Visiting a family doctor is fine if you have a cold, but a heart condition may require a cardiologist. Another family member may also require more specialized care; your car.
A mechanic isn’t enough to solve deep electrical issues. That’s the auto technician’s job.
Drivers may think the two roles are interchangeable, but there are several differences. Taking your car to the wrong one is like going to a cardiologist for a cold.
Read on to learn three important details about what an auto technician can do for you.
1. What Are The Requirements to Become One?
Most employers require a high school diploma or GED. After that, students have several options for where to take their education, including:
- Two-year programs at vocational schools or community colleges
- Programs at an auto technician school
- Four-year bachelor’s degrees at universities
- Training or internships with car dealerships
The next step is to seek out auto technician certification. ASE or automotive service excellence certifications are one of the most important. There are three types:
- Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certified Technician
- ASE Certified Master Technician
- ASE Certified Automotive Parts Specialist
There are also further certification options to seek out if they want to get more specialized. For example, extra certification is required to be an auto glass technician.
The title of the certification depends on whether they work for a company registered with the Auto Glass Safety Council. They include AGSC Qualified or Certified Replacement Technician, AGSC Qualified or Master Replacement Technician, and NWRD Certified or Qualified Repair Technician.
2. What’s Their Job Like?
The work environment of an auto technician resembles that of an auto mechanic. They may even work together in a dealership, repair shop, or the pit crew of a racetrack.
Their daily duties are part of what sets the two roles apart. Auto technicians are trained to work with the electrical equipment of a car.
That means, even if their title is auto repair technician, their job goes beyond repairs. They’ll spend their time at work performing tasks such as:
- Using computers to diagnose problems
- Interpreting diagnostic codes
- Performing inspections
- Planning repairs
- Performing routine maintenance such as oil changes
An auto service technician can also become a specialist and focus on one specific area. They may choose to only service brakes or lubes or do front-end work.
3. What’s Their Average Salary?
Automotive mechanics and technicians jobs will always be in demand. There’s an estimate of 664,070 jobs available with a continual rise of 0.5 %
They’re also well-paid for their expertise. The average hourly pay is $23.89 per hour or $49,690 per year.
Where Can I Find an Auto Technician?
An auto technician completes rigorous education and certification programs to learn about its electrical components. They use computers and special tools to diagnose problems and perform routine maintenance.
There’s a high demand for those who can master these skills. It’s also one of the higher-paying jobs in the automotive field.
Express Auto Service has been serving Fredericksburg and the surrounding area since 1990. We have a team of ASE-certified technicians.
Our experience means you can trust our team with your vehicle. Contact us to get the service it deserves today.