automotive technology classes during your high school years is advisable to grasp foundational skills. Additionally, enrolling in vocational courses as a senior could propel you ahead in your professional journey.

Acquire educational qualifications: Many automobile technicians begin by participating in certification courses that typically last between six and twelve months. Some choose to earn an associate’s degree over two years. A few further continue their education by obtaining bachelor’s degrees, which opens doors to future management roles.

Consult dealers and automakers: Beyond or alongside obtaining a degree or completing a certification course, consider exploring training opportunities available at nearby dealerships and from car manufacturers.

Obtain specialty credentials: Enhance your attractiveness in the job market and increase your competencies as a technician by acquiring targeted certifications. Certificates are available for particular brands and models, high-performance automobiles, diesel motors, and distinct systems like transmission, engine, and braking systems. Each extra certification reinforces your status as an expert, enabling you to command a higher income as a well-qualified automotive technician.

Engage in an apprenticeship: Seek out an on-site training program nearby. Typically, these span from two to five years in duration, allowing you to receive compensation as you train under the guidance of a skilled technician.

Obtain certification: Acquiring your ASE certification will enable you to negotiate better salaries. Provided by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, obtaining this certification demands considerable effort. It requires a minimum of two years of work as a technician or completion of a two-year training program plus one year of professional experience. To qualify as a master certified automotive technician, passing all eight certification tests is necessary.

How Much Can I Earn? 

Automotive technicians receive attractive salaries. As reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics², also known as BLS, the median annual income for auto technicians was $39,550 in 2017, translating to $19.02 hourly. The highest-paid 10 percent earned approximately $65,430 annually, or $17.99 per hour, whereas the bottom 10 percent earned about $22,610 per year, or $10.87 per hour. 

Compensation differs across various work environments and sectors: 

• Dealerships – $43,180 per year, or around $20.76 per hour
• Parts and accessories retailers – $33,640 per year, or $16.17 per hour
• Repair shops – $37,420 per year, or $17.99 per hour

Jobs in This Field 

Once you have mastered the foundational skills of an automotive technician, it's possible to acquire further training and experience, leading to various career trajectories. Among these, certain paths are notably well-regarded: 

• Auto machinist
• Collision technician
• Service advisor
• Paint technician
• Auto shop owner

How to Become an Auto Technician 

Should you find that college does not align with your interests yet you possess a knack for mechanics and take pleasure in fiddling with devices, opting for a career in automotive technology is an excellent choice to think about. Given the vast array of automotive technology certification programs available, it’s imperative to thoroughly investigate these opportunities prior to commencing this promising journey.

Begin by exploring various pathways for pursuing a career in auto technology, including the numerous methods for obtaining training and certification. Evaluate all potential choices, and remember to conduct further investigations to identify the most suitable educational or training schedule for your needs. With a multitude of specializations and emerging opportunities in this secure and expanding sector, the possibilities for auto technicians are vast and varied.

Just like with anything, it is wise to stay informed about recent studies. We suggest evaluating a minimum of three or four alternatives before settling on a definitive choice. Conducting an online search usually offers the fastest, most comprehensive method to uncover all the advantages and disadvantages that should be considered.