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Nature of Work—Automotive brake and chassis technicians perform diagnostics and repairs on vehicles either having brake system problems or vehicles requiring steering, suspension or alignment service. Working Conditions—Almost half of automotive service technicians work a standard 40-hour week, but nearly 30 percent work more than 40 hours. Many of those working extended hours are self employed technicians. To satisfy customer service needs, some service facilities offer evening and weekend service. Generally, service technicians work indoors in well ventilated and lighted repair shops. Related Job Titles—Automotive service technicians, auto mechanics Employment Outlook—Over the 2006-16 period, demand for technicians will grow as the number of vehicles in operation increases, reflecting continued growth in the number of multi-car families. Growth in demand will be offset somewhat by slowing population growth and the continuing increase in the quality and durability of automobiles, which will require less frequent service. Additional job openings will be due to the need to replace a growing number of retiring technicians, who tend to be the most experienced workers. Most persons who enter the occupation can expect steady work, even through downturns in the economy. While car owners may postpone maintenance and repair on their vehicles when their budgets become strained, and employers of automotive technicians may cutback hiring new workers, changes in economic conditions generally have minor effects on the automotive service and repair business. Employment growth will continue to be concentrated in automobile dealerships and independent automotive repair shops. Many new jobs also will be created in small retail operations that offer after-warranty repairs, such as oil changes, brake repair, air-conditioner service, and other minor repairs generally taking less than four hours to complete. Employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics in gasoline service stations will continue to decline, as fewer stations offer repair services.
Median hourly earnings of automotive service
technicians and mechanics, including commission, were $16.88 in May 2008. The
middle 50 percent earned between $12.44 and $22.64 per hour. The lowest 10
percent earned less than $9.56, and the highest 10 percent earned more than
$28.71 per hour. Median hourly earnings in the industries employing the largest
numbers of service technicians in May 2006 were as follows: Many experienced technicians employed by automobile dealers and independent repair shops receive a commission related to the labor cost charged to the customer. Under this method, weekly earnings depend on the amount of work completed. Employers frequently guarantee commissioned technicians a minimum weekly salary. Source: US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010-2011. www.bls.gov/oco For job listings and job search assistance, contact the Job Resource Center, S202, 708) 974-5737, www.morainevalley.edu/jrc. |
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This program prepares
the student for an entry-level position in the automotive service industry
performing brake and chassis work.
