Refurbishing technician
Also known as: vehicle refurbishing inspector, gas engine refurbishing technician, motor vehicle refurbishing technician, LGV body repair technician, heavy engine refurbishing inspector, machine refurbishing inspector
About this occupation
Refurbishing technicians overhaul and refurbish inner parts of vehicles, such as engine parts and diesel pumps.
Essential skills and knowledge
- electrical engineering
- carry out measurements of parts
- provide technical documentation
- interpret technical requirements
- use technical documentation
- perform technical tasks with great care
- vehicle electrical systems
- electronic communication
- electrical wiring plans
- perform metal work
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics (O*NET 49-3023.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Follow checklists to ensure all important parts are examined, including belts, hoses, steering systems, spark plugs, brake and fuel systems, wheel bearings, and other potentially troublesome areas.
- Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
- Perform routine and scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups.
- Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
- Align wheels, axles, frames, torsion bars, and steering mechanisms of automobiles, using special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines.
- Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Troubleshooting, Repairing, Equipment Maintenance, Critical Thinking, Operations Monitoring, Active Listening
US median pay: US$50,620 a year (2025), 704,640 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalExtremely important (4.6)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.2)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Rail Car Repairers
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
- Motorcycle Mechanics
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
- Automotive Engineering Technicians
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.