Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

What you’d do

Follow checklists to ensure all important parts are examined, including belts, hoses, steering systems, spark plugs, brake and fuel systems, wheel bearings, and other potentially troublesome areas.
Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
Perform routine and scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups.
Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
Align wheels, axles, frames, torsion bars, and steering mechanisms of automobiles, using special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines.
Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
Repair, replace, or adjust defective fuel injectors, carburetor parts, and gasoline filters.
Align vehicles' front ends.

Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

Rail Car Repairers
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul railroad rolling stock, mine cars, or mass transit rail cars.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
Repair, maintain, or install electric motors, wiring, or switches.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Motorcycle Mechanics
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, or similar motorized vehicles.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
Construct, assemble, or rebuild machines, such as engines, turbines, and similar equipment used in such industries as construction…
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
- Bright Outlook
- Rapid Growth
Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree