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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.

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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
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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.
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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.
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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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