Automotive Technician: Career Overview

Official government data · Updated April 2026

Automotive Technicians earn a national median of $49,670/yr with 4.2% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Mechanical, Customer and Personal Service, Computers and Electronics.

Median Salary

$49,670

National · 2024

10-Year Growth

4.2%

About as fast as average

Employed Nationally

688,840

2024 data

Typical Education

Postsecondary nondegree award

Entry-level

What Employers Expect From a Automotive Technician

These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Automotive Technician candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:

1 Repairing 2 Troubleshooting 3 Critical Thinking 4 Operations Monitoring 5 Equipment Maintenance 6 Active Listening 7 Monitoring 8 Operation and Control 9 Judgment and Decision Making 10 Speaking

Knowledge Areas

Core knowledge domains most important for Automotive Technician performance, based on verified occupational data.

Mechanical Customer and Personal Service Computers and Electronics Engineering and Technology English Language

Tools & Technologies

High-demand tools and technologies for Automotive Technician roles.

SAP software

Job Outlook: 2024–2034

Employment is projected to grow 4.2% for Automotive Technician roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's about as fast as average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.

Current Employment
688,840
Projected Growth
4.2%
Typical Education
Postsecondary nondegree award

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Automotive Technician do?
Automotive Technicians apply expertise in Mechanical, Customer and Personal Service, Computers and Electronics to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Repairing, Troubleshooting, Critical Thinking, Operations Monitoring.
How much does a Automotive Technician make?
The national median salary for a Automotive Technician is $49,670 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
Is Automotive Technician a good career in 2026?
Employment for Automotive Technician roles is projected to grow 4.2% over the 2024–2034 decade — about as fast as average compared to all occupations. There are currently 688,840 workers in this occupation nationally.
What education do you need to become a Automotive Technician?
The typical entry-level education for a Automotive Technician is Postsecondary nondegree award. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
What skills do Automotive Technicians need?
The most important skills for Automotive Technician roles based on verified occupational data: Repairing, Troubleshooting, Critical Thinking, Operations Monitoring, Equipment Maintenance, Active Listening, Monitoring, Operation and Control, Judgment and Decision Making, Speaking. Key tools and technologies include: SAP software.

Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?

Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.

Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.