Automotive Computer Technician Career | Find Automotive Schools

Overview of an Automotive Computer Technician

Automotive computer technicians are professionals who work with computer technology that is incorporated into automobiles. They perform basic automotive technician duties such as being in charge of inspecting, repairing and maintaining vehicles. However, their specialty lies in using computer-based tools and programs for technical tasks. The main part of their work involves managing vehicle components and the systems that run them.

Specialists in this career are responsible for testing the computer systems incorporated into cars, small trucks and other vehicles. Examples of the systems they manage include anti-lock brakes, parking sensors and child-lock features. Anti-lock braking is an automated safety system that provides greater control over the vehicle to prevent skidding or locked wheels. Automobiles that have parking sensors alert the driver of possible obstacles when trying to park a car. A child-lock system allows a driver to switch the parental lock on, and the rest of the car locks itself automatically.

These are just some of the computer systems found in automobiles. They are controlled by technology that automotive computer technicians program before installing them inside the vehicle. Technicians have to ensure that each of these multi-faceted systems are in good working condition. Any system malfunction will be hazardous to both drivers and passengers. The systems are tested using computer programs and mechanical procedures.

Most components in automobiles today are automated. Technicians in this specialty have to understand the mechanics of each automated system. This will allow them to quickly identify problems so they can act on them right away. The diagnostic equipment they use is computerized so that scans and inspections will be easy to manage, thorough and efficient. They will have to know how to operate this equipment correctly. Technical measures are very organized. Automotive computer technicians will have standard procedures to follow. They usually make use of a checklist to ensure all areas of responsibility have been covered. These specialists? duties are not all computer-based. The computer is the main instrument they use, but they may also be required to perform hands-on tasks. Software is convenient for finding out what needs to be checked, repaired, installed and maintained. Actually handling all of this is a physical procedure that these specialized technicians have to be trained to do. The basics involve routine maintenance procedures and repairing or replacing broken parts.

This career requires great attention to detail as well as?analytically?thinking. Automotive computer technicians fix and maintain automobile software in addition to finding ways to develop these systems. They usually work full time in workshops and even during weekends to provide efficient customer service.

Education Requirements for an Automotive Computer Technician

Employers will require automotive computer technicians to have more than a high school diploma. Advanced training and experience will be needed for better job opportunities. Vocational training programs and associate degrees are acceptable.

The training and certificate programs usually last from six months to a year. They offer the minimum education requirements for the career and will be good for entry-level positions. Hands-on experience and intensive classroom instruction is provided. Associate degree programs last up to two years. There will be a wider range of subjects taught compared to training programs. Some of these include automotive repair, computers and electronics.

The preferred education requirement is a bachelor?s or master?s degree in any course related to automobiles and computers. Courses are usually taken full time for up to four years. The following are just some of the degrees and certifications related to the career.

Common Majors and Certifications:

• Applied Science in Automotive Technology
• Automobile Maintenance Technology
• Automotive Engineering
• Car Mechanics
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Information Technology
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Software Engineering

All these will serve as a solid formal education in being able to understand what the career calls for. Automotive computer technicians may be required to get a certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. This will be very helpful in getting a job in the field because it serves as a standard credential showing that the technician is highly qualified in their line of work.

Automotive Computer Technician Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, automotive computer technicians fall under the category of automotive service technicians and mechanics. The yearly mean wage for specialists in this career was $35,790 in 2010. Automotive computer technicians received a salary from $20,200 to greater than $59,590. The median hourly wage was $17.21. The employment rate for these specialists is predicted to rise by 17 percent from 2010 to 2020.

Where do Automotive Computer Technician Work?

The top three employers that hire the most automotive computer technicians include automotive repair and maintenance companies, automotive dealerships and automotive parts, accessories and tire firms. The top three industries that pay the most are aerospace product and parts manufacturers, the computer systems design sector and natural gas distributors. The states offering the highest level of employment are California, Texas, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania.

Vehicle production is growing considerably, and the industry is coming up with more improved and technologically developed automobiles. This means there is a great demand for highly qualified technicians who have undergone formal training and education. Employers will need skilled professionals who are adept in computer technology, electronics and automobiles.

Automotive computer technicians can also go into retail, development and leasing in addition to working in automobile manufacturing. These technicians can also become consultants for businesses involved with automobile development.

Source: http://findautomotiveschools.com/automotive-computer-technician-career

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