Automotive technician job description template

What a automotive technician does

Automotive technicians diagnose and repair the increasingly complex computers on wheels that modern cars have become. The pay method shapes everything about the job, so say plainly whether you pay hourly or flat rate, and how flagged hours work. Experienced techs also look at tool programs, the age of your diagnostic equipment, and whether you support ASE certification and EV training.

Automotive technician job description template

Copy the description, replace everything in [brackets], and cut any line that isn't true for your job. The duties and requirements are a starting point written by HR practitioners, not a legal standard, so edit them to match the real work.

Automotive technician

Details
- Department: [Department]
- Reports to: [Manager title]
- Location: [City, State, or remote]
- Employment type: [Full-time, part-time, or seasonal]
- FLSA status: Nonexempt
- Pay range: [$X to $Y per hour]

About [Company]
[Two or three sentences about what your company does, who it serves, and why people like working here.]

Job summary
We're hiring an automotive technician to diagnose and repair vehicles accurately and efficiently, and help our customers get back on the road safely.

What you'll do
- Diagnose mechanical, electrical, and computer problems using scan tools and equipment.
- Repair and replace engines, brakes, steering, suspension, and drivetrain parts.
- Perform scheduled maintenance and inspections.
- Explain repairs to service advisors in clear terms.
- Document work and parts on repair orders.
- Road test vehicles to confirm repairs.
- Follow safety procedures for lifts, fluids, and hybrid or electric vehicles.
- Keep the work bay and tools clean and organized.

What you'll need
- [Two] or more years of automotive repair experience.
- Own tools to a professional level.
- Valid driver's license.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for long periods.

Nice to have
- ASE certification in [areas].
- Manufacturer training for [brands].
- Hybrid and EV service experience.

Skills
Diagnostics, Mechanical repair, Electrical systems, Efficiency, Documentation, Safety.

Physical demands and work environment
Service shop. Requires standing, bending, working under lifts, and exposure to noise, fumes, and fluids.

Pay and benefits
[$X to $Y per hour], based on experience and location. [List benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plan match, paid time off, and training.]

Equal opportunity
[Company] is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview, contact [name] at [email or phone].

How to customize it for your job

• State the pay method and average flagged hours.
• Describe your tool program.
• List diagnostic equipment and brands serviced.
• Mention ASE and training support.

Then check it against the HRTally job description standard, our 10-point checklist, and run it through the inclusive language swap list. Both take about five minutes.

How much to pay a automotive technician

Half of US automotive service technicians and mechanics earned more than $24.34 an hour in May 2025, and half earned less, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That national figure is a starting point, not a pay range. Pay for the same job can differ by 30 percent or more between metro areas, so check the BLS occupation profile for state and metro data before you set your range.

For hourly roles, the legal floor matters as much as the market rate. Check the current rate where the job is based in our minimum wage by state table, and the state's overtime and break rules in our state labor law library.

To convert between hourly and annual pay, use our salary to hourly calculator. If you hire in a state or city with a pay transparency law, the range must appear in the posting itself. Our pay transparency laws guide lists where, and our guide to salary bands explains how to set ranges you can defend.

Exempt status, licenses, and legal notes

FLSA status: Nonexempt (overtime eligible). Job titles don't decide overtime eligibility. Duties and pay do. Our guide to exempt vs non-exempt employees walks through each test, and the overtime calculator shows what a nonexempt employee is owed.

Many dealerships and shops pay technicians on a flat-rate basis, but flat-rate pay must still meet minimum wage for all hours worked and overtime for hours over 40 in each workweek. Some states, including California, require separate pay for rest periods and non-productive time for piece-rate workers. Technicians who service vehicle air conditioning must hold EPA Section 609 certification.

This is general information for US employers, not legal advice. Laws change and vary by state and city, so confirm the current rules or talk to employment counsel before you rely on them.

Interview questions to ask

Ask every candidate the same core questions and score answers against the same criteria. Structured interviews are fairer and predict job performance better than open conversation.

1. Walk me through diagnosing an intermittent check engine light.
2. How do you handle a comeback on your repair?
3. How do you explain a repair to a service advisor?
4. What's your experience with hybrid or electric vehicles?

When you're ready to schedule, use our interview invitation email template. For a full hiring process, read the recruitment process guide.

Frequently asked questions