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Automotive Service Writer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Automotive Service Manager

Tustin, CA · On-site

$60K - $100K/yr

We are looking for automotive service managers to manage and direct all service department activities of a retail store engaged in selling tires and related automotive parts and mechanical services.

We are hiring an experienced Automotive Service Advisor to join our team! Now is the time to take ... Minimum 1 year of Automotive Service Advisor/Writing * Previous working experience in a Honda ...

We are hiring an experienced Automotive Service Advisor to join our team! Now is the time to take ... Minimum 1 year of Automotive Service Advisor/Writing * Previous working experience in a Honda ...

... services offered at Walmart. The Auto Care Center is a rewarding place to work with opportunities for advanced associate training, business development, and application of technology. Benefits ...

... services offered at Walmart. The Auto Care Center is a rewarding place to work with opportunities for advanced associate training, business development, and application of technology. Benefits ...

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Automotive Service Writer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$13

$25

$41

How much do automotive service writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for automotive service writer in Riverside, CA is $25.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $30.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Automotive Service Writers?

Automotive Service Writers, also known as service advisors, act as the liaison between customers and the automotive repair shop. They are responsible for listening to customer concerns about their vehicles, communicating those concerns to mechanics, estimating repair costs, and explaining recommended services to customers. Service Writers ensure that customers receive accurate information, schedule repair appointments, and help maintain customer satisfaction throughout the repair process.

What Is an Automotive Service Writer?

As an automotive service writer, you work at a vehicle service center, and your primary responsibilities are to inspect customer vehicles, such as light trucks and cars, to determine their working condition and then calculate how much any necessary repairs would cost. Your job duties include talking to the customer to find out what needs to be repaired, conducting visual inspections of a vehicle’s engine and other systems, and writing a report of your findings to include a list of recommended services and repairs. You can also find automotive service writer jobs at government agencies and corporations that own large fleets of vehicles. Car dealerships with automotive service departments hire automotive service advisors as well.

How does an Automotive Service Writer typically collaborate with technicians and customers during the repair process?

An Automotive Service Writer acts as the communication bridge between customers and technicians. They gather detailed information about vehicle issues from customers, relay this information clearly to technicians, and keep both parties updated throughout the repair process. Service Writers also review completed work with technicians to ensure accuracy before explaining repairs and associated costs to customers, ensuring transparency and customer satisfaction. Effective collaboration requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

How much do Walmart auto service writers make?

Walmart auto service writers typically earn an average hourly wage of around $12 to $20, depending on experience and location. They often work in a retail environment with flexible schedules and may need basic automotive knowledge and customer service skills.

How to become a service writer for a dealership?

To become a service writer for a dealership, candidates typically need strong communication skills, basic automotive knowledge, and customer service experience. Many employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent, and some may require familiarity with dealership management software. Gaining experience in automotive service or sales can improve job prospects.

What is the difference between Automotive Service Writer vs Automotive Service Advisor?

AspectAutomotive Service WriterAutomotive Service Advisor
CredentialsHigh school diploma; some certificationsHigh school diploma; certifications optional
Work EnvironmentDealerships, repair shopsDealerships, repair shops
Primary RoleWriting repair orders, communicating with customersDiagnosing vehicle issues, recommending repairs
Customer InteractionModerate; explains repairsHigh; discusses diagnostics and solutions

Automotive Service Writer and Automotive Service Advisor roles often overlap, focusing on customer communication and repair documentation. While both require strong communication skills and familiarity with automotive repairs, Service Writers primarily handle paperwork and customer service, whereas Service Advisors diagnose issues and recommend repairs. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What does an automotive service writer do?

An automotive service writer acts as a liaison between customers and the service department, documenting vehicle issues, explaining repair options, and preparing work orders. They often use dealership management software and need good communication skills to ensure customer satisfaction and accurate service delivery.

How much do car writers make?

Automotive service writers typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, with the average around $45,000. Earnings can vary based on experience, location, and the dealership or repair shop size, and often include commissions or bonuses for upselling services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Automotive Service Writer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Service Writer, you need a solid understanding of automotive systems, strong customer service skills, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with shop management software, estimating tools, and basic computer systems is typically required. Excellent communication, active listening, and problem-solving abilities help build trust with customers and collaborate effectively with technicians. These skills ensure smooth workflow, accurate service documentation, and high customer satisfaction in a fast-paced automotive environment.
What are popular job titles related to Automotive Service Writer jobs in Riverside, CA? For Automotive Service Writer jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Service Writer jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Service Writer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Automotive Service Writer jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Automotive Service Writer job openings:
Infographic showing various Automotive Service Writer job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,386 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Service Writer

Puente Hills Chrysler Dodge

City Of Industry, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Service Advisor

Department: Service

Reports to: Service Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary: The service advisor is responsible for scheduling service work in the service department and for selling additional services to customers.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Maintain Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) rating as set by service manager.
  • Maintain the prescribed standard for “hours per customer repair order written”
  • Greet customers in a timely, friendly and professional manner. Let customers who are waiting know that they will be helped soon.
  • Communicate with customer to determine the nature of their mechanical problem(s).
  • Obtain accurate customer and vehicle data.
  • Test-drive vehicle as necessary.
  • Advise customers on the care of their cars and the value of maintaining their vehicles in accordance with the manufacturers’ specifications.
  • Lift the hood of every vehicle and look underneath for potential additional repair needs.
  • If additional work is needed, clearly explain the exact repair instructions, making a special note of the main reason(s) the customer brought the vehicle in. Repair orders must be legible.
  • Notify dispatcher of incoming work.
  • Provide estimates for labor and parts. If the cost of service cannot be established during reception, leave open and contact the customer later for approval.
  • Establish each customer’s method of payment. Obtain approval of credit, if necessary.
  • Obtain customer’s signature on repair order; provide customer with a copy.
  • Follow up progress of each repair order during the day. Contact customer by telephone regarding any changes in the estimate of time promised. Record changes on repair order in the approved manner.
  • Handle telephone inquiries regarding work in process and appointments.
  • Compare final invoice with original repair order.
  • Analyze quality control report to ensure that work is completed as requested to reduce comebacks.
  • Deliver vehicle to customer and answer any questions.
  • Maintain follow up program on additional items found in need of repair.
  • Attend meetings as scheduled.
  • Establish and maintain good working relationships with customers to encourage repeat and referral business.
  • Ensure that work areas and customer waiting areas are kept clean.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & Experience:

Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or six months to one year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language Skills:

Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Mathematical Skills:

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and distance vision.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

THE ABOVE DECLARATIONS ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE AN “ALL-INCLUSIVE” LIST OF THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JOB DESCRIBED OR OF THE SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM THE JOB. RATHER, THEY ARE INTENDED ONLY TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB.

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Signature (Employee) Date

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Signature (Supervisor) Date