Automotive Service Technicians, Truck and Bus Mechanics, and Mechanical Repairers
(NOC 7321)
in All Trades and TransportationAutomotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers inspect, diagnose, repair and service mechanical, electrical and electronic systems and components of cars, buses, and light and commercial transport trucks. They work for motor vehicle dealers, garages, truck and trailer dealerships, fleet maintenance companies, and service stations, automotive specialty shops, transportation companies and retail businesses that have automotive service shops. This group also includes mechanical repairers who perform major repairs and replacement of mechanical units on newly assembled motor vehicles. They work for motor vehicle manufacturing companies. Service station mechanics complete tune-ups, safety inspections, and service and repair the brakes, clutch, and tires of cars and light trucks. A transport trailer technician repairs and services the braking, electrical, hydraulic system, and heating/cooling units of truck-trailers. A truck and transport mechanic repairs and services the various systems and engine components of buses and transport vehicles. Workers in this group may specialize in the following areas: engine and fuel systems, transmission systems, air conditioning, cooling and heating systems, steering, alignment, brakes, drive lines, suspension, electrical and electronic systems, truck-trailer repair or diagnostic services.
Job Outlook
Good
Read more
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
Size of the occupation in Nova Scotia: large, with regular job opportunities.
Demand: Approximately 210 opportunities are estimated for Halifax, and 290 outside Halifax. Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions. Some positions will become available due to employee turnover. There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation. A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
Work hours: full-time, usually. Jobs are typically permanent positions.
Conditions for automotive service technicians seeking work are mixed despite high rates of turnover, a large number of vacancies expected over the next few years, and a relatively small supply of college graduates. Specifically, there is a need for highly- skilled service technicians with Red Seal certification and experience working with more technologically- advanced features common on newer vehicles. Some consolidation has been occurring among dealerships and the industry is expected to see further changes in the years ahead as vehicle technologies evolve. Some larger dealerships provide their own training to ensure an available workforce with the right skills.
Hourly Pay
$14.50
Minimum$23.00
Median$33.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,960
Minimum$40,325
Median$70,246
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$24.00
Median$37.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers inspect, diagnose, repair and service mechanical, electrical and electronic systems and components of cars, buses, and light and commercial transport trucks. They work for motor vehicle dealers, garages, truck and trailer dealerships, fleet maintenance companies, and service stations, automotive specialty shops, transportation companies and retail businesses that have automotive service shops. This group also includes mechanical repairers who perform major repairs and replacement of mechanical units on newly assembled motor vehicles. They work for motor vehicle manufacturing companies.
Service station mechanics complete tune-ups, safety inspections, and service and repair the brakes, clutch, and tires of cars and light trucks. A transport trailer technician repairs and services the braking, electrical, hydraulic system, and heating/cooling units of truck-trailers. A truck and transport mechanic repairs and services the various systems and engine components of buses and transport vehicles. Workers in this group may specialize in the following areas: engine and fuel systems, transmission systems, air conditioning, cooling and heating systems, steering, alignment, brakes, drive lines, suspension, electrical and electronic systems, truck-trailer repair or diagnostic services.
Job duties
Automotive service technicians:
- Review work orders and discuss work with supervisor.
- Inspect motor in operation, road test motor vehicle, and test automotive systems and components using testing devices to diagnose and isolate faults.
- Adjust, repair, or replace parts and components including fuel system, brakes, steering and suspension, engine and drive train, emission control and exhaust, cooling and climate control, and electrical and electronic systems using hand tools and other specialized repair equipment.
- Test and adjust repaired systems to manufacturer's performance specifications.
- Complete scheduled maintenance service like oil changes, lubrications, and tune ups.
- Advise customers on work performed, general vehicle condition and future repair requirements.
Mechanical repairers:
- Inspect and test mechanical units like engines, transmissions, axles, and brake systems, to locate faults and malfunctions.
- Diagnose faults or malfunctions and confirm findings with supervisor to determine whether to repair or replace unit.
- Repair or replace mechanical units or components using hand and power tools.
- Test and adjust units to specifications for proper performance.
- Complete reports to record problems and work performed.
Truck and transport and truck-trailer mechanics:
- Adjust, repair or replace parts and components of commercial transport truck systems including chassis, frame, cab, body, engine and drive train, air brakes, steering, and fuel, hydraulic, electrical and electronic systems.
- Adjust, repair, or replace parts and components of truck-trailer systems including structural, brake and electrical systems.
Sample job titles
- amusement device mechanic
- automotive mechanic
- automotive repairer
- automotive service technician
- bus and truck mechanic
- motor vehicle mechanic
- motor vehicle technician
- service station mechanic
- truck and transport mechanic
- truck and transport service technician
Skills
- Good hearing, eyesight, and sense of smell to diagnose problems
- Hand-eye coordination
- Manual dexterity
- Coordination and agility
- Mechanical aptitude
- Attention to detail
- Strength and stamina
- Decision-making skills
- Time management skills
- A working knowledge of electricity, electronics, and computers.
- Communication skills
- Customer service skills
- Strong skills in mathematics and computers will also be helpful.
- Ability to interpret technical manuals and schematics.
- A valid driver’s licence
Job requirements
- Array
- Array
- Array
Other considerations
- Automotive service technicians service and repair the brakes, suspension, engine, and fuel systems of cars and light trucks.
- Service centre technicians complete tune-ups, safety inspections, and service and repair the brakes, clutch, and tires of cars and light trucks.
- Transport trailer technicians repair and service the braking, electrical, hydraulic system, and heating/cooling units of tricks-trailers.
- Truck and transport mechanics repair and service the various systems and engine components of buses and transport vehicles.
- Most automotive service technicians usually work indoors and can expect a work environment that includes noise, fumes, odours, hazardous compounds, drafts, vibrations, and confined spaces. The work often requires considerable standing, bending, crawling, lifting, pulling, and reaching. They typically work a 40-hour workweek. Some evening, weekend, or holiday work may be required.
- Work environments for truck and transport mechanics and transport trailer technicians differ from one job to another. They frequently work in awkward positions and must climb, stoop, crouch, and kneel. Truck and transport mechanics are sometimes required to work in adverse weather conditions.
- There is some risk of injury when working with power tools, heavy lifting, repetitive motion, and being exposed to gas exhaust fumes. For transport trailer technicians there are additional risks of injury from welding equipment or risks from hazardous cargo or residue contained within trailers.
- Transport trailer technicians may need special certifications to complete some work-related tasks – for example, a propane license or refrigeration certificate.
- Workers in this group may specialize in the following areas: engine and fuel systems, transmission systems, air conditioning, cooling and heating systems, steering, alignment, brakes, drivelines, suspension, electrical and electronic systems, truck-trailer repair, or diagnostic services.
- With additional training, experienced automotive service technicians may advance to shop supervisor or service manager positions. Technicians can transfer their skills and knowledge to related occupations like an automotive instructor, truck and transport mechanic, agricultural equipment technician, or heavy-duty equipment technician. Some technicians may open their own garage or automotive specialty shop.
- Experienced transport trailer technicians act as mentors and trainers to apprentices in the trade. They may also advance to supervisory, service management, and training positions.
- Experienced truck and transport mechanics can act as mentors and trainers to apprentices in the trade. They may also advance to supervisory, service manager, and training positions.
- Apprentices usually earn a percentage of the journeyperson (fully qualified) rate. This percentage increases as each level of the apprenticeship program is completed.
- Everyone has fair access to participate and succeed in the apprenticeship system. Everyone who develops the necessary skills and abilities should be able to succeed in the trades and trade qualification system. Work environments in the province support women and equity-seeking communities.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$45,887 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$39,955 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$41,459 median annual incomeCape Breton
$36,837 median annual incomeSouthern
$36,053 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Other services (except public administration)
Retail trade
Transportation and warehousing
Public administration
Wholesale trade
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
25-34
35-44
55-64
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
Trade Certification
$45,884 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$41,396 median annual incomeHigh school
$27,523 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,818 median annual incomeBachelor
$41,498 median annual incomeCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trade Certification
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
Automotive Mechanics Technician
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all types of automobiles. They include courses in brake systems, electrical systems, engine performance, engine repair, suspension and steering, automatic and manual transmissions and drive trains, and heating and air condition systems.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation - Pre-apprenticeship College Program
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to operate and maintain a variety of heavy equipment like crawler tractors, motor graders and scrapers, shovels, rigging devices, hoists, and jacks. They include courses in digging, ditching, sloping, stripping, grading, and backfilling, clearing and excavating.
Institutions providing this program
Truro, NS
Various, NS
Falmouth, NS
Diesel Mechanics Technician
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain diesel engines in vehicles like cars, buses, ships, trucks, railroad locomotives, and construction equipment as well as stationary diesel engines in electrical generators and related equipment.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technician
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills in the field maintenance and repair of heavy equipment, and in the general maintenance and overhaul of such equipment. They include courses in inspection, maintenance, and repair of tracks, wheels, brakes, operating controls, pneumatic and hydraulic systems, electrical circuitry, engines and in techniques of welding and brazing.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technician
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to the specialized maintenance and repair of trucks, buses, and other commercial and industrial vehicles. They include courses in diesel engine mechanics, suspension and steering, brake systems, electrical and electronic systems, preventive maintenance inspections, drive trains, gasoline engine mechanics, HVAC systems, and auxiliary equipment installation and repair.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Compulsory Certification (Mandatory): This is a regulated designated trade in Nova Scotia. Individuals must hold a Certification of Qualification, be a registered apprentice, or hold a temporary work permit to legally work in this trade.
Compulsory Certification (Mandatory): This is a regulated designated trade in Nova Scotia. Individuals must hold a Certification of Qualification, be a registered apprentice, or hold a temporary work permit to legally work in this trade.
Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, but a certificate is not needed to legally work in this trade.
Compulsory Certification (Mandatory): This is a regulated designated trade in Nova Scotia. Individuals must hold a Certification of Qualification, be a registered apprentice, or hold a temporary work permit to legally work in this trade.