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Automobile Service Station Attendants

THE JOB

AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATION ATTENDANTS, also called 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.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Attendants work indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather.  While 
offices may be heated, service areas are not.  Attendants do considerable 
lifting and stooping and spend much time on their feet.  Possible injuries 
include cuts from sharp tools and burns from hot engines.  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.


WAGES, HOURS, AND BENEFITS

Hourly earnings of Service-Station Attendants begin at the minimum wage to 
$6.00 an hour.  Experienced workers earn between the minimum wage and 
$10.00 per hour.  In addition, attendants may earn commissions on the 
accessories they sell and the services they provide, such as adding oil, 
lubricating cars, or assisting mechanics.  In some stations, employers 
provide fringe benefits such as accident and health insurance and paid 
vacations.  Employers generally furnish uniforms and pay for their cleaning.

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 OUTLOOK

The following information is from the California Projections of Employment 
published by the Labor Market Information Division.

Estimated number of workers in 1993              20,720
Estimated number of workers in 2005              14,210
Projected Growth 1993-2005                        -31 %
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005     5,740

(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)

Employment will continue to decline over the next few years.  Increased 
sales of cars that offer better gas mileage have reduced fuel consumption.  
In addition, the trend towards self-service stations further limits 
employment growth for attendants.  However, additional job openings are 
expected to occur as attendants transfer to other occupations, retire, or 
leave the labor market.  Employment opportunities are best for attendants 
with mechanical skills.

Employers report some difficulty in finding experienced applicants to fill 
vacancies, but have little difficulty in finding inexperienced applicants.  
This means workers new to the field may have a difficult time finding that 
first job.


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS 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.


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.


FINDING THE JOB

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 Job Service

* Check newspaper help-wanted ads

* Ask friends, relatives and other contacts for job leads 


RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Automobile Mechanics                          No.  24
Automobile Parts Counter Workers              No. 237

OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991)
Automobile-Service-Station Attendants     915.467-010

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Service Station Attendants                     978050


Source:  State of California, Employment Development Department,
         Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
         (916) 262-2162