Your Job Search Could End Here

Published December 6, 2022

Author

Abram Olmstead

Senior Director, Digital Media

703.760.7578

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With layoffs spiking across many industries (including in tech and media) and recession fears growing, many workers might be considering transitioning to a new career or industry right about now.

One attractive career idea—becoming an automotive service technician at one of America’s 16,752 new-car dealerships.

Today’s new cars last longer and are more technical than ever, which means that dealerships must rely on a well-trained, well-staffed parts and service department more than ever before.

Presently, there is a shortage of service techs in the automotive industry, leaving numerous positions available for individuals who don’t necessarily have college degrees and are looking for a secure and stable, high-earning career.

The average dealership technician in the United States today makes $61,067 in salary, plus benefits, and has great opportunities for personal growth and career advancement. Experienced technicians at franchised dealerships can make more than $100,000 annually and service managers can make even more.

Career Ideas: Making the Change

NADA’s 2019 #WomeninAutomotive video contest winner, Lisa Kowite is a great example of someone who found a fulfilling new career as a service technician. Kowite got her master’s degree in middle school education and taught English for eight years.

Burned out from teaching, Kowite enrolled in Durham Tech Automotive Systems Technology program and graduated in 2015 with an associate’s degree and “dove headfirst with no safety net into a new career as an automotive repair technician.”

Kowite started her new career at Johnson Lexus of Durham, North Carolina starting as an express service technician and moving up to a Lexus Certified Service Technician within a year. Now she is an instructor and the owner of Fired Up Automotive, an education program to help women and new drivers learn more about their vehicles and the automotive industry.

More Job Opportunities Ahead

Simply put: The service bay is where the jobs are. According to TechForce Foundation’s 2021 Supply & Demand Report, demand for technicians nearly doubled in the past year — from 136,503 in 2020 to 258,000 in 2021. Last year, demand outpaced supply by nearly three to one; now it is estimated to be five to one.

The good news is there are a number of ASE certified training facilities across the United States. In 2019, NADA Foundation launched its’ Workforce Initiative, which includes an interactive map of training and scholarship opportunities.

Find a Certified Training Program Near You:

Advanced Technology Institute

5700 Southern Boulevard
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
United States

The Associate in Occupational Science (A.O.S.) degree program in Automotive Technology offers training in the practical aspects of automotive maintenance and repair with emphasis on logical diagnostics procedures and effective repair methods. The Associate in Occupational Science (A.O.S.) degree program in Automotive Technology offers training in the practical aspects of automotive maintenance and repair with emphasis on logical diagnostics procedures and effective repair methods.

Advanced Training Institute

5150 South Decatur Boulevard
Las Vegas, NV 89118
United States

The Automotive Tech program at ATI offers a comprehensive, focused education from an accredited school. ATI’s Auto Tech program teaches the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to begin an entry-level career in the automobile service industry. The Automotive Tech program at ATI offers a comprehensive, focused education from an accredited school. ATI’s Auto Tech program teaches the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to begin an entry-level career in the automobile service industry.

Alfred State College of Technology

2530 River Road
Wellsville, NY 14895
United States

Our program provides instruction as well as practical, hands-on experience to students interested in a variety of automotive trades, including automotive service, autobody repair, truck and diesel service, and motorsports. Our program provides instruction as well as practical, hands-on experience to students interested in a variety of automotive trades, including automotive service, autobody repair, truck and diesel service, and motorsports.

Allegany College of Maryland

Cumberland, MD 21502
United States

Our Automotive Technology program offers you superior training on today's increasingly advanced vehicles. With our small class sizes, you'll receive personalized attention and instruction. Our Automotive Technology program offers you superior training on today's increasingly advanced vehicles. With our small class sizes, you'll receive personalized attention and instruction.

American River College

Sacramento, CA 95841
United States

Latest in high tech equipment. Hands-on training! ARC is an accredited WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) college. Latest in high tech equipment. Hands-on training! ARC is an accredited WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) college.

Anoka Technical College

1355 U.S. 10
Anoka, MN 55303
United States

Anoka Technical College offers skill-based diploma and associate in applied science degree in the Automotive Technician field. Anoka Technical College offers skill-based diploma and associate in applied science degree in the Automotive Technician field.

Apex Technical School

42-1 24th Street
NY 11101
United States

Fine tune your future with automotive training from Apex Technical School. Turn your love of cars into a career by learning the skills required to help you get started in this exciting field. Fine tune your future with automotive training from Apex Technical School. Turn your love of cars into a career by learning the skills required to help you get started in this exciting field.

Arapahoe Community College

Littleton, CO 80120
United States

The Automotive Technology Program trains students for employment in the automotive industry as technicians. The Automotive Technology Program trains students for employment in the automotive industry as technicians.

Arizona Western College

Yuma, AZ 85365
United States

Successful completion of the required courses for this certificate signifies to potential or current employers that the student has completed the steps necessary in obtaining an entry level position as a general or specialized technician. Successful completion of the required courses for this certificate signifies to potential or current employers that the student has completed the steps necessary in obtaining an entry level position as a general or specialized technician.

Arkansas Career Training Institute

Hot Springs, AR 71901
United States

Students will engage in activities and instruction enabling them to use, create, problem and control various technology resources; people, tools, machines, information, materials, energy, capital, and time. Students will engage in activities and instruction enabling them to use, create, problem and control various technology resources; people, tools, machines, information, materials, energy, capital, and time.