We have all experienced the sinking feeling of something going wrong in our vehicles – whether a check engine light goes on, internal displays and audio stop working, a tire is punctured, or any number of issues that affect our ability to safely carry on with our personal and professional lives.  While car dependency is a spectrum, in the United States, most communities are built upon a “car first” or “car only” mentality where we need our cars.  

With ever changing advancements in automotive technology, big changes in telematics, the trend towards electric vehicles, and the imminent retirement of current auto mechanics and technicians, that means one thing.  

Now more than ever, auto technicians are in a hot job market. 

If you love cars, are hands on, and enjoy people, becoming an auto technician may be the right job for you! Currently, there are over 750,000 auto techs and mechanics. To offset retirement and new job openings, over 76,000 new techs are needed each year just to keep up with current demand. 

In general, automotive service technicians and mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks. While computers now help run diagnostic checks, technicians also work directly on vehicle maintenance, whether general care and an oil change, or repairing or replacing parts. 

Beyond understanding the mechanics and engineering of vehicles, auto techs must have a number of other skills including general industry knowledge, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, good communication skills, and strong work ethics.   

Salaries generally start on the lower end, during training but range from $21,000/ year to $87,000/ year and up depending on how much specialized training a technician has and what types of vehicles they are working on. 

What Training Does an Auto Tech Need? 

While in many states, including California, there is not a formal certification program for auto techs, there are some steps that are highly recommended on this journey. There are a few different options, but with all of them, one piece of advice is to make sure you have a high school diploma or GED. All things being equal, a dealership or repair shop will likely view an applicant with a diploma or GED as someone who has follow through and stability.  

Enrolling in an auto mechanic trade school is a great way to make sure you have the basic knowledge and hands-on training to start your career. This training can take six months – two years depending on the program and certification level. The good thing about trade school programs is that they often include an apprenticeship with a local repair shop or car dealer, allowing a new technician to apply their knowledge immediately and potentially even move into a full-time position. 

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence also offers Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification for those with two or more years of experience, that shows employers that you have put in extra effort and often will increase an auto technician’s pay more quickly. With over 40 ASE certifications available, there are a wide variety of auto tech subjects to showcase just what you have learned and impress future employers. 

Some auto techs may decide to forgo trade school and certifications and start with on-the-job training. As vehicles become more complex, this is less and less common, but still a route available with a little bit of research. These positions often start out as part-time and pay minimum wage, but with increased experience can lead to full-time positions and higher salaries after a few years. 

When considering a career as an auto technician, it’s important to note that many auto makers may also require their own certifications to work on their specific makes and models. Receiving these, and other certifications, is a great way to show your eagerness to learn and set you up for further career advancement.  

If this is a career that is of interest to you, there are many factors to consider. Once you’ve made that decision, if you’re in the area, Ontario Auto Center may have just the job you’re looking for!