If you’re considering a job in the automotive industry, there are several exciting potential career paths. Once you complete a degree or certificate program in automotive technology, you’ll be ready for many different entry-level roles as an automotive or diesel technician. Entry-level automotive technician jobs offer consistent pay, a dynamic work environment, the opportunity to learn new skills, and the chance to train under more experienced mechanics. Here, NYADI The College of Transportation Technology in Jamaica, NY, highlights some of the automotive jobs that graduates can pursue.

Automotive Service Technician

Automotive technicians are responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing cars and light trucks. They perform basic maintenance and diagnostics, such as changing a car’s oil or testing its brakes. They may carry out state-required vehicle inspections or repair a car after a collision. Increasingly, technicians are working on electric-powered vehicles.

As they build their skills and gain more on-the-job experience, automotive technicians may move into more specialized roles, such as:

• Automotive air-conditioning technician
• Brake technician
• Diagnostic technician
• Transmission technician

In 2021, the median annual wage for automotive service technicians was $46,880, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The top 10% of earners make more than $75,100. Professionals in this field can look forward to about 69,000 job openings each year on average from 2020 to 2030.

Diesel Mechanic

Another common entry-level job in the automotive industry is working as a diesel mechanic. These mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair all types of diesel engines. They may perform diagnostic tests, repair or replace malfunctioning parts, test-drive vehicles, and ensure engine performance complies with pollution regulations.

The BLS reports that the median annual wages for diesel service technicians and mechanics were $48,690 in 2021. The highest 10% of earners took home more than $76,150. Diesel mechanics may work in local government, truck transportation, or wholesale trade.

Collision Repair Technician

Unfortunately, automotive accidents happen every day. Collision repair technicians play a crucial role in helping to get motorists safely back on the road. These technicians review vehicle damage, estimate repair costs, and then restore the vehicle frame and body. They may apply new vehicle paint, replace parts, and test the vehicle to ensure it meets safety standards. Collision repair specialists may work at car dealerships or auto body shops. Indeed reports that the base salary for collision specialists starts at $36,200.

Fleet Technician

Fleet technicians are charged with caring for a group of vehicles, such as a fleet of buses, taxicabs, or tractor-trailer trucks. These technicians typically need to keep detailed service logs, performing pre-trip and post-trip inspections on each vehicle. They may specialize in diesel or gasoline engines. Fleet technicians may be employed by state or municipal governments or by trucking or transportation companies. According to Indeed, fleet technicians enjoy an average base salary of $44,424 per year.

Technical College Benefits

A great way to prepare for entry-level positions in the automotive industry is by completing a certificate program or an associate degree. You typically can graduate from these academic programs in two years or less, so you can start working in your desired field as soon as possible. Plus, you will have access to career services such as job search assistance and resume writing support that can help you become a more competitive job applicant. You also can earn key certifications alongside your degree, such as the ASE Education Foundation Student Certification, that help boost your hiring potential.

Train for Automotive Jobs With Help From NYADI

If you’re excited about potential automotive jobs, you can get the practical career training you need from NYADI. We provide accessible automotive training programs at our campus in Jamaica, NY, including:

• Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS) in Automotive and Diesel Technology
• Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS) in Automotive Technology
• Automotive Service Technology
• Collision Repair Technology
• Truck and Diesel Service Technology

At NYADI, you’ll have access to our career services specialists who can help you build your professional network and prepare for interviews, and you can earn stackable certifications from leading brands such as Mercedes Benz, Isuzu Trucks, and Ford. NYADI offers financial aid to students who qualify and is a veteran-friendly campus. To get more information about our programs, contact an admissions representative today.