What does a service advisor do? A guide to automotive service advisor careers

The service advisor is the link between customers and the workshop. They greet customers, book vehicles in, explain what the technicians found and make sure the work is done the way it was promised. It suits people who enjoy dealing with people and like knowing how vehicles work.

What the job involves

• Taking bookings and greeting customers.
• Recording customer concerns clearly so technicians can diagnose the fault properly.
• Preparing quotes and explaining recommended work and costs in plain language.
• Keeping customers updated, handling approvals and delays, and arranging pickup.
• Working with technicians, parts staff and the service manager to keep the workshop schedule running.

Skills that help

• Friendly, clear and honest communication, including with people who are worried about repair costs.
• Organisation and the ability to juggle many jobs at once.
• Basic vehicle knowledge, or a willingness to learn it.
• Comfort with workshop management software.

How people get started

• Some people move across from the workshop, parts counter or reception after learning how the business works.
• Others come from customer service backgrounds such as retail or hospitality, and learn the vehicle knowledge on the job.
• Employers, especially dealerships, often provide product and process training. Ask what training comes with the role.

Where the career can lead

• Senior service advisor or service team leader.
• Service manager or customer experience manager.
• Other dealership roles such as parts, fixed operations or sales.

Jobs and pay right now

Right now, 9 live ads on AllAutoCareers show pay for this role. Most are between $90,000 and $110,000 a year. Pay depends on experience, location, qualifications and the employer. Here are 6 current service advisor jobs on AllAutoCareers:

• Workshop Controller
  TalentEx Employment Group · Castle Hill, NSW · Full-time · $100,000 – $110,000
  Full-time Workshop Controller role in Castle Hill, NSW, coordinating workshop jobs and technicians. $100,000 – $110,000.
• Automotive Service Advisor
  TalentEx Employment Group · Mornington Peninsula, VIC · Full-time · $90,000 – $110,000
  Full-time Service Advisor role in Mornington, Vic. Be the link between customers and the workshop team.
• Automotive Service Advisor
  TalentEx Employment Group · Gosford West, NSW · Full-time · $85,000 – $95,000
  Full-time Service Advisor role in Gosford, NSW. Be the link between customers and the workshop team.
• Automotive Service Advisor
  TalentEx Employment Group · Castle Hill, NSW · Full-time · $100,000 – $120,000
  Full-time Service Advisor role in Castle Hill Syndey. Be the link between customers and the workshop team.
• Automotive Service Advisor
  TalentEx Employment Group · Cairns, QLD · Full-time · $80,000 – $90,000
  Full-time Service Advisor role in Cairns, QLD paying $80,000 – $90,000. Be the link between customers and the workshop team.
• Automotive Service Advisor
  TalentEx Employment Group · Chullora, NSW · Full-time · $100,000 – $120,000
  Full-time Service Advisor role in Chullora, looking after customers from booking to handover. $120k OTE + Company Car

See all automotive jobs

Common questions

Do service advisors need to be mechanics?

No. Technical knowledge helps, but communication and organisation are just as important.

More career guides

General guidance only. Training pathways, entry requirements and pay differ between states and employers, so check current details with the employer, your state training authority or an industry training organisation. Last reviewed 12 October 2026.

Hiring? Post a job on AllAutoCareers.