What Does an Automotive Mechanic Do?
An automotive mechanic inspects, diagnoses, and repairs vehicles, performing routine maintenance and complex repairs on engines, transmissions, brakes, and other vehicle systems.
Other Job Titles for This Work
Workers in this occupation report titles such as Automotive Drivability Technician (Auto Drivability Tech), Automotive Mechanic (Auto Mechanic), Automotive Service Technician (Auto Service Tech), Automotive Technician (Auto Tech), Diagnostic Technician (Diagnostic Tech), Heavy Line Technician (Heavy Line Tech), Lube Tech (Lubrication Technician), Mechanic.
Automotive Mechanic Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of an automotive mechanic include:
- Diagnose mechanical and electrical problems using diagnostic equipment and tools
- Perform routine vehicle maintenance including oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections
- Repair or replace worn or damaged parts such as brake pads, belts, hoses, and batteries
- Overhaul engines, transmissions, and other major vehicle components
- Test drive vehicles to verify repairs and identify additional issues
- Inspect vehicle systems including steering, suspension, and exhaust
- Use computerized diagnostic tools to read and interpret vehicle codes
- Maintain detailed service records for each vehicle
- Estimate repair costs and explain needed services to customers
- Stay current with advances in automotive technology and manufacturer specifications
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as an automotive mechanic, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Diagnostic skills for mechanical and electrical vehicle systems
- Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment
- Knowledge of gasoline and diesel engine operation
- Familiarity with computerized diagnostic systems (OBD-II)
- Physical fitness for lifting, bending, and working under vehicles
- Attention to detail for thorough inspections
- Customer service skills for explaining repairs
- Ability to work with hybrid and electric vehicle systems
Education and Training
A high school diploma plus completion of an automotive technology program (1-2 years) is typical. ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification is the industry standard credential. Many mechanics start as apprentices or trainees.
Salary and Job Outlook
Typical pay: $38,900 - $70,430 per year, with a median of $50,620.
The range covers the middle half of earners nationwide. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics.
Automotive mechanic jobs are expected to grow steadily. Mechanics with hybrid/electric vehicle training and advanced diagnostic skills will be in the highest demand as vehicle technology evolves.
Automotive Mechanic Pay Range
| Earners | Annual pay |
|---|---|
| Bottom 10% earn less than | $34,660 |
| Bottom 25% earn less than | $38,900 |
| Median (half earn more, half less) | $50,620 |
| Top 25% earn more than | $70,430 |
| Top 10% earn more than | $81,790 |
What the Work Is Like
O*NET surveys people who work as automotive service technicians and mechanics about their daily conditions. Of those surveyed:
- 97% use their hands on tools, objects or controls for more than half the day
- 95% say being exact and accurate is very or extremely important
- 88% spend more than half the workday on their feet
- 79% wear safety gear such as gloves, safety glasses or a hard hat every day
- 72% deal with loud or distracting noise every day
- 58% work around hazardous equipment every day
- 54% bend or twist for more than half the day
Education Workers Say the Job Needs
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Post-secondary certificate | 50% |
| High school diploma or GED | 43% |
| Some college | 6% |
Tools and Software Automotive Mechanics Use
Tools and equipment
Software
Is This Job a Good Fit for You?
People who do well in this job tend to enjoy hands-on work with tools, machines or the outdoors as well as organized work with data, records and clear procedures.
Skills O*NET rates most important: Repairing, Troubleshooting, Critical Thinking, Operations Monitoring, Equipment Maintenance, Active Listening.
Knowledge areas used most: Mechanical, Customer and Personal Service, Computers and Electronics, Engineering and Technology, English Language.
Preparation: O*NET places this occupation in Job Zone 3 of 5, which means medium preparation.
Related Careers
These jobs use similar skills, according to O*NET's related-occupation data:
Applying for an Automotive Mechanic Job
- Job application letter sample
- How to write the skills section of a resume
- How to describe your work experience
- Job interview tips
- Interview thank-you note
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Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
- O*NET 30.1 Database, occupation 49-3023.00 (Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics). View on O*NET OnLine.
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.1 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. The Job Explorer has modified some of the information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these changes.