Service Station Attendants
Overview
Service station attendants help customers fuel up their cars, trucks, and boats while providing excellent customer service at gas stations and service centers. You'll check fluid levels, tire pressure, and perform basic maintenance like oil changes and spark plug replacements using modern diagnostic tools and point-of-sale systems. This job teaches valuable mechanical skills, customer service, and money handling that can lead to careers in automotive repair, business management, or entrepreneurship. Many attendants work flexible schedules and enjoy the fast-paced environment where every day brings different vehicles and customers.
Did you know?
Vehicle maintenance technicians in the US must obtain ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certifications and continuously update their skills to keep pace with rapidly evolving automotive technology, including hybrid and electric vehicles.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$34,405.69 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Equipment Maintenance
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare daily reports of fuel, oil, and accessory sales.
- Grease and lubricate vehicles or specified units, such as springs, universal joints, or steering knuckles, using grease guns or spray lubricants.
- Rotate, test, and repair or replace tires.
- Provide customers with information about local roads or highways.
- Check tire pressure and levels of fuel, motor oil, transmission, radiator, battery, or other fluids, adding air or fluids as required.
- Maintain customer records and follow up periodically with telephone, mail, or personal reminders of services due.
- Test and charge batteries.
- Clean windshields.
- Clean parking areas, offices, restrooms, or equipment, and remove trash.
- Perform minor repairs, such as adjusting brakes, replacing spark plugs, or changing engine oil or filters.
- Order stock, and price and shelve incoming goods.
- Activate fuel pumps and fill fuel tanks of vehicles with gasoline or diesel fuel to specified levels.
- Sell and install accessories, such as batteries, windshield wiper blades, fan belts, bulbs, or headlamps.
- Collect cash payments from customers, and make change or charge purchases to customers' credit cards, providing customers with receipts.
Career Considerations
Certification and Continuous Learning Requirements
Vehicle maintenance technicians in the US must obtain ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certifications and continuously update their skills to keep pace with rapidly evolving automotive technology, including hybrid and electric vehicles.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
The job requires physical stamina for lifting heavy parts, working in cramped spaces, and standing for extended periods, often in environments with exposure to chemicals, noise, and varying temperatures.
Strong Job Market and Growth Potential
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady demand for automotive technicians due to the large vehicle population and increasing vehicle complexity, offering good job security and advancement opportunities.