Also called: Auto Mechanic, Automotive Technician, Master Technician
Inspects, maintains, and repairs cars and light trucks.
Customers drop off cars with mystery noises, so you test-drive, plug in a scanner, and track down the problem. Then you replace parts, from brake pads to timing chains. Master techs with ASE certifications earn much more.
Flat-rate pay means skilled techs can earn well above median.
Certificate, about 1 year after high school. Postsecondary automotive program (6 months to 2 years) plus ASE certifications.
Ways in: Trade school, 2-year college, Apprenticeship, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Automotive Technology, Collision Repair.
Growing about average (about 4% over 10 years). BLS projects about 4% growth.
Low risk for 10 years. AI diagnostics speed troubleshooting; hands-on repair stays human, though EVs need fewer routine fixes.
Classes: Auto tech CTE, Physics, Algebra I.
Official data: O*NET occupation 49-3023.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.