The field of automotive technology offers a clear career path for those interested in automotive service and technology. With some automotive training at the high school or community college level, individuals can enter the field as lube servicers or service technicians. With experience, skill, and possibly some continuing education, technicians have the potential to move into management careers. Automotive technology careers seem to offer ample opportunities for growth.
Lubrication Servicers and Detail Foremen
Lubrication servicers and detailer foremen positions often serve as starting-off points for automotive technology careers. Lubrication servicers perform oil changes and lubricate moving parts. The detailer foreman works at a dealership or service center cleaning and preparing new, used and serviced vehicles, and may be responsible for overseeing the washers. Even for these entry-level jobs, most employers prefer candidates who have completed some training through a National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) certified program at either the high school or community college level. Salaries for lubrication servicers range between $24,000 and $31,000, according to Automotive Careers Today (ACT). Salaries for detail foreman range between $35,000 and $62,000, depending on the size and location of the dealership. Servicers and detailer foremen sometimes train with service technicians to move into entry-level service technician positions.
Entry- and Mid-level Service Technicians
Service technicians inspect, maintain and repair autos using diagnostic tools to detect the problem and then making the necessary repairs or part replacements. Most service technicians complete an NATEF-certified training program. Entry-level technicians work under the supervision of more skilled technicians. After two years of experience, technicians may apply for certification with the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Mid-level service technicians usually have two to five years of experience and certification in at least one of the ASE specialty certification areas. Salaries for entry-level service technicians range from $24,000 to $31,000, according to ACT. Mid-level technicians might make $37,000 to $47,000 annually.
Shop Foreman
The shop foreman oversees the team of service technicians. The foreman is responsible for the level of service and quality of the repairs in the shop. The foreman might also be called upon for more complicated repairs. Foreman should have at least ten years of experience as service technicians, according to ACT. Many foremen have earned ASE Master Technician certification, meaning they have earned certification in at least eight of the nine specialty areas. ACT reports average salaries for shop foremen ranging between $35,000 and $62,000 annually.
Service Advisors
A service advisor, or service consultant, is the liaison between the customer and the technician. The advisor interprets the customers' needs and relates that to the technician. He or she also keeps the customer apprised of the status of the repairs. The service advisor handles much of the administrative tasks as well. While a general knowledge of vehicle mechanical operations may be sufficient for this position, many employers prefer advisors who have ASE certification. Service advisor salaries range from $39,000 to $58,000, according to ACT.
Service Managers
Service advisors may advance into managerial positions, such as service managers. The service manager is responsible for the overall operations of a shop, including budgets, finances, employee relations and marketing. Manager positions usually require the minimum of an associate's degree; however, many employees prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in business administration or a related area. Service managers may also hold ASE certification as Service Consultants. Salaries for service managers are between $55,000 and $88,000 annually, according to ACT.
Fixed Operations Directors
Fixed operations directors are employed by larger dealerships to oversee the operations of both the service shop and the parts department and body shop. Fixed operations directors usually gain experience working as service advisors and managers before moving into a director role. Increasingly, directors are expected to hold a bachelor's degree in an area related to business administration. Most employers prefer directors who have earned the ASE Master Technician certification. Fixed operations directors' salaries range between $72,000 and $109,000 annually, according to ACT.
Job Outlook for Auto Technology Careers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for automotive technology careers should continue to be favorable through 2016. While improvements in manufacturing are producing autos that require fewer repairs, the number of automobiles in operation continues to increase, creating a demand for qualified technicians and other service personnel. Automobile dealership and independent repair shops will see most of the job growth.
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