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Automotive Trainer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Automotive Technician

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$38 - $47/hr

We are members of the Automotive Training Institute. In 2025 we were ranked top 12 shops around the United States in Performance and Productivity out of the entire ATI world of 2,000+ shops. We are a ...

Automotive Technician

Salem, OR · On-site

$35 - $56/hr

We are members of the Automotive Training Institute. In 2025 we were ranked top 12 shops around the United States in Performance and Productivity out of the entire ATI world of 2,000+ shops. We are a ...

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Automotive Trainer information

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$12

$26

$38

How much do automotive trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for automotive trainer in the United States is $26.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectAutomotive TrainerAutomotive Service Advisor
CredentialsCertifications in automotive technology, teaching credentials often preferredCustomer service certifications, automotive knowledge
Work EnvironmentTraining centers, dealerships, technical schoolsService departments, dealerships, repair shops
Employer & IndustryAutomotive training providers, dealerships, vocational schoolsDealerships, independent repair shops, service centers

Automotive Trainers focus on educating technicians and staff on automotive repair and maintenance, often working in training centers or dealerships. Automotive Service Advisors interact directly with customers, explaining repairs and scheduling services. While both roles require automotive knowledge, trainers emphasize instruction, whereas advisors focus on customer service and communication.

What are some common challenges Automotive Trainers face when delivering training sessions, and how can they overcome them?

Automotive Trainers often encounter challenges such as varying skill levels among trainees, keeping up with rapidly evolving automotive technology, and maintaining engagement during technical sessions. To address these issues, trainers can use a mix of hands-on demonstrations, interactive activities, and tailored instructional materials to match different learning styles. Staying current with industry developments and attending manufacturer-led training ensures trainers can provide accurate, up-to-date information. Additionally, fostering an open, supportive environment encourages trainees to ask questions and actively participate, which enhances learning outcomes.

What are Automotive Trainers?

Automotive Trainers are professionals who teach and instruct individuals or groups in automotive technology, repair, and maintenance. They often work in vocational schools, technical colleges, or within automotive companies to train mechanics, technicians, or apprentices. Their responsibilities include developing training materials, demonstrating repair techniques, staying current with new automotive technologies, and assessing trainees’ progress. Automotive Trainers play a key role in ensuring that automotive professionals have the up-to-date skills and knowledge required to work on modern vehicles safely and efficiently.

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

To thrive as an Automotive Trainer, you need in-depth automotive technical knowledge, experience in diagnostics and repair, and often certifications such as ASE or manufacturer-specific credentials. Familiarity with training software, automotive diagnostic tools, and learning management systems is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and presentation skills help effectively transfer knowledge and engage diverse learners. These competencies ensure that trainees gain the practical skills and up-to-date expertise needed to maintain high standards in the automotive industry.

What Does an Automotive Trainer Do?

Automotive trainers work for car manufacturers; their primary responsibility is to teach salespeople at car dealerships about the features and specifications available on the different car models produced by their employers. In this role, you travel to various dealerships in your territory and demonstrate what makes your vehicles different from other cars so that the sales representatives can highlight these unique features to prospective buyers. You can also offer advice on sales techniques that are specific to the new vehicles. Some technical trainers work with the repair staff at dealerships to show them how to fix and maintain new components or features.

What cities are hiring for Automotive Trainer jobs? Cities with the most Automotive Trainer job openings:
What states have the most Automotive Trainer jobs? States with the most job openings for Automotive Trainer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Automotive Trainer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,463 per year, or $26.2 per hour.
Automotive Technician Trainer / Director of Technician Development

Automotive Technician Trainer / Director of Technician Development

Pohanka of Salisbury

Salisbury, MD

$45K - $58K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Automotive Technician Trainer / Director of Technician Development

Pohanka Automotive Group of Salisbury | Full-Time | Salaried


About Pohanka Automotive Group

Pohanka Automotive Group is one of the most respected names in the automotive industry, with a long-standing reputation for excellence in sales, service, and customer satisfaction. As we continue to grow, we are investing in the future of our service departments by building a best-in-class technician development program — and we need an exceptional leader to make it happen.


The Opportunity

We are looking for a passionate, hands-on Automotive Technician Trainer (or Director of Technician Development) to build, lead, and grow our technician training program from the ground up. This is a rare opportunity to shape the next generation of automotive professionals at one of the region's premier dealer groups.

If you've spent years in the shop, understand what it takes to develop raw talent into skilled technicians, and are ready to step into a leadership role where your impact is felt every day — we want to talk to you.


What You'll Do
  • Design and own the training program — develop structured, multi-phase curriculum covering everything from shop fundamentals to advanced diagnostics
  • Onboard entry-level technicians with zero prior experience, giving them a clear, supported pathway into the trade
  • Guide technicians through ASE certification — build prep materials, track progress, and celebrate milestones
  • Deliver OEM/brand-specific training aligned with manufacturer requirements, tools, and repair standards across our brand portfolio
  • Manage our apprenticeship program — recruit candidates, oversee earn-while-you-learn structures, coordinate with vocational schools and community partners
  • Assess skill gaps across the technician workforce and develop targeted remediation and advancement plans
  • Track and report on training outcomes — certification rates, productivity benchmarks, technician retention, and program ROI
  • Partner with Service Managers and Fixed Operations leadership to align training with shop needs and business goals
  • Stay current on evolving automotive technology including EVs, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and emerging OEM platforms

What We're Looking For

Required:

  • 5+ years of hands-on automotive technician experience at a dealership or high-volume service environment
  • Demonstrated experience training, mentoring, or developing other technicians
  • Strong working knowledge of ASE certification pathways and requirements
  • Familiarity with OEM training platforms and manufacturer-specific diagnostic procedures
  • Excellent communication skills — you can explain a complex repair procedure just as clearly to a first-week apprentice as to a 10-year veteran
  • Organized, self-directed, and capable of managing multiple trainees and program tracks simultaneously

Preferred:

  • ASE Master Technician certification (A1–A8) or equivalent
  • Prior experience running or contributing to a formal apprenticeship or technician development program
  • Experience with EV/hybrid systems training
  • Background in curriculum development, instructional design, or vocational education
  • Familiarity with dealer management systems (CDK, Reynolds & Reynolds, etc.)

Why Pohanka
  • Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
  • Full benefits package: health, dental, vision, life insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Manufacturer training and continued professional development support
  • The backing and resources of a well-established, growing dealer group
  • A leadership role with real autonomy — you'll build something that lasts

How to Apply

Submit your resume and a brief summary of a training program or initiative you led or contributed to. We want to understand not just your technical background, but how you've helped others grow.

Apply directly  at [Pohanka's careers page] or contact us 

Pohanka Automotive Group is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.


Keywords: automotive trainer, technician trainer, service trainer, ASE trainer, dealership trainer, automotive instructor, technician development, fixed ops training, apprenticeship coordinator, automotive education