Automotive service technicians and mechanics
SOC Code: 49-3023
Automotive service technicians and mechanics carries a 23% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $49,670 and +4.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 805,600 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 23% AI exposure, Automotive service technicians and mechanics sits 14 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 11% of them. It ranks among the more AI-resilient roles in the dataset.
Where Automotive service technicians and mechanics sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Automotive service technicians and mechanics has ai exposure of 23%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Automotive service technicians and mechanics vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Automotive service technicians and mechanics is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Automotive service technicians and mechanics (SOC 49-3023) carries an AI exposure score of 23%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 805,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.2% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $49,670, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Postsecondary nondegree award, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Automotive service technicians and mechanics. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
- 2. Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices.
- 3. Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
- 4. Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
- 5. Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
- 6. Conduct visual inspections of compressed natural gas fuel systems to identify cracks, gouges, abrasions, discoloration, broken fibers, loose brackets, damaged gaskets, or other problems.
- 7. Estimate costs of vehicle repair.
- 8. Confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.
- 9. Align vehicles' front ends.
- 10. Align wheels, axles, frames, torsion bars, and steering mechanisms of automobiles, using special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines.
Key Skills Required
- Repairing
- Troubleshooting
- Critical Thinking
- Operations Monitoring
- Equipment Maintenance
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Speaking
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- Customer and Personal Service
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Transportation
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
- Mathematics
- Physics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Automotive service technicians and mechanics?
Automotive service technicians and mechanics has an AI exposure score of 23%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Automotive service technicians and mechanics?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Automotive service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow by 4.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 805,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Automotive service technicians and mechanics?
Key skills for Automotive service technicians and mechanics include Repairing, Troubleshooting, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Postsecondary nondegree award.
How much do Automotive service technicians and mechanics earn?
The median annual wage for Automotive service technicians and mechanics is $49,670, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Automotive service technicians and mechanics?
The typical entry-level education for Automotive service technicians and mechanics is Postsecondary nondegree award. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Automotive service technicians and mechanics?
Automotive service technicians and mechanics roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).