Oil Technician Job Description
Oil technicians, also known as oil change technicians and lube technicians, perform oil changes and light vehicle maintenance tasks. Vehicle service companies, mechanics, car dealerships, and oil change companies hire oil technicians to work full- and part-time hours during all shifts, including evenings and weekends. Oil technicians work in automotive repair shops in all weather conditions and function within a collaborative team environment with mechanics and service technicians. Oil technicians may travel to different branch locations in the event of employee shortages, but they primarily perform their regular job duties within one service shop.
Oil Technician Duties and Responsibilities
The daily tasks performed by oil technicians vary based on the number and type of vehicles coming into the shop for service and the maintenance needs they have. Despite these variables, oil technicians regularly perform several specific work duties, including:
Change Oil
Oil technicians drain and change oil in vehicles, following all safe-handling procedures to correctly dispose of used motor oil.
Top Off Fluids
Oil technicians top off fluids in vehicle engines, including transmission and windshield wiper fluid.
Change Tires
Oil technicians change and rotate tires.
Inspect Vehicles
Oil technicians inspect vehicles to determine maintenance and repair needs. This includes checking fluid levels and tire air pressure.
Replace Filters
Oil technicians replace oil and air filters.
Follow Safety Protocols
Oil technicians follow safety protocols for working in the repair shop and driving vehicles.
Test Vehicles
Oil technicians briefly test drive vehicles to ensure all maintenance and repair work was successfully completed.
Fill Out Work Orders
Oil technicians fill out work order forms as tasks are completed.
Communicate with Customers
Oil technicians speak to customers to determine their maintenance needs and learn more about any engine problems they may be having.
Oil Technician Skills and Qualifications
Oil technicians use mechanical skills and time management to service vehicles and change oil quickly and efficiently. Employers also look for these skills when hiring oil technicians:
- Vehicle maintenance experience – oil technicians operate multiple types of vehicles and perform many vehicle maintenance tasks, which requires good mechanical ability
- Driving skills – oil technicians must know how to operate manual and automatic transmissions and drive multiple types of vehicles, which requires strong driving skills
- Physical fitness – oil technicians need strength and stamina to work while standing, stooping, squatting, bending, crawling, and lying down
- Time management – oil technicians use time management to work in a fast-paced environment and complete maintenance tasks quickly and efficiently
- Customer service – oil technicians interact with customers regarding maintenance and vehicle needs, so employers seek candidates with strong customer service skills
- Attention to detail – oil technicians use attention to detail to perform all tasks precisely and safely
- Analytical thinking – oil technicians use analytical skills to evaluate maintenance needs and assess overall engine performance to determine if additional repairs are needed
Tools of the Trade
Oil technicians regularly work with the following tools:
- Tire tools (lug nuts, tire irons, tire gauges)
- Vehicle maintenance tools (funnels, pourers, dipsticks, wipe cloths)
- Hand tools (wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers)
Oil Technician Education and Training
When hiring oil technicians, employers look for individuals who are at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED. Because operating vehicles is required for this job, oil technicians must also have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. Many employers prefer oil technicians who have past experience with automotive maintenance and repair, but this is not a requirement for this entry-level job.
Paid training is provided to oil technicians because they are often hired on an entry-level basis. During training, oil technicians work with an experienced mechanic or technician to learn how to perform basic vehicle maintenance and repair tasks. The training period varies by employer but typically lasts no longer than two weeks.
Oil Technician Salary and Outlook
According to PayScale, oil technicians earn $10.27 per hour on average. Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that automotive service technicians and mechanics earn $19.02 in median hourly income, or $39,550 per year. Automotive service technicians and mechanics perform maintenance work on cars and trucks; oil technicians handle some of these repair tasks on a limited basis. The BLS projects that employment in this field will increase 6 percent through 2026, a rate that is as fast as the national average.
Some employers provide medical insurance benefits to full-time oil technicians, but they are not always offered. Many employers do offer certification reimbursement and paid vacation days to full-time oil technicians. In addition to benefits, a majority of employers provide oil technicians with career advancement opportunities within the company. Sometimes work uniforms are also provided to oil technicians.
Helpful Resources
Use these books and websites to learn more about oil changes and vehicle maintenance, find job opportunities, and read automotive industry updates:
Auto Care Association – explore career opportunities, upcoming professional events, and news updates for automotive professionals, including oil technicians, at this website
Automotive Technician Training: Theory – this in-depth textbook offers strategies and tips for performing vehicle maintenance tasks of all types
Automotive Oil Change Association – find certification programs and educational tools, search career resources, and learn more about the automotive industry at this website that focuses on automotive oil changes
How to Change Your Oil Like a Pro – this book explains how to change oil like a professional in a simple, straightforward manner that anyone can understand, so oil technicians can get all the tips they need to perform quick, efficient oil changes
Automotive Service Association – look for job openings, find tools and resources, get information about upcoming industry events, and read news updates at this website dedicated to the automotive service industry
Auto Repair for Dummies – this simple guide to basic auto repair tasks is easy to read and follow, simplifying all sorts of vehicle maintenance tasks that oil technicians need to know
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