Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Low27.13%
Found in Industries:
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$30,600
Median$47,770
High (90th %)$77,630
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Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.
The automation risk for "Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics" is estimated at 27.1%, which is only slightly below the base risk of 27.5%. This moderate risk reflects both advances in automotive diagnostic technologies and the persistent need for human oversight in complex mechanical settings. Many routine procedures, such as data-logging vehicle conditions or conducting preliminary diagnostic tests, can be efficiently handled by automated systems. However, the occupation involves a blend of hands-on technical work and judgment-intensive tasks, which creates a natural bottleneck for full automation. While automation can streamline certain workflows, comprehensive repair and nuanced problem-solving remain reliant on skilled technicians. Among the most automatable tasks, inspecting vehicles for damage and documenting findings is highly standardized and amenable to automation by imaging systems and digital reporting tools. Test-driving vehicles and using diagnostic equipment also have high automation potential, especially as connected cars and remote diagnostics become commonplace, allowing systems themselves to self-report or even self-test without direct human involvement. Similarly, testing and adjusting repaired systems to conform to manufacturer specifications is increasingly managed through computerized tools, limiting the need for manual intervention in these checks. Conversely, the most automation-resistant tasks demand complex manual skills and creative problem-solving. Retrofitting vehicles with aftermarket products to optimize fuel efficiency, for example, requires specialized knowledge and adaptation to specific vehicle architectures. Repairing or rebuilding transmissions involves detailed disassembly, troubleshooting, and reassembly—tasks not easily replicated by machines due to the variability in physical wear and component interaction. Likewise, diagnosing and repairing engine management systems for flexible fuel vehicles centers on evaluating subtle system interactions and distinct sensor behaviors, which benefits from human ingenuity. These resistant tasks are underpinned by bottleneck skills like originality, scored at 2.6% and 2.8%, underscoring the continued necessity for inventive and adaptive thinking amidst routine automation trends.
Filter by Automatable Status
Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
Partially Automatable
Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
Non-Automatable
Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
Partially Automatable
Estimate costs of vehicle repair.
Partially Automatable
Confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.
Non-Automatable
Align vehicles' front ends.
Partially Automatable
Align wheels, axles, frames, torsion bars, and steering mechanisms of automobiles, using special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines.
Partially Automatable
Tear down, repair, and rebuild faulty assemblies, such as power systems, steering systems, and linkages.
Non-Automatable
Perform routine and scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups.
Non-Automatable
Plan work procedures, using charts, technical manuals, and experience.
Partially Automatable
Maintain cleanliness of work area.
Partially Automatable
Change spark plugs, fuel filters, air filters, and batteries in hybrid electric vehicles.
Non-Automatable
Repair and service air conditioning, heating, engine cooling, and electrical systems.
Non-Automatable
Disassemble units and inspect parts for wear, using micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
Partially Automatable
Test electronic computer components in automobiles to ensure proper operation.
Partially Automatable
Overhaul or replace carburetors, blowers, generators, distributors, starters, and pumps.
Non-Automatable
Repair or replace parts such as pistons, rods, gears, valves, and bearings.
Non-Automatable
Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
Non-Automatable
Troubleshoot fuel, ignition, and emissions control systems, using electronic testing equipment.
Partially Automatable
Tune automobile engines to ensure proper and efficient functioning.
Partially Automatable
Repair, replace, or adjust defective fuel injectors, carburetor parts, and gasoline filters.
Non-Automatable
Conduct visual inspections of compressed natural gas fuel systems to identify cracks, gouges, abrasions, discoloration, broken fibers, loose brackets, damaged gaskets, or other problems.
Partially Automatable
Rebuild parts, such as crankshafts and cylinder blocks.
Non-Automatable
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.
Partially Automatable
Repair or rebuild transmissions.
Non-Automatable
Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
Partially Automatable
Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices.
Partially Automatable
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.
Partially Automatable
Install, adjust, or repair hydraulic or electromagnetic automatic lift mechanisms used to raise and lower automobile windows, seats, and tops.
Non-Automatable
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.
Non-Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingNegotiationComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceSystems AnalysisManagement of Material ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingTherapy and Counseling
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking Creatively
Microsoft WindowsMicrosoft WindowsAutoZone ALLDATAYouTubeTechnical manual database softwareAmcom AUTOS2000Blue Streak Electronics Buell DiagnosticCODA Engine Analysis SystemHunter WinAlignMainsaver Asset ManagementMitchell OnDemand5 ManagerNexiq Tech HDS Suite for PalmOnline service manual database softwareSnap-On ShopKeySPX/OTC Genisys ConnecTech PCWork order management softwareMicrosoft WordSAP softwareDatabase softwareIBM NotesInternet browser softwareComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareVehicle management softwareApple SafariMozilla FirefoxMicrosoft EdgeEstimating softwareMicrosoft OutlookScheduling softwareMicrosoft EdgeYouTubeScheduling softwareAutoZone ALLDATAAlliance Automotive Shop ControllerAmcom AUTOS2000CODA Engine Analysis SystemGenisys Fast FixesHunter WinAlignMainsaver Asset ManagementMitchell OnDemand5 ManagerNexiq Tech HDS Suite for PalmInternet browser softwareMicrosoft WordSAP softwareDatabase softwareIBM NotesComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareVehicle management softwareApple SafariMozilla FirefoxEstimating softwareOnline service manual database softwareSnap-On ShopKeySPX/OTC Genisys ConnecTech PCMicrosoft OutlookRecordkeeping softwareRecordkeeping softwareTechnical manual database softwareBlue Streak Electronics Buell DiagnosticWork order management softwareAlliance Automotive Shop ControllerGenisys Fast FixesMitchell Manager Invoicing SystemMitchell Manager Invoicing SystemScott Systems MaxxTraxx ProScott Systems MaxxTraxx ProMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office software
Automotive Engineers
Medium48.94%
Develop new or improved designs for vehicle structural members, engines, transmissions, or other vehicle systems, using computer-assisted design technology. Direct building, modification, or testing of vehicle or components.
Automotive Engineering Technicians
Medium49.22%
Assist engineers in determining the practicality of proposed product design changes and plan and carry out tests on experimental test devices or equipment for performance, durability, or efficiency.
Avionics Technicians
Low28.44%
Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
Low25.44%
Repair, maintain, or install electric motors, wiring, or switches.
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
Low26.36%
Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment.
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
Medium36.96%
Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Low23.99%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Automotive Body and Related Repairers
Low12.83%
Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Low26.56%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
Medium41.90%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, logging, and mining.
Rail Car Repairers
Low23.46%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul railroad rolling stock, mine cars, or mass transit rail cars.
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
Low28.53%
Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.
Motorcycle Mechanics
Low15.15%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, or similar motorized vehicles.
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics
Low24.70%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul small engines used to power lawn mowers, chain saws, recreational sporting equipment, and related equipment.
Tire Repairers and Changers
Low24.74%
Repair and replace tires.
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
Low30.04%
Install, repair, and maintain mechanical regulating and controlling devices, such as electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety and flow valves, and other mechanical governors.
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Medium49.31%
Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans.
Maintenance Workers, Machinery
Low32.98%
Lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance.
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Low28.35%
Assemble, fit, fasten, and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles, such as tails, wings, fuselage, bulkheads, stabilizers, landing gear, rigging and control equipment, or heating and ventilating systems.
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
Medium37.10%
Construct, assemble, or rebuild machines, such as engines, turbines, and similar equipment used in such industries as construction, extraction, textiles, and paper manufacturing.
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage
Medium56.43%
Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.
Parts Salespersons
Medium63.63%
Sell spare and replacement parts and equipment in repair shop or parts store.
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers
Low24.75%
Replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles.
Bicycle Repairers
Low14.10%
Repair and service bicycles.
Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians
Low17.42%
Diagnose, inspect, adjust, repair, or overhaul recreational vehicles including travel trailers. May specialize in maintaining gas, electrical, hydraulic, plumbing, or chassis/towing systems as well as repairing generators, appliances, and interior components. Includes workers who perform customized van conversions.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Low27.13%
Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.
Home Appliance Repairers
Medium35.75%
Repair, adjust, or install all types of electric or gas household appliances, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, and ovens.
Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants
Medium38.89%
Service automobiles, buses, trucks, boats, and other automotive or marine vehicles with fuel, lubricants, and accessories. Collect payment for services and supplies. May lubricate vehicle, change motor oil, refill antifreeze, or replace lights or other accessories, such as windshield wiper blades or fan belts. May repair or replace tires.
Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation
Medium49.50%
Inspect and monitor transportation equipment, vehicles, or systems to ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards.