Automotive service technicians and mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks. Although technicians often identify and fix automotive problems with computers, they commonly work with greasy parts and tools, sometimes in uncomfortable positions.

2021 Median Salary
$46,880

Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Little change

Typical Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or GED and a postsecondary nondegree

This data reflects the information available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on June 29, 2022. To learn more about this occupation, visit bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm.

Automotive service technicians and mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks. Although technicians often identify and fix automotive problems with computers, they commonly work with greasy parts and tools, sometimes in uncomfortable positions.

2021 Median Salary
$104,150

Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Slower than average

Typical Entry-Level Education
Bachelor’s degree

This data reflects the information available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on June 29, 2022. To learn more about this occupation, visit bls.gov/ooh/management/industrial-production-managers.htm.

Stationary engineers and boiler operators operate engines, boilers, and related equipment for the safe and efficient operation of air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment, turbines, generators, pumps, and compressors for large commercial (e.g., hospitals, universities) and industrial facilities. They start up, regulate, repair, and shut down equipment. They monitor meters, gauges, and computerized controls to ensure that equipment operates safely and within established limits. They use sophisticated electrical and electronic test equipment to service, troubleshoot, repair, and monitor heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. Shift work is often required.

2021 Median Salary
$63,500

Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Average

Typical Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or GED and extensive on-the-job training

This data reflects the information available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on June 29, 2022. To learn more about this occupation, visit bls.gov/ooh/production/stationary-engineers-and-boiler-operators.htm.

General maintenance and repair workers fix and maintain machines, mechanical equipment, and buildings. They could work at any number of indoor or outdoor locations and often carry out many different tasks in a single day.

2021 Median Salary
$43,180

Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Average

Typical Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or GED

This data reflects the information available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on June 29, 2022. To learn more about this occupation, visit bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/general-maintenance-and-repair-workers.htm.

Quality control inspectors are responsible for ensuring a wide variety of manufacturing products meet quality standards, including foods, textiles, clothing, glassware, motor vehicles, electronic components, computers, and structural steel. They typically monitor production, test products to ensure that standards are met (such as size, weight, color, taste, strength, or performance standards), accept or reject items based on quality inspections, and recommend adjustments to the manufacturing process when defect rates exceed tolerances.

2021 Median Salary
$38,580

Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Declining

Typical Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or GED

This data reflects the information available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on June 29, 2022. To learn more about this occupation, visit bls.gov/ooh/production/quality-control-inspectors.htm.