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TransportationGreen JobOccupation aligned to O*NET green economy classifications.Climate CriticalOne of the 20 occupation classifications Colorado identified as essential to meeting the state's climate goals and needing focused workforce investment.

Automotive Service Technician/ Mechanic

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

Annual openings

1,493

Median wage

$61,280

Typical education

High school (GED)

Growth 2026–2032

+7%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED)

Credential requirement

Many employers value (and some expect) Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications before or shortly after obtaining this job.

Work experience

Employers expect some experience working with cars, engines, etc. You can obtain that through training, at a lube shop, or in a similar job. Some employers have apprenticeships to help you get started in the industry.

Employer competency information

  • Feedback from employers identifies the following competencies as being critical to success: mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting abilities, critical thinking, and basic computer skills (for using diagnostic tools.
Some Technicians will also work on Electric, Hydrogen or Natural Gas Vehicles, with additional skills required and developed, often through additional training/certification, for those specialties.
The same skills working on automobiles can be used to maintain Aviation Ground Support Equipment, potentially leading to an Aircraft Mechanic job.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsMay vary
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Transportation

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Perform routine and scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups.
  2. 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.
  3. Repair and service air conditioning, heating, engine cooling, and electrical systems.
  4. Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
  5. Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
  6. Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
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