The Automotive Technician Career Path
The decision to go down the automotive technician career path means you're focused on hard yet rewarding work, easily transferable skills, meaningful growth opportunities, and competitive paychecks. On this page, the friendly team at DARCARS Careers has outlined the core duties of an auto technician and highlighted the potential career growth. Learn more below, then get in touch with us for additional information or to even apply for an open position at one of our DARCARS dealerships.
Why Should I Pick Up the Automotive Technician Career Path?
Before we get into the benefits of a technician, what exactly does the role consist of? An automotive technician performs diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs on a vehicle. From multi-point inspections to tire rotations to suspension repairs, technicians possess the knowledge and tools to conduct a variety of services. If you like working with your hands, solving problems, constantly learning, and being challenged, consider a technician position.
Whether you're just coming out of school or looking for a career reset, becoming an auto technician is a great idea. Here are just some benefits you may find by investing in this pathway:
- Transferable Skills: Once you've shown proficiency in maintaining and repairing cars, you have the experience and background to move into other positions, whether that be in the automotive industry or a different one.
- Easy-To-See Rewards: Many technicians find the process of servicing vehicles rewarding, from diagnostics to final checks. You can see the value of your work almost immediately.
- Job Security: Technicians are always needed, as vehicles require ongoing maintenance and occasional repair. It is often viewed as a steady and stable role.
- Strong Pay: The pay for technicians tends to be competitive, especially if you specialize in a certain component or area.
- Variety in Work: No two days are the same for a technician. From different cars and customers to different maintenance and repair needs, you can expect variety in your day-to-day.
- Ongoing Learning: At an institution like DARCARS, you are constantly offered continuing education and training.
How Do I Start a Career as an Automotive Technician?
Generally, beginning a career as a technician doesn't involve a single path. There are usually a few ways you can go about it. In many cases, mechanics start their careers as express technicians in their local network, performing work such as oil changes and tire rotations at a "quick lube" or express bay business. This is an entry-level role where on-the-job automotive technician training is a crucial component. While this route immediately puts you in a position with a wrench in hand, it can sometimes be overwhelming.
Another possibility is an apprenticeship. Various organizations and businesses offer this option, which includes a program that supports aspiring technicians through training and education under the guidance of a seasoned professional.
Alternatively, you can opt for formal schooling, which can better prepare you for on-site work. After receiving a high school diploma or a GED, which you typically also need before becoming an express technician or apprentice, you apply to an automotive technician school. Many technical institutes and community colleges offer an automotive program, where you can learn the ins and outs of the industry and gain hands-on experience before you start applying for jobs. Technician programs tend to take up to two years to complete, depending on the type you select and the schedule. For instance, one that involves obtaining an associate's degree will generally be longer.
What Is the ASE Automotive Technician Certification?
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is a government body that certifies mechanics based on their experience and expertise. With this certification, you can become massively favored for positions in the automotive technician segment.
That being said, an ASE certification is not necessarily required to work on vehicles. Some businesses or facilities may only hire employees who have it, while others may not. ASE certification can help not only with job prospects but also with pay and career advancement, which is why many technicians opt to apply for it once they meet the requirements. By passing your ASE certification (and refreshing it every five years), you demonstrate your high level of automotive competency and commitment to the industry.
To become certified, you must pass an ASE test and have relevant experience or training; the amount and type depend on the test you take. For example, a repair technician must have one to three years of experience, while a collision damage estimator must have two years. ASE offers in-person and remote testing, as well as practice tests, to help you get certified as soon as possible.
Some exceptions and substitutions may be applicable. Reach out to us for a comprehensive look into ASE certification.
Other Types of Certification Available
There are additional certifications you can pursue to help you find the perfect role as an automotive technician. They include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Brand-specific certification (i.e., Toyota, Nissan, Ford)
- Hybrid and electric vehicle certification
- Collision repair and refinish certification
- Diesel engine certification
For more information, don't hesitate to contact our DARCARS Careers team today. We can walk you through all your options for certification and the processes involved.
Example Automotive Technician Jobs
Automotive technicians can serve many roles in a dealership, but the list below contains some of the common titles – and associated responsibilities – you may come across as you pave your automotive technician career path with us at DARCARS:
- Automotive Technician: An automotive technician performs general repairs, maintenance, and diagnoses. Applicants with more years of experience, ASE and A/C certification, and factory training are often preferred.
- Automotive Parts Manager: As a parts manager, you oversee the sale and inventory of OEM components in the dedicated parts department. This typically includes inventory control, pricing, staff utilization, and more.
- Auto Body Technician: A body technician repairs the damaged parts of a vehicle's exterior. Previous technician experience is required, and CSI and Quality scores above the regional average are preferred. Paid training and I-CAR certification are usually included.
- Automotive Service Manager: A service manager runs the service department. Some responsibilities include maintaining service records, setting sales and profit objectives, establishing relationships with the team and customers, and monitoring efficiency and productivity.
- State Inspector: A state inspector, quite simply, ensures that cars fall within specific guidelines and meet certain standards. Previous technician experience is required, as is a state inspection license.
- Auto Service Advisor/Writer: In this position, you are the main point of contact with customers and serve as the liaison between them and the technicians. You offer guidance and advice, listen to needs, provide direction, answer questions, and build rapport.
This is just a snippet of what you may see when you browse our DARCARS Automotive Careers website. Our job openings are constantly changing and being updated for your perusing convenience.
When you click into a specific position, you can view the qualifications, requirements, responsibilities, and benefits. If you don't see something that meets your needs right now, be sure to check back soon. Have a question about a role? We are here to assist.
Where Does the Career Path for Automotive Technician Work Lead?
We've mentioned upward mobility in this piece. For an automotive technician, what options are available? Let's explore some paths our automotive technicians have taken in and out of the industry.
- Managerial: As an automotive technician, you can grow into a managerial position where you oversee the service department and team. You could also move into the parts department and serve as a manager, provided you have the relevant experience and training, or into another division of the dealership.
- Specialized Labor: While the automotive technician career path often covers standard growth, specific components or areas tend to require more tutelage and experience. Examples include diesel engines, electric vehicles, and performance tuning. In that case, you may need additional schooling, training, or certifications.
- Instruction: The next generation of mechanics requires teachers who have exceptional experience in the field. You could be an instructor at an organization or trade school.
- IT: You are consistently working with computers and advanced equipment as a technician. If you like finding faults, troubleshooting, and repairing, transitioning into an IT role can be a fulfilling change of pace.
- Engineering: With your experience handling, understanding, and mastering complex components, an engineering position could be worth considering.
- Manual Labor: Stepping into a plumbing, electrician, or landscaping role – or similar – from a car technician job is surprisingly easy for many.
We at DARCARS strive to offer an array of opportunities for technicians looking to start and advance their careers. We can't wait to see you prosper at one of our dealerships.
Explore Automotive Technician Jobs at DARCARS Careers
Whether you're at the beginning of the automotive technician career path or looking for your next step up, DARCARS Careers is an excellent entity to have in your corner. The DARCARS Automotive Group currently operates in six states nationwide, serving several brands across the automotive industry. We post job opportunities as they arise on our website, frequently including entry-, mid-, and high-level positions.
Working with a large and family-owned dealership group means you get incredible upsides, too. Our DARCARS benefits are expansive and team-focused, with the goal to keep you invested in a company that cares for you, your day-to-day, and your work-life balance. Examples include insurance, PTO, ongoing education, employee discounts, and more. We want you to feel comfortable and happy working in any position at a DARCARS dealership, and we will do our best to ensure both of those things.
As we continue to expand, we're always looking for both newcomers and storied technicians to join our team. Keep your eye on our open positions to find opportunities in Maryland, Florida, Virginia, New Jersey, Connecticut, and New York. We can't wait to add you to our team and work together!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the career path of an automotive technician?
The automotive technician career path isn't the same for everyone, but it can be relatively straightforward:
- Earn your high school diploma or GED
- Attend a trade school or begin work as an apprentice or express technician
- Test for certification (not always required)
- Apply for a position as an automotive technician
From there, you have the opportunity to gain experience and hone your skills to potentially move into a higher role.
What jobs can automotive technicians transition to?
Typically, automotive technicians have a direct line to senior, leadership, and management positions. They can also move into parts departments, collision centers, or more specialized service sectors. Alternatively, roles outside of automotive can be possible, such as IT, engineering, or industrial positions. Contact our DARCARS Careers team for more details on the different paths that could be available to you.
What's the hardest thing to fix as a mechanic?
Many mechanics consider engine or transmission work the hardest part of working on a car. These complex systems comprise several components and can vary significantly depending on the model year, make, model, and type. Technicians also note that rust damage is particularly frustrating because it can spread and weaken surrounding components. With the right training, experience, and support, tackling diagnostics and repairs for such items becomes easier.
What is the future of automotive technicians?
As of now, the future of automotive technicians appears to be more technology- and software-focused, especially as the industry continues to evolve. The job market is also positive. In fact, experts are forecasting that the current high demand for technicians will continue in the coming years. It is a perfect time to start or switch careers, and we are more than happy to help!