Service Station Attendants
| Description |
OES Code: 97805 |
Service automobiles, buses, trucks, boats, and other automotive or marine vehicles with fuel, lubricants, and accessories. Collect payment for services and supplies. May lubricate vehicle, change motor oil, install antifreeze, or replace lights or other accessories such as windshield wiper blades or fan belts. May repair or replace tires.
Wages, California
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
minimum |
| 25th Percentile |
$6.80 |
| 50th Percentile |
$7.80 |
| 75th Percentile |
$9.58 |
Wages, San Joaquin County
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
minimum |
| 25th Percentile |
$6.55 |
| 50th Percentile |
$7.63 |
| 75th Percentile |
$8.58 |
Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey
Hours & Benefits
Full-time attendants work 40 hours a week or more. Because many stations are open at least 12 hours a day, six days a week, work schedules may include evenings, weekends and holidays. Part-time work is almost always available.
Employment Trends, California
| Employment 1998 |
10,500 |
| Projected Employment 2008 |
10,400 |
| Percent Change 1998-2008 |
-1% |
| Separations 1998-2008 |
4,600 |
Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
| Employment 1999 |
160 |
| Projected Employment 2006 |
140 |
| Percent Change 1999-2006 |
-12.5% |
| Separations 1999-2006 |
50 |
Employment Trends by California County
Advancement
There are several ways for Service Station Attendants to get a better job. Additional training qualifies attendants to become automobile mechanics. Those with business management capabilities may advance to station managers. Many experienced station managers and automobile mechanics go into business for themselves.
Getting the Job & Other Information
Job seekers should take all of the following steps to look for work:
- Apply directly to service stations
- Register with the California Employment Development
- Department
- Check newspaper help-wanted ads
- Ask friends, relatives and other contacts for job leads
For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank. |
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Education and Training
Most employers prefer high school graduates. On-the-job training is generally provided. A driver's license is necessary. Attendants also need mechanical ability, knowledge of basic arithmetic, the ability to speak well and clearly and to perform the job in all kinds of weather. Attendants should be polite, neat in appearance, and be able to work with or without close supervision.
Skills & Other Requirements
Gas Station Attendants perform duties at automobile service stations (gas stations) as requested by customers. They supply motor vehicles with fuel, lubricants, and parts. Duties most often performed include pumping gasoline, cleaning windshields, checking the water levels in the radiators and batteries, checking the oil level in engines and the fluid level in automatic transmissions, checking tires for correct air pressure, and handling cash payments or preparing charge slips for credit-card customers. They also sell and install parts and accessories such as tires, batteries, fan belts and windshield wiper blades. They may also sell groceries and related items.
Automobile Service Station Attendants may also do minor maintenance and repair work such as changing oil, rotating and repairing tires and replacing mufflers. In performing maintenance and repair work, Automobile Service-Station Attendants may use simple hand tools such as screwdrivers, pliers and wrenches. More complex equipment may include motor analyzers and wheel alignment machines.
Other work around the service station may include keeping the service areas, building and restrooms clean. In some stations, attendants help the manager take inventory of automobile parts in stock, set up displays and keep business records. If a gasoline service station provides emergency road service, the attendant occasionally may drive a tow truck to aid motorists with mechanical problems or tow their vehicles back to the station. Safety precautions help protect against more serious injuries. Because of the nature of the work, attendants frequently get dirty as they pump gasoline and work around oil and grease.
References
California Occupational Guide: #30
Related Occupation: Automobile Mechanics, Automobile Parts Counter Worker
Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP) |
