Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitter (General)

A Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitter installs, repairs, and replaces components on motor vehicles in automotive workshops or retail settings. The role involves fitting everything from engine parts and suspension components to electrical accessories, trim, and safety equipment to vehicles using hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment. Work is performed to manufacturer specifications and Australian vehicle safety standards.

Remove and install engine components such as alternators, starters, water pumps, and exhaust systems using hand tools and power tools. Fit suspension components including shock absorbers, springs, stabiliser bars, and control arms whilst ensuring correct alignment and torque specifications. Install electrical accessories such as lights, mirrors, wipers, and infotainment systems according to wiring diagrams and vehicle specifications. Replace brake pads, brake fluid, and brake lines; bleed brake systems and test brake performance using diagnostic equipment. Fit interior trim components including dashboards, door panels, seats, and upholstery to restore vehicle interiors. Install safety equipment such as airbags, seatbelts, and child seat anchor points in compliance with Australian Design Rules. Test fitted components using multimeters, diagnostic scanners, and pressure gauges to verify correct operation and electrical continuity. Disassemble faulty parts to diagnose damage and determine whether repair or replacement is required.

The standard entry pathway requires a Certificate II or III (ABS skill level 4). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

Your income ceiling is real. Without moving into management or specialising heavily (like becoming a diesel mechanic or transmission specialist), you'll hit a wage plateau around mid-career. The work is also physically demanding on your back, shoulders, and knees. Repetitive strain injuries are common, especially fitting suspension and engine work. You need solid maths for torque specs and wiring diagrams, not just mechanical ability.

Regional centres have fewer opportunities unless near major highways or mining regions. Most work is workshop-based (dealerships, independent shops, tyre chains). Remote work doesn't apply. Automotive repair clusters follow population density and vehicle density patterns.

• Adapt to new technology used in carscore
• Attention to Detailcore
• Car controlscore
• Customer Needs Assessmentcore
• Goods Receipt Processingcore
• Inventory Trackingcore
• Policy and Procedure Adherencecore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Quality Assurance and Checkingcore
• Risk Identificationcore
• Team Collaborationcore
• Time Management and Prioritisationcore
• Verbal Communicationcore
• Workload Self-Managementcore
• Active Listening
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Basic Arithmetic and Numerical Accuracy
• Continuous Learning and Upskilling
• ERP and Inventory Systems
• Incident Reporting
• Stock Counting and Stocktake
• Supplier Communication

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

What Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitter (General) workers move into, from ten years of tax records.

Last updated: 30 October 2026