Technician vs. Mechanic - What’s The Difference?

When you go into an auto shop for a repair, who do you ask for? Do you use the titles “mechanic” and “automotive technician” interchangeably? In this industry, these two positions involve different training and specialties. Poston Motor Co. is here to address any confusion and to help distinguish between these two fields and debate the differences between technicians vs mechanics.

What does an automotive technician do?

The world of cars is similar to the world of medicine in that there are specialists in different fields. An automotive technician will have studied and trained to be an expert in the electronics and technical diagnosis of a vehicle. This professional will be able to work closely with a car’s electronic system to troubleshoot, maintain, and repair the vehicle without causing damage.



What does a mechanic do?

The world of cars is similar to the world of medicine in that while everyone has received the same basic medical training, there are specialists who work in different fields.

The same applies in the auto repair field. An automotive technician will have studied and trained to be an expert in the electronics and technical diagnosis of a vehicle. This professional will be able to work closely with a car’s electronic system to troubleshoot, maintain, and repair the vehicle without causing damage. This role is different from that of a mechanic. 

What does a mechanic do?

With training that requires just as much skill as a technician, an auto mechanic specializes in the mechanical systems of a vehicle. This professional will be able to disassemble and reassemble an entire engine and leave the machinery better than they found it. They can also perform basic tasks such as changing the oil or brake pads of a car. 

How a Mechanic and Technician Intertwine

It’s important to note that because the electronic and mechanical systems of a car are intertwined, there is a crossover between mechanics and technicians. In today’s industry, many auto shop employees will wear different hats. It’s not a far stretch to say that most of these professionals can be considered both a mechanic and an automotive technician.

Mechanic vs Technician: Which is best? 

There isn’t an answer as to which career path is best; it just depends on your natural aptitude and what you enjoy doing. For those working in the industry wanting to move up and get a higher paycheck, it’s important to not limit yourself to just one role. If you can diagnose an issue AND fix it, you’re essentially cutting out the work of two people while still getting rewarded with the cost of both jobs. 

Having an employee who has cross-experience as a technician and a mechanic is also beneficial for automotive businesses. With fewer people on the team, there is room for increased wages and bonuses. These staff benefits will create a positive atmosphere in the workplace and encourage company loyalty.

Automotive Technician vs Mechanic: At Poston Motor Co., We Have Both! 

At Poston Motor Co., we have a diverse team of professionals who have the expertise to handle just about any automotive issue. Stop by our location today for maintenance, replacement, and other automotive services for your vehicle. 678-455-5246