What Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants this way: "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, refill antifreeze, or replace lights or other accessories, such as windshield wiper blades or fan belts. May repair or replace tires."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Collect cash payments from customers, and make change or charge purchases to customers' credit cards, providing customers with receipts"; "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"; "Rotate, test, and repair or replace tires".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is no formal educational credential. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 102,400 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 106,300 in 2035, an increase of 3,900 jobs (+3.8%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 12,900 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 12.6% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $35,670, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $35,915 in New Jersey to $36,582 in New York, a gap of $667 (1.02 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $35,670 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 13,550, which is 55.0% of the 24,630 counted across them. New York follows with 11,080.
Highest-paying states
New York ($36,582) and New Jersey ($35,915) lead the ranking, while New Jersey ($35,915) and New York ($36,582) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (53-6000) include Parking Attendants.
Frequently asked questions about Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants
What is the national median wage for Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $35,670. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $35,915 to $36,582.
Which state pays Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants the most?
New York, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $36,582. New Jersey is next at $35,915.
What is the job outlook for Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants?
BLS projects employment to grow by 3.8% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 12,900 openings a year.
What education do Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants need?
The typical entry-level education is no formal educational credential and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.