Becoming an Automotive Technician: A Comprehensive Career Guide
Ready to pursue a high-demand career in a skilled trade? Working as an automotive technician allows you to combine your passion for cars with deep technical expertise so you can use diagnostic skills and mechanical knowledge to solve complex problems.
To help you determine if this is the path for you, we created this comprehensive career guide:
- Job responsibilities
- Career benefits
- Steps to become an automotive technician
- Employment and industry salary outlook
Keep reading to learn more about working as an auto tech and how Northampton Community College (NCC) can help you reach your goals.
Auto Technician vs. Mechanic: What’s the Difference?
While many use the job titles “auto technician” and “mechanic” interchangeably, and the functions of their careers can overlap, there are some crucial differences.
- Auto Technicians typically use diagnostic equipment and software to troubleshoot issues and repair modern vehicles. They also work extensively with electrical systems and software.
- Mechanics focus on traditional mechanical repairs rather than software or technical issues. This includes fixing engines, transmissions, and brakes instead of concentrating on computerized diagnostics.
As technology rapidly advances in the automotive industry, the role of auto techs and their highly specialized skills are increasingly important in keeping vehicles on the road.
What Do Automotive Techs Do?
Automotive techs are skilled professionals who play an essential role in the auto industry. Their ability to inspect, diagnose, and repair a wide range of vehicles keeps our cars running efficiently and safely and ensures we have dependable transportation.
While their day-to-day tasks vary by employer and position, typical job responsibilities include:
- Using diagnostic tools to identify and troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues.
- Evaluating the condition of vehicles to determine malfunctions and areas of concern.
- Repairing or replacing vehicle components, including engines, heating and air conditioning systems, transmissions, and electronic systems.
- Conducting routine maintenance services, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections.
- Staying updated on the latest automotive technologies and safety standards to remain competitive.
- Maintaining accurate service records of what type of work was performed on a vehicle.
- Effectively and clearly communicating technical information to customers so they understand the issues with their vehicles and the needed repairs.
- Providing professional and courteous customer service.
Career Benefits for Auto Technicians
When deciding whether a career as an automotive technician suits your strengths and long-term career goals, weighing the benefits of what this professional path can do for you is essential. As outlined below, becoming an auto tech allows you to:
- Enjoy job stability: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the employment of auto service technicians and mechanics may increase by 3% through 2033, closely matching the national average of 4%. Nationwide, there are nearly 800,000 auto tech and mechanic careers, but the BLS projects about 68,000 job openings each year, offering steady employment and room for growth.
- Specialize your technical knowledge: Because there are so many vehicle makes and models, there are plenty of opportunities to narrow your focus and specialize in a particular automotive discipline. From hybrid vehicles to luxury cars to becoming a fuel, transmission, or engine specialist, carving out niche expertise can help you advance your career.
- Blend hands-on work with problem-solving: If you prefer an active career over a sedentary role, becoming an auto tech empowers you to work with your hands and use your robust critical thinking skills to investigate and solve problems.
How to Become an Auto Technician in 4 Steps
1: Earn Your High School Diploma or GED®
Your first step toward becoming an automotive technician is completing your high school education. Alternatively, you can pass the General Educational Development (GED®) test. Obtaining your high school diploma or GED® ensures you have a solid foundation in essential subjects such as English, math, and science, which will help you succeed in your educational and career goals. A diploma or a GED® is typically required when enrolling in an automotive technician program.
2: Complete an Auto Technician Training Program
To begin your vocational training, your next step is to find an automotive tech program at a local community college or technical school. Before deciding which school you wish to attend, consider the following to evaluate which program fits your practical needs and professional goals:
- Program completion time
- Enrollment options
- Tuition costs and fees
- Curriculum, including hands-on experiences, learning outcomes, etc.
- Industry/manufacturing partnerships
NCC's automotive technology training program offers four unique pathways to earning an associate degree, specialized diploma, or certificate in as little as one to two years. Our programs equip you with the breadth of technical knowledge needed to excel in the automotive field. Through hands-on learning experiences and personalized faculty mentorship, it helps you acquire a skill set in all ASE-certified automotive service areas.
3: Obtain Professional Certifications and Licensures
While required certifications or licensures may vary from state to state, Pennsylvania does not require automotive technicians to hold professional certifications or licensures. That said, many employers require candidates to have some certification to ensure they have the necessary skills and technical knowledge. Alternatively, some employers offer on-the-job training.
Employers often seek credentials from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), which gives a broad range of certifications for automotive techs and mechanics to support career readiness and affirm practical knowledge. ASE provides entry-level certification pathways in the Automobile, Collision Repair and Refinish, and Medium/Heavy Truck series that lead to professional- and master-level certifications. Pursuing these professional certifications can increase your employability and compensation and assure employers and customers of your capabilities.
NCC’s automotive technician program equips you to sit for the ASE exams, Pennsylvania-specific licensures, such as PA State Inspection and PA State Emission, and the Environmental Protection Agency Section 609 A/C certification. This certification allows you to repair or service a vehicle’s air conditioning system.
4. Stay Competitive by Continuing Your Education
As the automotive industry and its technology evolve and become more complex, staying up-to-date with the latest improvements and technologies is essential. Taking continuing education courses or earning advanced certifications ensures your expertise stays on the cutting edge and that you remain a competitive candidate for higher-level positions.
How Much Do Auto Technicians Make?
The BLS reports that automotive technicians and mechanics earn a median salary of $47,770 nationwide.This can extend upwards of $77,630, based on the state where they work, their experience, specialized training, and industry.
Auto technicians in Pennsylvania typically make $50,380, which slightly exceeds the national average. To boost their earnings, auto techs can also continue their education, acquire more advanced certifications, and specialize in their technical focus.
Become an Auto Technician at NCC
Advance your professional future by enrolling in the Automotive Technology Training Program at Northampton Community College. Our program features hands-on education, paid practicums, and long-standing manufacturing partnerships with Subaru of America, General Motors, and Fiat/Chrysler, which allows you to deepen your technical expertise and competencies.
Depending on your long-term goals and previous background, you can choose to earn an associate degree, specialized diploma, or career training certificate. Whichever path you choose, our auto technician courses and personalized faculty support ensure you grow as a skilled trades professional.
Ready to jump-start your career as an automotive technician? Review Northampton’s admission information and contact us to learn more about NCC.
