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Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Finds and fixes problems in cars, trucks and heavy equipment.

Typical education to startPostsecondary nondegree award
Job outlook2025–2035: +5%
Median pay$50,620 a year (2025)
Interest codeRCI Realistic, Conventional, Investigative

Read the full guide

Technicians use computer diagnostics and hand tools to find what's wrong, then repair engines, brakes, electrical systems and more. Diesel technicians work on trucks, buses, farm and construction machines.

Open the automotive or diesel technician guide

The guide checks the courses against your plan, with things to try each year. Free account needed.

High school courses that build toward it

Ranked by how much the job relies on what each course teaches, from O*NET's knowledge ratings. Your school's own courses and the counselor have the final word.

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics on O*NET OnLine · O*NET 31.0 (U.S. Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0); BLS Employment Projections 2025.