Money Matters: How Much Do Auto Technicians Make?

The automobile has flooded American culture over the past century to the point of becoming part of the national identity. Thanks to this country-wide fascination with cars, a career as an automotive technician would make you an invaluable member of society, with a set of skills that are constantly in demand.

The skill set and problem solving ability involved in automotive repair and systems diagnostics is worthy of respect, and the value of a good mechanic is not lost on most of the American population. The life of an auto technician involves working knowledge of mechanical and electrical engineering, physics, and chemistry with an emphasis in diagnostics. The competitive nature of automobile sales means that breakthrough technologies are routinely adapted to newer vehicles. As an auto technician you would have your work cut out for you, but also the guarantee of a life-long career.

Pay Ranges of Automotive Technicians

auto repair payWith a median pay of $36,610 (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)), work as an automotive technician may not sound as appealing as other career choices. However, employment in this field comes with a long list of perks and growth opportunities that offset the relatively lower wages. The BLS categorizes automotive service technicians and mechanics as benefiting from long-term on-the-job training, an aspect of the work that provides personal fulfillment.

The BLS also expects nine percent job growth between the years 2012 to 2022, the national average. The top paying industry for an automotive technician is government work, where the median annual wage is $47,240 (according to the BLS), but there are a host of other markets in the industry, particularly in sport racing, where the wages can grow far beyond the average. According to the BLS study the top 10 percent earned more than $60,070 a year, while the lowest tenth percent earned $20,810.

Auto Repair is an Evolving Career Choice

As automobile technology grows ever more sophisticated, so too do the tools and skills of the automotive technician. Work at an automobile dealership or workshop almost always involves the use of diagnostic computers and an expanding list of gadgets and new technology, but your career as an automotive technician doesn’t have to stop at the car shop. Imagine being a part of a blazing fast pit crew on a NASCAR race track, or helping to design military vehicles. Your job as an automotive technician could involve rebuilding classic cars. Customer service is an important facet of an automotive technician’s work. Effectively communicating a vehicle’s functions and malfunctions to a temperamental customer can be a challenging task, let alone teaching a classroom.

As a professional automotive technician you may not only have the option of working for a number of amazing companies, you may have all of the know-how and experience to own your own automobile repair business. There are about 264,000 auto repair business in the U.S. and not one of them have a dominant market share in the industry (according to the U.S. Census Bureau). It is a 62 billion dollar industry in constant evolution. Working for yourself can be lucrative, fulfilling and would take you to the next level of the automotive industry.

Automotive Technician Training

Certification by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) ensures potential employers quality entry-level technicians. With certification you present yourself as a fully competent technician, with the capacity for growth and the dedication necessary to be an effective problem solver. Many of the top tier employers require certification, and enjoy the privilege of sitting on advisory committees where they can affect and improve upon the standards for certification.

Great Instructors!!!

Posted by Kent Holcomb on Tuesday, January 12, 2010

At Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) you could find one of the best opportunities to get your career as an automotive technician off to a brilliant start. ATI’s Automotive Technology with Service Management (AOS) degree program provides in-depth hands-on and classroom experience that is Master Certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), a division of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Job security and career fulfillment could be just a step away with ATI’s auto repair program—contact us at 800-468-1093 or request information online TODAY!
Automotive Tech Training School

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Gainful Employment Information – Automotive Technology with Service Management (AOS)

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