Automotive Service Technician / EV Technician

00:00Welcome to the Qoollege career podcast. Today we’re looking at a job that is changing fast: Automotive Service Technician, sometimes called an auto technician, mechanic, or EV technician. If you like hands-on work and solving real problems, this could be worth a closer look.

00:19It could. At a basic level, automotive service technicians inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks. That includes gasoline vehicles, hybrids, and fully electric vehicles. The work has always involved tools and physical repair, but now it also involves computers, scan tools, sensors, batteries, and software-based diagnostics.

00:40So this is not just about turning wrenches anymore.

00:44Exactly. A modern technician may still replace brake pads or rotate tires, but they may also read trouble codes, analyze live data from a scan tool, check wiring diagrams, test an electric battery system, or help diagnose advanced driver-assistance systems. In EV work, they also need to understand high-voltage safety very carefully.

01:07What does a typical day look like?

01:10It can vary a lot by shop, but common tasks include inspecting vehicles, test-driving them, checking customer concerns, diagnosing problems, and then repairing the issue. That could mean engine work, brake service, steering and suspension repairs, electrical troubleshooting, or EV battery and charging-system work. Technicians also document what they found, what parts they used, and what repairs were completed. They often explain the results to a service advisor or directly to a customer.

01:42Where do people usually work in this field?

01:46Common settings include dealership service departments, independent repair shops, regional repair chains, fleet maintenance shops, and some EV service centers. There are also mobile or field service roles in some areas. The job is often physically demanding. People stand, bend, lift, and work in noisy spaces, sometimes in tight areas under the vehicle. For EV systems, safety procedures are especially important because high-voltage components can be dangerous if handled incorrectly.

02:16What kinds of students tend to fit this career?

02:20Students who enjoy practical problem-solving often do well. If you like figuring out why something is not working, working with your hands, and learning new technology, that is a good sign. It also helps to be patient, detail-oriented, and willing to keep learning. This career may be a tougher fit if you strongly dislike physical work, get frustrated by trial-and-error troubleshooting, or are uncomfortable following strict safety steps.

02:50What skills matter most?

02:52There are three broad skill areas. First are technical skills: mechanical repair, electrical diagnostics, reading service manuals, using scan tools, and understanding high-voltage systems. Second are academic skills, especially applied math, basic physics, reading comprehension, and computer literacy. Third are people skills, because technicians need to communicate clearly, listen carefully, and keep good records. This is a career where teamwork matters more than many students expect.

03:21How do students usually prepare for this path?

03:25A common route starts in high school. Helpful classes include automotive technology, electronics, algebra, physics, and computer applications if they are available. Some students also join SkillsUSA, robotics club, or an auto club. After high school, many people enter a certificate or associate degree program in automotive technology or a related field. Others begin in entry-level roles such as lube technician, tire installer, or shop helper and keep building skills on the job.

03:57So college is helpful, but not always the only route.

04:01That’s right. Many technicians enter through a certificate, associate degree, apprenticeship, or supervised on-the-job training. For EV-related work, short-term high-voltage safety or hybrid/EV certificates can also be useful. Employers often value ASE certifications, and some manufacturers offer their own training. Requirements can vary by state, employer, and shop type, so students should check local expectations early.

04:26What should students study if they want to specialize in EVs later?

04:31Look for programs that include electrical systems, diagnostics, hybrid and EV coursework, and hands-on lab time. Some colleges call these programs Automotive Technology, Automotive Service Technology, Electric Vehicle Technology, Mechatronics, or Automotive Electronics. Strong programs usually have updated equipment, employer partnerships, and opportunities for internships or co-ops. Those details can matter a lot because the field is very practical.

04:57What does the job market look like?

05:00The broader occupation of automotive service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow about 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, which is about as fast as average. That is a cautious, steady outlook rather than explosive growth. The field is also expected to have many openings each year, often because workers retire or change occupations. EV-specific jobs are harder to measure because there is not yet a separate national category for them, but demand for high-voltage and electronics skills appears to be growing in many regions.

05:38Is pay easy to predict?

05:40Not really. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual wage of $49,670 in May 2024 for automotive service technicians and mechanics. EV technician pay is more difficult to pin down because it is often grouped into the larger auto technician field or reported differently by employers. Pay can vary based on experience, certifications, location, shop type, and whether a worker gets hourly pay, flat rate, overtime, or commissions. It is best to treat salary estimates cautiously.

06:15Where might demand be strongest?

06:17Places with higher EV adoption may need more technicians with EV and diagnostic skills. That can include parts of California, the Northeast, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and Texas. At the same time, vehicles need maintenance everywhere, so general auto technician jobs are still widely available across the country. The safest approach is to build skills that are useful in many settings, especially diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting.

06:46What is the future of this career as vehicles become more electric?

06:51The career is changing rather than disappearing. More vehicles now include sensors, cameras, software, batteries, and driver-assistance systems. That means technicians are increasingly doing electronics and computer-based diagnostics, not only mechanical repair. Some routine maintenance may decline over time as EVs usually need less of it than gasoline vehicles, but EVs still need repairs, battery service, software checks, and safety inspections. Technicians who keep learning are likely to be in a stronger position.

07:23What should students focus on to stay competitive?

07:27The most valuable long-term skills are electrical diagnostics, software-based troubleshooting, EV battery systems, ADAS calibration, and strong customer communication. Certifications matter too. ASE credentials, OEM training, and high-voltage safety training can all help. The exact path depends on the student’s goals, but the common theme is clear: this is a field where learning does not stop after the first certificate or first job.

07:54If a student is interested, what should they do next?

07:59Start small and stay consistent. Take auto tech, math, physics, or electronics classes if they are available. Join a technical club or competition team. Practice safe use of hand tools. Ask about dual enrollment at a community college. If possible, look for part-time or summer work in a repair shop, dealership, or parts store. And when researching college programs, ask whether students get hands-on EV experience, which certifications the program prepares them for, and whether internship opportunities are available.

08:33Any final advice for someone deciding whether this career is a good fit?

08:39Ask yourself one honest question: do I enjoy hands-on problem-solving enough to keep learning as vehicles become more advanced? If the answer is yes, automotive service work can be a solid path. It may not be easy, and it is not always clean or simple, but it offers practical work, a range of entry points, and room to specialize. For students who like machines, electronics, and real-world troubleshooting, it is a career worth exploring carefully.

09:12That’s our episode on Automotive Service Technician and EV Technician careers. If you’re interested, take the next step by talking to a school counselor, a local community college, or a shop in your area. Thanks for listening.