________________________________________ Realistic Occupations: Automotive Specialty Techniciansreplace, and adjust brakes. Review work orders and
discuss work with supervisors. Follow checklists to
ensure all important parts are examined, includ-
ing belts, hoses, steering systems, spark plugs, brake
and fuel systems, wheel bearings, and other poten-
tially troublesome areas. Plan work procedures, using
charts, technical manuals, and experience. Test and
adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers’ per-
formance specifi cations. Confer with customers to
obtain descriptions of vehicle problems and to dis-
cuss work to be performed and future repair require-
ments. Perform routine and scheduled maintenance
services such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-
ups. Disassemble units and inspect parts for wear,
using micrometers, calipers, and gauges. Overhaul or
replace carburetors, blowers, generators, distributors,
starters, and pumps. Repair and service air condition-
ing, heating, engine-cooling, and electrical systems.
Repair or replace parts such as pistons, rods, gears,
valves, and bearings. Tear down, repair, and rebuild
faulty assemblies such as power systems, steering sys-
tems, and linkages. Rewire ignition systems, lights,
and instrument panels. Repair radiator leaks. Install
and repair accessories such as radios, heaters, mirrors,
and windshield wipers. Repair manual and auto-
matic transmissions. Repair or replace shock absorb-
ers. Align vehicles’ front ends. Rebuild parts such as
crankshafts and cylinder blocks. Repair damaged
automobile bodies. Replace and adjust headlights.
GOE—Interest Area/Cluster: 13. Manufacturing.
Work Group: 13.14. Vehicle and Facility Mechani-
cal Work. Other Jobs in! is Work Group: Aircraft
Mechanics and Service Technicians; Aircraft Struc-
ture, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers;
Automotive Body and Related Repairers; Automotive
Glass Installers and Repairers; Automotive Service
Te c h n i c i a n s a n d M e c h a n i c s ; A u t o m o t i v e S p e c i a lt y
Te c h n i c i a n s ; B u s a n d Tr u c k M e c h a n i c s a n d D i e -
sel Engine Specialists; Farm Equipment Mechanics;
Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators; Mobile Heavy
Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines; Motorboat
Mechanics; Motorcycle Mechanics; Outdoor Power
Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics; Rail
Car Repairers; Recreational Vehicle Service Techni-
cians; Tire Repairers and Changers.
Skills: Repairing; Troubleshooting; Installation;
Equipment Maintenance; Equipment Selection;
Operation Monitoring; Complex Problem Solving;
Technology Design.
Education and Training Programs: Automotive
Engineering Technology/Technician; Automobile/
Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician;
Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/
Te c h n i c i a n. Related Knowledge/Courses: Mechan-
ical Devices; Physics; Computers and Electronics;
Engineering and Technology; Chemistry; Public
Safety and Security.
Work Env ironment : Noisy; contaminants; hazard-
ous equipment; minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings;
standing; using hands on objects, tools, or controls.Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
See Automotive Master Mechanics (a Realistic job)
and Automotive Specialty Technicians (a Realistic job),
described separately.Automotive Specialty Technicians
! Personality Code: RIC
! Education/Training Required:
Postsecondary vocational training
! Annual Earnings: $34,170
! Beginning Wage: $19,240
! Earnings Growth Potential: High
! Growth: 14.3%
! Annual Job Openings: 97,350
! Self-Employed: 16.8%
! Part-Time: 5.6%! e job openings listed here are shared with Automotive
Master Mechanics.Repair only one system or component on a vehi-
cle, such as brakes, suspension, or radiator. Exam-
ine vehicles, compile estimates of repair costs, andRealistic–
A