Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
On the Job
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics inspect and maintain cars and trucks. They test parts and systems to make sure they are working properly. They identify and fix mechanical problems. They may disassemble and reassemble parts.
Physical Demands 
This career requires good hearing and time standing, walking, or running.
Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:
- Read work orders or descriptions of problems to determine repairs or modifications needed.
- Operate transportation equipment to demonstrate function or malfunction.
- Rebuild parts or components.
- Repair non-engine automotive or vehicle components.
- Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
- Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
- Service heating, ventilation or air-conditioning (HVAC) systems or components.
- Service vehicles to maintain functionality.
- Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
- Adjust vehicle components according to specifications.
Typical Working Conditions
- Exposure to contaminants (like gases or odors).
- Using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
- Working in a closed vehicle or equipment.
- Frequent decision-making.
- Exposure to hazardous conditions.
- Meeting strict deadlines.
- The importance of being accurate or exact.
- Having face-to-face discussions.
- Wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, or life jackets.
- Working with a group or team.
This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Source: You can learn about our data sources in the About Us section.
