Automotive Technician
Service and repair light cars and trucks. Auto Techs work at dealerships, independent shops, and franchise service centers — diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining the vehicles that move daily life. ASE certifications drive pay across the trade.
Automotive Technician goes by many names
On KinTrades, all of these job titles route to the Automotive Technician trade — so search any of them and you'll find matching work.
Day to day on the job
Auto Techs run scheduled service (oil, filters, brakes, tires) and diagnostic repair (check-engine lights, electrical issues, transmission problems). Day-to-day mix depends on shop type — dealerships do more warranty repair, independents do more diagnostics, franchise shops run high-volume service.
Specializations diverge by component or system. Service Techs do brakes, tires, fluids — high volume. Diagnostic Techs work check-engine lights and electrical systems. Master Techs hold all 8 ASE A-series certs and work the hardest jobs. Hybrid/EV Techs are the fastest-growing specialty.
Most auto techs work for dealerships, independent shops, or franchise chains (Midas, Firestone, Pep Boys). Manufacturer programs (Toyota T-TEN, Ford ASSET, GM ASEP) recruit at HS and CC level — dealer hiring directly out of school.
How you move up as an Auto Tech
ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) is the universal credential. Pay scales by ASE cert count: Tech (1+ certs), Senior Tech (5+), Master Tech (all 8 in a series). BLS OES 49-3023, May 2024.
Apprentice — what this rung looks like
What Automotive Technicians earn in VA, DC, MD & NC
Pay data: BLS OEWS · May 2024 · VA · DC · MD · NC. Expanding nationally.
Core craft + supporting skills
Pulled from your taxonomy. Core skills (orange) are required for the Automotive Technician trade; supporting skills (gray) round out a well-rounded journeyworker.
Paths into the Automotive Technician trade
Toyota T-TEN / Ford ASSET / GM ASEP
Manufacturer-sponsored AAS programs at partner CCs. Hire directly into dealer service. Toyota T-TEN, Ford ASSET, GM ASEP — all run through partner community colleges.
ABC Automotive Apprenticeship
DOL-Registered automotive apprenticeships through ABC chapters in VA/DC/MD. ABC Virginia.
Community College Auto Programs
NoVA CC, Cape Fear CC, Wake Tech all run automotive AAS programs. FastForward VA covers tuition.
Certifications that help
ASE A1–A8 (8 specialty certs), ASE L1 Advanced Engine Performance, EPA 609, state emissions inspector license, manufacturer factory training (Toyota TIA, Ford STARS, GM ASEP), I-CAR for collision-adjacent work.
Common pathways into Automotive Technician work
KinTrades welcomes Automotive Technician workers from every walk of life. Whether you're a veteran transitioning out of service, a student planning your career, or someone returning to work — there's a clear path in.
Veterans
Army 91B Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic directly transfers to civilian auto work. Navy CM (Construction Mechanic, Seabees) covers wheeled and tracked vehicles.
Air Force 2T3X1 Mission Generation Vehicle Maintenance handles AF vehicles. ASE testing fees and CC tuition are GI Bill-eligible.
Federal fleet contracts (DoD, GSA, USPS) actively recruit veteran technicians.
Veterans on KinTradesHigh School Students
Auto is one of the most common HS career-technical-education programs across all four states. ASE Student Certification is open to HS students.
Manufacturer programs (Toyota T-TEN, Ford ASSET, GM ASEP) recruit directly at high schools and pay tech-school tuition.
Direct hire as a lube tech requires no credentials.
Students on KinTradesSecond Chance
Independent auto shops are among the most second-chance friendly employers in skilled trades. Demonstrated skill (and ASE certs) carries weight over background history.
Dealership service departments often run formal background checks; independent service shops typically do not.
Federal fleet contracts require security screening for site access.
Second-chance hiringIf Automotive Technician interests you, also look at
Common questions about becoming an Automotive Technician
What does an Automotive Technician do?
Auto Techs run scheduled service (oil, filters, brakes, tires) and diagnostic repair (check-engine lights, electrical issues, transmission problems). Day-to-day mix depends on shop type — dealerships do more warranty repair, independents do more diagnostics, franchise shops run high-volume service.
What does an Automotive Technician make in Virginia, DC, Maryland, and North Carolina?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024, Automotive Technicians earn an annual median of $50K in Virginia (range $36K–$74K), $60K in DC ($44K–$86K), $54K in Maryland ($40K–$78K), and $44K in North Carolina ($32K–$66K).
How do you become an Automotive Technician?
Toyota T-TEN / Ford ASSET / GM ASEP: Manufacturer-sponsored AAS programs at partner CCs. Hire directly into dealer service. Toyota T-TEN, Ford ASSET, GM ASEP — all run through partner community colleges.
How long is Automotive Technician apprenticeship in Virginia, DC, Maryland, or North Carolina?
1–3 years before passing first ASE exam and moving to general service tech. ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) is the universal credential. Pay scales by ASE cert count: Tech (1+ certs), Senior Tech (5+), Master Tech (all 8 in a series).
Is Automotive Technician a good career path for someone with a record?
Independent auto shops are among the most second-chance friendly employers in skilled trades. Demonstrated skill (and ASE certs) carries weight over background history. Dealership service departments often run formal background checks; independent service shops typically do not. Federal fleet contracts require security screening for site access.