Trained automotive technicians have a variety of career options they can pursue, including:
Entry-Level Technician: Entry-level techs perform general service, maintenance and diagnostic work. They commonly work in dealerships, independent shops and chain shops.
Parts Technician: Many auto techs decide to use their education to work in parts. Parts professionals manage inventory and deal with warranty issues that may be caused by damaged or defective parts.
Service Writer/Advisor: Service writers act as liaisons between customers and technicians. They write job orders based on customer requests and diagnostic experience from similar issues, and may even dispatch work to technicians.
Service Manager: Some automotive technicians to work their way up to leadership roles within shops and dealerships. Service managers oversee technicians, parts employees and detailers. They may also be responsible for working with customers regarding escalated issues, completing department forecasting and budgeting, and communicating with vendors and suppliers.
Instructor: Some technicians return to school as instructors to share their knowledge with the next generation. Automotive instructors teach repair and diagnostic skills to aspiring technicians and are able to draw from their personal experiences as they prepare their students to make a living after graduation.
Fleet Technician: Cities, towns and municipalities have fleets of vehicles that need work, which is where fleet technicians come in. These techs may work for police departments or local taxi companies, and are responsible for ensuring the vehicles they work on are running smoothly.
Business Owner: Some technicians choose to work for themselves by starting their own business. Those with automotive backgrounds open various types of businesses, including mobile repair services, independent shops and tire shops.