Pub. 1 2021 Issue 1

43 ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES It’s not uncommon for automotive technicians to advance significantly within a dealership over the course of their careers. Common ways to advance are through increasing certifications to perform more complicated work — starting as a level 1 technician doing maintenance work and advancing eventually to become a level 4 master technician certified to service virtually all systems in the vehicle. On a separate career track, some technicians transition to the customer service side and become service-writers, working with customers to identify their needs and schedule service and maintenance. Others progress into management, some moving into the parts department of a dealership, and some managing entire service operations. Service operations at some dealerships can involve managing dozens of technicians and hundreds of service and maintenance orders each day. Modern car and truck dealerships provide a wide variety of unique and challeng- ing careers to meet the interests and skill levels of almost anyone. These careers offer responsible individuals competitive salaries, great benefits, and excellent opportunity for advancement. Montana is host to 97 new car dealerships, employing more than 4,000 people. De- mand for employees is high, which translates into job security. Many jobs are high- tech and challenging as well as rewarding. Job-seekers can find vital information on training opportunities and scholarships below. Jump start your career today. Visit https://www.mtada.com/auto-technicians/ CAR DEALERSHIPS TOTAL CAR DEALERSHIP JOBS 4,016 $54,392 Average Annual Salary Total Truck Dealership Jobs $615M Income Taxes Paid 97 Total Number of Car Dealerships 41 Employees per Dealership $3.2B Total Car Dealership Sales $218M Annual Car Dealership Payroll TRUCK DEALERSHIPS 1,091 $61M Annual Truck Dealership Payroll 17 Total Number of Truck Dealerships $730M Total Truck Dealership Sales CONTINUED ON PAGE 44