How to become an Automotive Technician

Official title: Automotive Technician (General)

Also called: Light Vehicle Mechanic, Motor Mechanic (General)

Maintains, tests and repairs petrol engines and the mechanical parts of lightweight motor vehicles, such as transmissions, suspension, steering and brakes.

Main tasks

• Inspects lightweight vehicles to identify mechanical issues and determine the necessary repairs
• Uses computerised diagnostic tools to identify problems with petrol engines and mechanical parts of motor vehicles
• Repairs or replaces faulty parts and components of motor vehicles
• Performs routine maintenance tasks on motor vehicles, such as oil changes and filter replacements
• Inspects and road tests motor vehicles to ensure they are roadworthy

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology (AUR30420); Certificate III in Automotive Engine Reconditioning (AUR31316); Certificate III in Automotive Underbody Technology (AUR32518); Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR31120); Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR30620); Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology (AUR31220); Certificate III in Recreational Vehicle Service and Repair (MSM31022); Certificate IV in Recreational Vehicles (MSM41122)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $84,344 a year
• About 111,200 people work in this job group now, and about 119,500 are projected by 2035. (+7.5%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Automotive Electrician
• Panelbeater
• Agricultural Mechanic
• Bicycle Technician
• Diesel Technician
• Electric Vehicle Technician

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Questions people ask

How do I become an Automotive Technician?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology; Certificate III in Automotive Engine Reconditioning; Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology.

How much does an Automotive Technician earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $84,344 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is an Automotive Technician a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2035, from about 111,200 to about 119,500 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become an Automotive Technician?

Usually not. Only 3% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology; Certificate III in Automotive Engine Reconditioning; Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology.

Will AI change the work of an Automotive Technician?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04