female wearing safety glasses fixing a car on a hoist

Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers

(NOC 72410)
Annual Earnings
$66,739
Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities
College Diploma or Apprenticeship, 2 or more years
Job Openings
(2023-2033)
5,120

Career Overview

Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers work on cars, buses, and light and commercial transport trucks. They inspect, diagnose, repair and service mechanical, electrical and electronic systems and parts of vehicles. Mechanical repairers do major repairs of, and replace, mechanical units on newly built motor vehicles.

People in these occupations work for:

  • Automotive service repair facilities
  • Motor vehicle dealers
  • Truck and trailer dealers
  • Fleet maintenance companies
  • Fleet rental providers
  • Transportation companies
  • Motor vehicle manufacturing companies

 

Duties

Automotive service technicians:

  • Adjust, repair or replace parts or sections of automotive systems, using hand tools and other repair equipment. Examples of automotive systems are:
    • Fuel systems
    • Brakes
    • Steering and suspension
    • Engines and drive trains
    • Emission control and exhaust
    • Cooling and climate control
    • Electrical and electronic systems
  • Inspect and ensure the vehicle works well and meets the manufacturer’s specifications
  • Road test motor vehicles
  • Test automotive systems using computerized processes and other tools to find problems
  • Test and adjust repaired systems to meet the manufacturer’s performance standards
  • Perform scheduled and preventative maintenance services, such as oil changes and chassis lubrications
  • Speak with customers to explain the work that was done and tell them about any future repairs that may be needed
  • Review work orders and discuss work with the supervisor

Truck and bus mechanics:

  • Adjust, repair or replace parts and sections of commercial transport truck systems, including:
    • Chassis
    • Frame
    • Cab
    • Body
    • Engine and drive train
    • Air brakes
    • Steering
    • Fuel, hydraulic, electrical and electronic systems
  • Adjust, repair or replace parts and sections of truck-trailer/bus systems including structural, brake and electrical systems

Mechanical repairers (motor vehicle manufacturing):

  • Inspect and test mechanical units, such as engines, transmissions, axles and brake systems
  • Find problems and work with supervisors to decide whether to repair or replace units
  • Repair or replace mechanical units or sections
  • Record the problems that were found and any work done in reports

People in this career may specialize in the following areas:

  • Electric vehicles
  • Alternate fuel conversions and maintenance
  • Transmission, engine and fuel systems
  • Air conditioning, cooling and heating systems
  • Steering, alignment, brakes, drive lines and suspension
  • Electrical and electronic systems
  • Truck-trailer repair or diagnostic services
  • Vehicle networking and computer systems

 

Earnings

Earnings is income that workers receive in exchange for their labour. Depending on the type of employment, earnings can be in the form of wages (hourly), salaries (fixed monthly or annual) or self-employed earnings.

Annual Earnings

$66,739

Provincial Hourly Rate

High$43.00/hr
Median$32.00/hr
Low$20.00/hr
Source: B.C. Labour Market Information Office, derived from 2023 Job Bank Wage data

Work Environment

# Workers Employed

17,245

% Employed Full Time

65%
Source: 2021 Census

Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics, and mechanical repairers usually work 35 to 40 hours per week. Some workers may need to be on call and available for emergency repairs since some service shops are open during evenings and weekends.

Workers with this career may work on a flat rate which means that they will be paid for the work done as outlined in the rates, not by the hour. For those who can work quickly and do a good job, they may be able to earn more this way than by being paid hourly.

Generally, people in these jobs work in automotive repair shops or garages. Those employed in smaller shops tend to have different duties than those who work in larger shops.

Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics, and mechanical repairers must work well on their own and as part of a team. They should be able to troubleshoot, solve problems and have good communication and customer service skills. As well, they must have a good understanding of mechanical systems, engines and electronic equipment.

Most work settings have good air flow and are well-lit, but some shops may be drafty and noisy. This type of work is often done in small spaces and can be dirty. It involves a lot of bending, reaching, kneeling and lifting. Workers should know how to safely handle and use tools, equipment and chemicals. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, respirators, safety glasses and safety footwear must be worn.

Career Pathways

Automotive service technicians and truck and bus mechanics often begin their careers as shop hands or in other entry-level positions. With more training, workers can move from being automotive service technicians to truck and bus mechanics. Experienced workers may become service writers, a shop foreperson, a supervisor or start their own business.

With experience, mechanical repairers may move into supervisory positions in motor vehicle manufacturing. Mechanical repairers who complete an apprenticeship program may become vehicle mechanics.

Occupational Interests

It’s important to understand what kinds of occupations align with your interests.

For more about occupational interests visit Skills for the Future Workforce > Characteristics.

Here are the top occupational interest(s) for this career profile:

Realistic
Realistic

Job Titles

Apprentice motor vehicle mechanic
Automobile mechanic
Automotive service technician
Brake systems mechanic
Bus mechanic
Mechanical upgrader - motor vehicle manufacturing
Motor repairer - motor vehicle manufacturing
Transmission mechanic
Truck and transport mechanic
Truck-trailer repairer
Tune-up specialist - motor vehicle

Education, Training and Skills

A secondary school diploma is generally needed to work as an automotive service technician, truck and bus mechanic or mechanical repairer. A person typically needs to have a driver’s licence to be hired. Some positions may require a specific class of licence.

Certification is not required to work as an automotive service technician in B.C. Those who wish to be certified must complete a four-year apprenticeship program. The B.C. government is introducing skilled trades certification beginning with a total of 10 trades, including automotive service technicians. Certification will be implemented in phases between 2022 and 2024. Learn more about skilled trades certification.

Apprenticeship programs

Work experience and in-class instruction are part of apprenticeship programs. Some part-time and online programs may be available. To apprentice, workers must be sponsored by an employer. A person who successfully completes an apprenticeship program and the final certification exam earns a Certificate of Qualification. Workers with significant experience in the trade may be able to challenge the certification exam in order to earn the Certificate of Qualification without completing a formal apprenticeship. For more information on earning a Certificate of Qualification, visit SkilledTradesBC.

To work in other provinces

Automotive service technicians may need Red Seal certification. This can be earned by passing an exam and proving significant work experience.

Workers coming to B.C.

Automotive service technicians who are certified by a regulator elsewhere in Canada can apply for the same certification from the regulator in B.C. Under the terms of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), most applicants who are transferring their credentials from elsewhere in Canada will not be required to complete additional training or testing. However, the B.C. regulator may ask applicants to provide further information such as a letter of good standing, references or a criminal record check.

Workers who trained outside of Canada

Automotive service technicians who trained outside of Canada and have never received certification from a Canadian jurisdiction will likely need a full assessment. Most occupational regulators have a process for assessment and recognize internationally trained applicants. Contact SkilledTradesBC for details on how to apply for certification in B.C.

For information about labour mobility in Canada, visit www.workersmobility.ca.

View a list of Professional Regulatory Authorities in B.C.

Education programs in B.C.

The following program areas are related to this occupation:

  • Auto Mechanics Related
EducationPlannerBC Logo
Find out more information about programs offered specifically for this career.

Skills

Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.

Here, you will find the 10 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.

See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!

Repairing

Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

71%
Troubleshooting

Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

70%
Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials or other indicators to make sure that a machine is working properly.

62%
Equipment Maintenance

Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

59%
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

59%
Quality Control Analysis

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

54%
Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

54%
Operation and Control

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

53%
Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

53%
Monitoring

Keeping track of and assessing your performance, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

53%

Labour Market Statistics

Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.

Employment

Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.

Employment

17,245
Source: 2021 Census

Employment by Region

Map of BC Map of BC highlighting Cariboo region Map of BC highlighting Kootenay region Map of BC highlighting Mainland/Southwest region Map of BC highlighting North Coast and Nechako region Map of BC highlighting Northeast region Map of BC highlighting Thompson-Okanagan region Map of BC highlighting Vancouver Island/Coast region
Cariboo
Kootenay
Mainland/Southwest
North Coast and Nechako
Northeast
Thompson-Okanagan
Vancouver Island/Coast
Region Employment % Employment of this Occupation
Cariboo 985 5.7%
Kootenay 725 4.2%
Mainland/Southwest 9,380 54.4%
North Coast and Nechako 445 2.6%
Northeast 465 2.7%
Thompson-Okanagan 2,625 15.2%
Vancouver Island/Coast 2,625 15.2%
Source: 2021 Census

Labour Market Outlook

The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.

Forecasted Job Openings (2023-2033)

5,120
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Forecasted Job Openings

Forecasted Employment Growth Rate

Composition of Job Openings

Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Job Openings by Region (2023-2033)

Map of BC Map of BC highlighting Cariboo region Map of BC highlighting Kootenay region Map of BC highlighting Mainland/Southwest region Map of BC highlighting North Coast and Nechako region Map of BC highlighting Northeast region Map of BC highlighting Thompson-Okanagan region Map of BC highlighting Vancouver Island/Coast region
Cariboo
Kootenay
Mainland/Southwest
North Coast and Nechako
Northeast
Thompson-Okanagan
Vancouver Island/Coast
Region Job Openings Avg. Annual Employment Growth
Cariboo 250 0.0%
Kootenay 220 0.0%
Mainland/Southwest 2,640 0.6%
North Coast and Nechako 160 0.7%
Northeast 130 0.3%
Thompson-Okanagan 960 1.1%
Vancouver Island/Coast 750 0.5%
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Industry Highlights

Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.

Forecasted Job Openings by Industry

IndustryJob Openings (2023-2033)
Repair, Personal And Non-Profit Services2,200
Retail Trade1,340
Transportation And Warehousing560
Wholesale Trade220
Public Administration140
For additional industry information, visit the Industry Profiles page.
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Insights from Industry

For these career paths, job opportunities often come up as people leave the industry or retire. New job opportunities also come from the need to serve a growing population.

One growth area is with shops that service vehicles after the warranty has expired. These shops do oil changes or provide fast, low-cost maintenance on brakes and mufflers, for example.

Keeping up to date on new technology for motor vehicles and repair equipment is important in this career. Workers with specialized, up-to-date skills are in greatest demand.

Resources