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Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

The short answer

This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade, with about 3,965 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.

How much AI could touch this job

Least exposedband 1 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with a small part of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

This job is in the least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.

AI can help with or automate about 13% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  2. Conduct visual inspections of compressed natural gas fuel systems to identify cracks, gouges, abrasions, discoloration, broken fibers, loose brackets, damaged gaskets, or other problems.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  3. Estimate costs of vehicle repair.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  4. Plan work procedures, using charts, technical manuals, and experience.

    AI could do much of this on its own

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Motorcycle Mechanics

    Very similar work
    +1% pay41 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 1% more—$56,319 vs your $55,645 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a postsecondary nondegree award, plus short-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Mechanical
    • Manual Dexterity
    • Finger Dexterity
    • Repairing
    • Troubleshooting

    Your current skills largely cover this move.

  • Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

    Very similar work
    +30% pay2,106 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 30% more—$72,078 vs your $55,645 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Mechanical
    • Repairing
    • Finger Dexterity
    • Troubleshooting
    • Extent Flexibility

    New skills to build

    • Transportation
    • Education and Training
    • Public Safety and Security
    • Hearing Sensitivity
    • Building and Construction
  • Rail Car Repairers

    Very similar work
    +56% pay164 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 56% more—$86,975 vs your $55,645 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Mechanical
    • Manual Dexterity
    • Repairing
    • Troubleshooting
    • Finger Dexterity

    New skills to build

    • Building and Construction
    • Design
    • Production and Processing
    • Reaction Time
  • Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

    Very similar work
    +9% pay162 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 9% more—$60,609 vs your $55,645 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Mechanical
    • Repairing
    • Troubleshooting
    • Inductive Reasoning
    • Problem Sensitivity

    New skills to build

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Design
  • Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines

    Very similar work
    +23% pay431 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 23% more—$68,183 vs your $55,645 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Mechanical
    • Manual Dexterity
    • Finger Dexterity
    • Repairing
    • Troubleshooting

    New skills to build

    • Building and Construction
  • Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers

    Similar work
    +23% pay51 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 23% more—$68,591 vs your $55,645 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with less than 5 years of experience, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Mechanical
    • Finger Dexterity
    • Repairing
    • Manual Dexterity
    • Troubleshooting

    New skills to build

    • Production and Processing