Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitters
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitters fit and replace parts and accessories on motor vehicles.
Tasks
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removing old and damaged parts and cleaning surrounding areas on vehicles
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fitting batteries and installing accessories such as sun roofs, stereos and alarms
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removing damaged glass, trimming strips and rubber seals from window frames and mountings on motor vehicles, positioning new windscreens and glass windows on frames and attaching and sealing them
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inspecting, removing and repairing muffler mountings, and fitting new mufflers, extractors and exhaust pipes
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removing radiators from vehicles and cleaning and repairing them
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installing new or repaired radiators into vehicles and repairing and replacing other units in the cooling system such as thermostats, head gaskets and water pumps
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inspecting tyres to determine which repair action to implement and repairing punctures in tubes and tubeless tyres
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operating air driven equipment to remove and refit tyres and tubes on vehicles
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balancing wheels and tyres using static and electronic equipment
Characteristics
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Vocational Education and Training (VET)
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Informal or on-the-job
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Practical
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Medium
-
Heavy
Outlook
JSA produces employment projections to show where likely future job opportunities may be. The latest data are for the five years from November 2021 to November 2026. Over this period, the number of workers in this occupation is likely to remain stable.
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Notes: The number employed includes people who work in this occupation as their main job. People who work in more than one job are counted against the occupation they work the most hours in.
Employment projections figures are rounded to the nearest 100. Calculations based on these rounded figures may result in differences to the numbers that are displayed on this page. Employment projections data (including occupations) can be downloaded from the Employment Projections page.
Number of Workers
Year | Employment |
---|---|
2011 | 16,700 |
2012 | 15,500 |
2013 | 13,600 |
2014 | 11,400 |
2015 | 13,200 |
2016 | 13,700 |
2017 | 11,300 |
2018 | 9,400 |
2019 | 16,100 |
2020 | 17,000 |
2021 | 11,000 |
2026 | 11,000 |
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, ABS seasonally adjusted data to November 2021 and Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
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Around 89% of people employed as Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitters work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 23 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 44 hours per week in their main job. This is the same as the all jobs average.
More than a third of workers regularly work overtime or extra hours (either paid or unpaid).
Median full-time earnings are $1,155 per week, this is much lower than the all jobs median ($1,593):
- 3 in 4 workers earn more than $993
- 1 in 4 earn more than $1,221
Median hourly earnings are $27, this is lower than the all jobs median ($41 per hour).
Sources: Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average. Overtime hours: ABS, Characteristics of Employment, 2021. Full-time median earnings and median hourly earnings: ABS, Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021. Compared to all jobs median.
Weekly Earnings (Before Tax)
Earnings | Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitters | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Full-Time Earnings | 1,155 | 1,593 |
Total Earnings | 0 | 0 |
Source: Based on ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021, Customised Report. Median weekly total cash earnings for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. Earnings are before tax and include amounts salary sacrificed. Earnings can vary greatly depending on the skills and experience of the worker and the demands of the role. These figures should be used as a guide only, not to determine a wage rate.
Industries
Main industries
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Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitters work in industries like:
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, annual average 2021.
Regions
Employment across Australia
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Employment by State and Territory (% Share)
State | Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitters | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 27.2 | 31.6 |
VIC | 20.9 | 25.6 |
QLD | 25.8 | 20.0 |
SA | 8.0 | 7.0 |
WA | 13.9 | 10.8 |
TAS | 2.2 | 2.0 |
NT | 1.2 | 1.0 |
ACT | 0.8 | 1.9 |
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Around 57% of Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitters live outside of capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 38%.
Queensland and Western Australia have a large share of employment relative to their population size.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian states, territories and regions, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Worker profile
Age and gender
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The median age of Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitters is 34 years. This is younger than the all jobs average of 40 years.
A large share of workers are aged 25 to 34 years.
Females make up 2% of the workforce. This is 46 percentage points below the all jobs average of 48%.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile and gender share compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile (% Share)
Age Bracket | Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitters | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 4.8 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 14.8 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 30.5 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 21.4 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 17.9 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 5.9 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 3.0 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 1.7 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 34 | 40 |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Employment Pathways
Education, training and experience
Formal qualifications are not essential to work as a Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitter. Although some workers have a certificate II or III in automotive technology.
Visit
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Automotive Retail, Service and Repair and Automotive Manufacturing Sector VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitters | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 0.2 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 1.5 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 2.7 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 33.4 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 20.0 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 10.1 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 32.0 | 12.5 |
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Skills and Knowledge
Employers look for Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitters who are reliable, can interact with others, and are well presented.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
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54%
RepairingFixing machines or systems.
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50%
TroubleshootingFiguring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
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46%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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46%
Quality control analysisDoing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
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45%
Equipment maintenanceMaintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.
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45%
Operation and controlControlling equipment or systems.
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45%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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43%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
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43%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
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43%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
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43%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
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43%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
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43%
Serving othersLooking for ways to help people.
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43%
Systems evaluationMeasuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.
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41%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
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41%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
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39%
Equipment selectionDeciding on the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
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39%
SpeakingTalking to others.
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39%
Systems analysisFiguring out how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect it.
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37%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
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82%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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58%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
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51%
Computers and electronicsCircuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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46%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
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46%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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44%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
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44%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
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40%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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36%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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36%
PhysicsThe physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
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34%
Sales and marketingShowing, promoting, and selling including marketing strategy, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
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32%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
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30%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
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30%
ChemistryChemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
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30%
Personnel and human resourcesRecruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
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28%
Production and processingRaw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
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28%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
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26%
Economics and accountingEconomics and accounting, the financial markets, banking and checking and reporting of financial data.
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23%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
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21%
TelecommunicationsTransmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
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63%
Extent flexibilityBend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
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57%
Control precisionQuickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
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55%
Multilimb coordinationUse your arms and/or legs at the same time while sitting, standing, or lying down.
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55%
VisualizationImagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
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54%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
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54%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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54%
Hearing sensitivityTell the difference between sounds.
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52%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
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52%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
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50%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
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50%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
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50%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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50%
Auditory attentionPay attention to a certain sound when there are other distracting sounds.
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48%
Inductive reasoningUse lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
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48%
Selective attentionPay attention to something without being distracted.
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45%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
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45%
Flexibility of closureSee a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) hidden in other distracting material.
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45%
Speed of recognitionQuickly make sense of and organize things you can see like letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
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43%
Trunk strengthUse your abdominal and lower back muscles a number of times without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
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39%
Speech recognitionIdentify and understand the speech of another person.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
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72%
Handling and moving objectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
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65%
Controlling equipment or machinesOperating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).
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64%
Working with mechanical equipmentServicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment.
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63%
Doing physically active workUse your arms, legs and whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling objects.
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63%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
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61%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
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57%
Collecting and organising informationCompiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.
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57%
Working with electronic equipmentServicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing electronic devices and equipment.
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55%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
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54%
Driving vehicles or equipmentRunning, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
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53%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
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52%
Making sense of information and ideasLooking at, working with, and understanding data or information.
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51%
Working with computersUsing computers to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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51%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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50%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
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50%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
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48%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
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47%
Assessing and evaluating thingsWorking out the value, importance, or quality of things, services or people.
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45%
Checking compliance with standardsDeciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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41%
Explaining things to peopleHelping people to understand and use information.
Interests and demands
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
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100%
PracticalPractical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
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48%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
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43%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
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29%
EnterprisingStarting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
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14%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
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14%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
Values
-
67%
SupportSupportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
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62%
IndependenceWork alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
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62%
RelationshipsServe and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
-
52%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
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48%
Working conditionsJob security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
-
43%
RecognitionAdvancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
Demands
-
100%
Loud or uncomfortable soundsBe exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
-
96%
Wear common protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
-
96%
Exposure to contaminantsBe exposed to pollutants, gases, dust or odours.
-
95%
Time pressureWork to strict deadlines.
-
93%
Spend time standingSpend time standing at work.
-
93%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
-
93%
Using your hands to handle, control, or feelSpend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
-
91%
In an enclosed vehicle or equipmentWork in a closed vehicle (e.g., car).
-
88%
Very hot or cold temperaturesWork in very hot or cold temperatures.
-
86%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
-
85%
Dangerous equipmentWork near dangerous equipment like saws, machinery with open moving parts, or moving traffic.
-
85%
Minor burns, cuts, bites, or stingsBe exposed to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings.
-
85%
Frequent decision makingFrequently make decisions that impact other people.
-
84%
Dangerous conditionsWork near dangers like high voltage electricity, flammable material, explosives or chemicals.
-
82%
Indoors, not heat controlledWork indoors without heating or cooling (e.g., warehouse without heat).
-
82%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
-
80%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
-
79%
Impact of decisionsMake decisions that have a large impact on other people.
-
77%
Unstructured workHave freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
-
76%
Bright or inadequate lightingWork in extremely bright or dark lighting conditions.
O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 49-3023.02 - Automotive Specialty Technicians.
Links and downloads
Research and reports
The Skills Priority List provides a current labour market rating and a future demand rating for nearly 800 occupations nationally. Current labour market ratings are available for occupations at a state and territory level.
Downloads
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Occupation profiles data are available for download.
The Employment Projections are available for download.