Michigan Occupational Information System
 #110 - SERVICE STATION ATTENDANT

A  Michigan Jobs & Career Portal   service.

Service Station Attendants work at gasoline service stations and perform many of the duties related to the servicing of passenger cars, trucks, and buses.

JOB DUTIES

Service Station Attendants may:

Greet customers

Pump gasoline

Clean windows, mirrors, and lights

Check oil and water levels and add fluids if needed

Change oil and/or oil filters

Wash and wax vehicles

Lubricate cars, trucks, or buses

Change and/or repair tires

Test and charge batteries

Collect money for sales or fill out credit card forms

Replace bulbs, headlamps, and other auto accessories

The tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Service Station Attendants may specialize in these areas:

915.467-010 AUTOMOBILE-SERVICE-STATION ATTENDANTS work at gasoline service stations and perform many of the duties related to the servicing of passenger cars, trucks, and buses.

915.684-010 TIRE REPAIRERS fix damaged tires, replace old or worn tires, put on snow tires, and rotate front and back tires on a vehicle.

915.687-018 LUBRICATION SERVICERS change the motor oil and lubricate vehicles at friction points.

915.477-010 AUTOMOBILE-SELF-SERVE-SERVICE-STATION ATTENDANTS sell fuel, lubricants, and accessories at self-service gas stations.

915.687-014 INDUSTRIAL GARAGE SERVICERS maintain gas, oil, and water levels; test batteries and tires; change oil; and lubricate trucks, buses, and automobiles used in industrial or commercial establishments.

915.587-010 GAS-AND-OIL SERVICER

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also wish to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Service Station Attendants usually work more than 40 hours per week; many work more than 49 hours. Some night and weekend work may be required. In larger stations, employees are paid time and a half for work beyond 40 hours a week.

Most of the time Attendants work alone, but may help other Attendants in their work. Attendants may work inside part of the time, but spend most of the time outdoors in all kinds of weather. Odors, vibrations, and mechanical hazards are common. Possible injuries include cuts and burns from hot engines.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities dealing with things and objects

• Activities of a routine, organized nature

• Activities that involve use of machines, processes, or methods

You Should Be Able To:

• Rate information using measurable standards

• Greet customers pleasantly

• Accept payment and make change correctly

• Follow set procedures or sequences

• Work well with others

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

A customer comes to the station for an oil change. Oil changes are normally $24.99, but the customer has a coupon for 20% off an oil change. How much will the oil change cost?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Mechanical terminology such as pcv valve, transmission, radiator, differential, chassis.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare an invoice for a customer who has had an oil change.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Should be able to demonstrate analytical skills in assessing vehicles and potential problems.

Service Station Attendants should have a valid driver's license, some knowledge of how automobiles work, and some sales ability.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or A High School Diploma or Equivalent may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0300 AUTOMOTIVE , 0600 BUSINESS , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 2200 MATH , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this MOIScript

                 Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

One of the best ways to explore this field is through summer or part-time work.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Service Station Attendant employer

internships

volunteer work with a Service Station Attendant employer

community service work with an agency

The best way to find a job as a Service Station Attendant is to apply directly to a local service station. Consulting newspaper want ads, school placement offices, or a local office of Michigan Works! may be helpful in locating jobs. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal

Classifieds Employment  

Yahoo! Careers

MONSTER.COM    

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Wages of Service Station Attendants may vary widely with location, experience, employer size, and shift worked. Attendants in large metropolitan areas usually receive the highest wages in this occupation.

Nationally, most service stations paid beginning attendants a starting wage at or near the State and Federal minimum wage. In 1998, the median weekly earnings for all Service Station Attendants were $293, or $7.33 per hour with some highly experienced workers earning more. Earnings of Service Station Attendants employed in Michigan are comparable to those earned nationally.

Attendants working for the city of Detroit earned between $9.42 and $11.47 per hour (1998). In addition to their regular earnings, some Service Station Attendants also receive bonuses.

Service Station Attendants generally receive few benefits. Attendants employed by governmental departments or large retail stores receive life and hospitalization insurance, paid vacations and holidays, and pension plans. Oil companies and service station associations may have insurance and hospitalization plans that their dealers can make available to employees. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.

Service Station Attendants who wish to advance should obtain additional training. Knowledge of auto mechanics, business management, or bookkeeping methods may help an Attendant advance to a supervisory position.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were about 262,100 Service Station Attendants employed in 1996. Employment is expected to grow more slowly than the average of all occupations through the year 2006. The industry distribution for Service Station Attendants looked like this:

There are about 8,100 Service Station Attendants employed in Michigan.

The employment of Service Station Attendants in Michigan is expected to decline through the year 2005. A total of 230 openings is expected per year with all due to replacement of those who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons. Many additional openings will occur as Attendants change jobs or occupations. Self-service stations could limit further the number of openings expected. On the other hand, as the number of independent oil and lubrication franchises increases, so will the demand for lubrication servicers.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from sources below.