Does the term automotive technology sound strange to you? Automotive has to do with automobiles and machines. Get the necessary information you need to know about Automotive Technology, like what you can do with an automotive technology degree and the career and salaries of an automotive technician.
The automotive technology sector is relatively new, having only existed for 100 years. Still, how automobiles and highways have been integrated into various global cultures has led to a boom in the sector’s popularity.
This same popularity has also introduced rapid technological advances in automotive technology, so much so that the field looks very different from what it was 20 or 30 years ago.
For instance, can you remember the following:
- there was once a time you manually lowered the windows,
- put the key in the door to lock or unlock,
- and put the key in the ignition?
It was not so long ago.
Today, advanced radar technology, electronically controlled computer systems, and alternative fuel sources have changed what mechanics see when they lift the hood.
In fact, cars have changed so much in recent decades that the technician has replaced the mechanic role. That’s where automotive technology comes in.
With the numerous advances in the field, it is at the heart of our economy, culture, and way of life.
What is Automotive Technology?
Automotive technology is the practical application of knowledge about self-propelled vehicles or machinery.
Automotive technology students are discovering engine construction, fuel and ignition systems, powertrains, brakes, transmissions, electronic and diagnostic equipment, and more.
In summary, it is a program of study focusing on mechanics and technology driving today’s cars.
What’s the future for the automotive industry? How will the automotive technician role continue to evolve? Well, look at the partially automated aspects of today’s cars, and you’ll soon see what awaits them. One day fully autonomous vehicles may even be part of our society.
Why Should I Consider Specializing in Automotive Technology?
Automotive technology students gain experience in handling a variety of hand and power tools and are responsible for the repair and maintenance of automobiles of all types.
Students can also participate in the design and construction of all types of cars: from large industrial equipment to the latest in sports car design.
Those who study automotive technology enjoy good job security because all vehicles eventually need repairs throughout their lives.
Skills For An Automotive Technology Degree
With the evolution of technology and a diverse automotive industry offering a variety of positions and careers, the future is bright for young talent with skills in mathematics, science, communication, and technology.
And unlike many high-tech careers that require four, six or eight years of college education, jobs in the automotive technology industry can begin after two years of study.
As with any career, lifelong learning and continuing education are needed. However, the fact is that students in automotive technology can enter the real world faster and with less academic debt.
Below are some of the Automotive technology skills:
- Analytical Skills
- Physical Ability
- Communication/Customer Service Skills
Analytical Skills
To properly diagnose problems with the cars delivered to your store, you must have good analytical and problem-solving skills, in addition to all your practical knowledge of how the vehicles work.
Physical Ability
Most automotive technology jobs require a lot of practical work with vehicles, which is very physically demanding. To avoid discomfort or total inability to work, you must have good physical mobility and endurance.
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In addition, this work is challenging to work if one or more of your senses are affected for any reason due to the highly tactile nature of auto repair.
The inability to listen, see or even feel can seriously disadvantage a service person in this area.
Communication/Customer Service Skills
Especially if you are into repairs, it is likely to interact with customers daily. Good customer service is essential to your success. Good communication skills will help explain to car enthusiasts what is wrong with their vehicles in simple terms.
Types of Automotive Technology Degrees
- Associate Degree in Automotive Technology
- Bachelor in Automotive Technology
- Masters in Automotive Technology
#1. Associate Degree in Automotive Technology
An automotive technology associate degree can help you improve your attractiveness to potential employers in a competitive field.
Although starting a novice job as a car mechanic, body shop specialist, or equipment technician without an associate degree is possible, each area is becoming more sophisticated and advanced.
This two-year, 60-credit program can help you find an excellent job in your field and prepare you to succeed in your area.
The courses will focus to a large extent on various aspects of automotive technology, offering basic training in repair, maintenance, transmissions, heating and cooling systems, suspension, engine repair, etc.
Courses here include the following:
- Service & Maintenance
- Power Trains & Transmissions
- Suspension & Steering
- Engine Repair
- Wiring & Electrical Systems
You are also likely to participate in a lot of hands-on learning. You must purchase your toolbox for this part of your classes in many schools.
After your associate degree, you should have all the essential knowledge and skills to start working at the service, maintenance, repair, or manufacturing level.
This can also give you a boost in the competition for administrative work in sales or distribution. There are also opportunities for advancement in each of these areas if you convert your associate’s degree into a bachelor’s degree program.
#2. Bachelor in Automotive Technology
A bachelor’s degree in automotive technology can open doors to management and leadership opportunities in the field.
In addition to perfecting your practical maintenance, maintenance, and repair skills, you will have the opportunity to deepen the technology and research behind automotive innovation and learn the principles of organizational leadership and advanced analytics that can be applied to the automotive sector.
Here, it is also typical to start focusing on any of the following areas as
- safety,
- mechanical engineering,
- alternative fuel science
- distribution logistics.
It should be noted that not all schools offer a four-year program with 120 credits in automotive technology. In fact, for many popular professions, a diploma and a membership certification will be enough to allow you to stand out.
Notwithstanding, these are some of the courses you are likely to take in this program:
- Drivability Diagnostics
- Alternative Fuel Systems
- Manufacturing Management
- Mechanical Design
- Heavy Equipment Design
- Collision Science
- Transportation Infrastructure
- Mechanical Engineering
But if you want to embark on the path of leadership or research and development, a bachelor’s degree can significantly help.
This is especially true for holders of associate degrees who are already active professionals. An undergraduate degree can make this possible if you are ambitious to work behind the scenes or at the forefront of the automotive industry.
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#3. Masters in Automotive Technology
The Master’s degree in Automotive Technology is reserved for those seeking expertise in automotive technology and design.
This two-year commitment will combine advanced automotive design theory and science studies with a thesis or final project.
It will be an opportunity for you to devote a detailed study to a particular concentration and know the following:
- if your interest has better energy efficiency,
- the refinement of the main transport infrastructures,
- the improvement of ergonomics in the design of personal cars or,
- even the progress of self-driving vehicles.
You can also choose the transition from a bachelor’s degree in automotive technology to an advanced engineering degree program with a concentration in automotive technology.
However, these are some of the courses you are likely to take in this program:
- Design & Manufacturing
- Dynamics & Control
- Electronics and Computer Software
- Alternative Fuel Systems
- Ergonomics
- Materials and Commodity
- Urban Transportation Systems
- National Shipping Logistics
Whatever path you take toward your Master’s degree, when you reach this specialized level in the field, you will have the opportunity to contribute directly to the next frontier of innovation. It will also significantly enhance your revenue potential in the sector.
Automotive Technology Colleges
Below are some of the colleges you can get an automotive technology major:
- University of Northwestern Ohio
- Montana State University-Northern
- College of Marin
- Ferris State University
- Weber State University
- Utah Valley University
- Southern Adventist University
- Brigham Young University – Idaho
- Walla Walla University
- Idaho State University
What Can I Do With An Automotive Technology?
The automotive industry is all about motor vehicles, from their design to their manufacture through the sale and even the maintenance and repair after the sale. As a result, despite the similar approach of the laser sector in a single product, the diversity of jobs related to the industry remains astonishing.
Particularly concerning this career, the focus is on how cars and trucks work from a mechanical point of view. As a result, jobs tend to be related to:
- The development of new automobiles and automotive technologies,
- And the manufacturing process.
- The repair and maintenance of cars.
Notwithstanding, below are some of the jobs you can do with your automotive technology degree:
#1. Automotive Technician
Automotive Technicians (or Service Techs) repair, maintain, and inspect cars and light trucks. Their duties include things as simple as performing primary care, like changing oil, to more complex procedures, like identifying obscure car problems and repairing or replacing damaged parts.
#2. Shop Foreman
Shop Foremen direct and schedule the work order of an entire shop’s worth of technicians, monitoring their progress to ensure that work is being done promptly and safely.
#3. Team Leader
Team Leaders guide and instruct an entire team of individuals whose responsibilities and projects vary by industry. In the Automotive Technology industry, this could be anything from running an auto shop to organizing a group of salespeople.
Automotive Technology Career
There are more careers in automotive technology than those we can imagine. Opportunities in automotive services abound, including repair technicians, glass and body specialists, and salespeople. However, the automotive sector is very large and varied, which includes the following and many more:
- Management and leadership opportunities in the retail industry,
- Mechanical engineering in the manufacturing sector, and
- The development of new alternative fuel solutions in the automotive research sector.
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However, below are some of the Career Fields in Automotive Technology:
- Auto/Automotive Mechanics/Technology
- Autobody/Collision Repair/Technology
- Automotive Engineering Technology
- Avionics Maintenance/Technology
- Diesel Mechanics/Technology
- Electromechanical/Biomedical Eng Tech
- Hydraulics & Fluid Power Technology
- Mechanical Eng-Related Technology
- Vehicle Maintenance/Repair Tech, Other
- Mechanics/Technology
However, clicking the button below can also check out other Automotive Technology programs, career options, and automotive technology salaries.
Read this Careers-in-automotive-technology
Automotive Technology Salaries
We have some automotive technology salaries for some of the careers in the field, as gathered from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides some basic salary figures for the top jobs in several fields in the USA. Click on any of the Automotive Technology jobs below to learn about the salaries.
Below are the annual wage/salary estimates for Automotive body/ related repairs:
- The percentile Median Pay: is $42, 730
- Industries with the highest levels of employment in this occupation’s mean pay: $46,390
- Industries with the highest concentration of jobs in this occupation’s mean wage: $46,390
- Top paying industries for this occupation’s mean pay: $63,580
#2. Diesel Service Technicians/Mechanics
Below is the percentile Median pay for diesel service technicians/mechanics:
- $47,350 per year
- $22.76 per hour
#3. Automotive/Watercraft Service Attendants
Below are the annual salary estimates for Automotive/Watercraft service attendants:
- The percentile Median Pay: is $24,200
- Industries with the highest levels of employment in this occupation’s mean pay: $25,170
- Industries with the highest concentration of jobs in this occupation’s mean salary: $25,170
- Top paying industries for this occupation’s mean pay: $55,260
#4. Painting Coating Workers
Below is the percentile Median pay for Painting Coating Workers:
- $36,810 per year
- $17.70 per hour
#5. Mechanical Engineers
Below is the percentile Median pay for Mechanical Engineers:
- $87,370 per year
- $42.00 per hour
#6. Automotive Body/Glass Repairs
Below is the percentile Median pay for Automotive Body/Glass repairs:
- $41,330 per year
- $19.87 per hour
#7. Transportation/Storage/Distribution Managers
Below are the annual wage estimates for Transportation/Storage/Distribution Managers:
- The percentile Median Pay: is $94,730
- Industries with the highest levels of employment in this occupation’s mean pay: $91,320
- Industries with the highest concentration of jobs in this occupation’s mean salary: $100,100
- Top paying industries for this occupation’s mean pay: $143,810
#8. Industrial Production Managers
Below are the annual wage estimates for Industrial Production Managers:
- The percentile Median Pay: $103,380
- Industries with the highest levels of employment in this occupation’s mean pay: $112,560
- Industries with the highest concentration of employment in this occupation’s mean pay: $129,550
- Top paying industries for this occupation’s mean pay: $149,600
#9. Automotive Service Technicians/Mechanics
Below is the automotive technician salary – percentile Median pay for Automotive Service Technicians/Mechanics:
- $40,710 per year
- $19.57 per hour
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