An automotive technology degree can prepare you for a
extensive range of careers in the automotive industry. With an automotive
technology degree, you can work as a technician, mechanic, engineer, or in a
number of other roles.
Here are some of the most common career paths for automotive technology
graduates:
Automotive technician: Automotive technicians diagnose,
repair, and maintain vehicles. They work on a diversity of vehicles, including
cars, trucks, SUVs, and buses. Automotive technicians typically work in
dealerships, repair shops, or independent garages.
Automotive mechanic: Automotive mechanics are similar to
automotive technicians, but they typically specialize in a particular area of
vehicle repair, such as engines, transmissions, or brakes. Automotive mechanics
often work in dealerships or repair shops, but they may also work in other
industries, such as construction or mining.
Automotive engineer: Automotive engineers design, develop,
and test vehicles and automotive components. They work on a diversity of
vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, and buses. Automotive engineers
typically work for automotive manufacturers or suppliers.
Automotive service manager: Automotive service managers
oversee the operations of dealerships or repair shops. They are accountable for
managing staff, scheduling appointments, and ordering parts. Automotive service
managers typically have several years of experience as an automotive technician
or mechanic before they are promoted to a management position.
Automotive parts manager: Automotive parts managers oversee
the inventory of parts and supplies at dealerships or repair shops. They are
responsible for ordering parts, tracking inventory levels, and pricing parts.
Automotive parts managers typically have several years of experience working in
the automotive industry before they are promoted to a management position.
Automotive instructor: Automotive instructors teach students
about automotive technology. They may teach at vocational schools, community
colleges, or universities. Automotive instructors typically have several years
of experience working in the automotive industry before they start teaching.
In adding to these traditional career paths, there are a
number of other emerging careers in the automotive industry that automotive
technology graduates can pursue. For example, automotive technology graduates
can work in the development of self-driving cars, electric vehicles, or other
new automotive technologies.
No matter what career path you choose, an automotive
technology degree can give you the skills and knowledge you need to be
successful. Automotive technology is a growing field with many opportunities
for advancement.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about careers in automotive
technology:
Automotive technician: Automotive technicians diagnose,
repair, and maintain vehicles. They work on a diversity of vehicles, including
cars, trucks, SUVs, and buses. Automotive technicians typically work in
dealerships, repair shops, or independent garages.
Automotive mechanic: Automotive mechanics are similar to
automotive technicians, but they typically specialize in a particular area of
vehicle repair, such as engines, transmissions, or brakes. Automotive mechanics
often work in dealerships or repair shops, but they may also work in other
industries, such as construction or mining.
Automotive engineer: Automotive engineers design, develop,
and test vehicles and automotive components. They work on a diversity of
vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, and buses. Automotive engineers
typically work for automotive manufacturers or suppliers.
Automotive service manager: Automotive service managers
oversee the operations of dealerships or repair shops. They are accountable for
managing staff, scheduling appointments, and ordering parts. Automotive service
managers typically have several years of experience as an automotive technician
or mechanic before they are promoted to a management position.
Automotive parts manager: Automotive parts managers oversee
the inventory of parts and supplies at dealerships or repair shops. They are
responsible for ordering parts, tracking inventory levels, and pricing parts.
Automotive parts managers typically have several years of experience working in
the automotive industry before they are promoted to a management position.
Automotive instructor: Automotive instructors teach students
about automotive technology. They may teach at vocational schools, community
colleges, or universities. Automotive instructors typically have several years
of experience working in the automotive industry before they start teaching.
Job outlook: The job outlook for automotive technology
graduates is good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics schemes that employment of
automotive technicians and mechanics will grow 6% from 2020 to 2030, faster
than the regular for all occupations.
Salary: The median annual salary for automotive technicians
and mechanics was $51,720 in May 2021. The highest-paid automotive technicians
and mechanics earned more than $84,000 in May 2021.
Education and training: Most automotive technicians and
mechanics complete a postsecondary program, such as an associate's degree or
certificate program, in automotive technology. Some employers may also provide
on-the-job training.
Skills: Automotive technicians and mechanics need to have
strong mechanical skills. They also need to be able to read and follow diagrams
and schematics. Additionally, automotive technicians and mechanics need to be
able to troubleshoot problems and use diagnostic tools.
If you are interested in a career in automotive technology,
there are a number of things you can do to prepare. First, you can take
automotive technology classes in high school. You can also look for internships
or apprenticeships in the automotive industry. Additionally, you can start
networking with people in the automotive industry to learn more about the
different career paths available.
With an automotive technology degree, you can have a
rewarding and successful career in the automotive industry.
