Automotive Mechanic Salary Guide For The United States In 2024
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Automotive mechanics keep vehicles safe, secure, and running smoothly. As a highly skilled automotive mechanic, you need knowledge about a large range of vehicles, the issues that can occur, and how to troubleshoot and repair them. Do your job well and customers will keep coming back again and again. You’ll be an asset to any organization. Whether you work your way up from a local auto shop to a mega dealership or even venture out on your own someday, you can find steady earnings, benefits, and perks as an auto mechanic.
Want to learn what to expect from a career as an auto technician? Check out our comprehensive salary guide for auto mechanics. Find out what could be in store for you whether you’re brand new to the role and planning your career trajectory or a seasoned veteran looking to make a move.
What is the Salary Range for Auto Service Technicians in the United States?
The salary range for automotive mechanics in the United States varies based on your experience, location, specialization, and employer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the 2023 median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $47,770 per year, or $22.96 per hour1. At a low, entry-level position, you could earn more than $30,500 per year, but with more experience and training, you could earn upwards of $77,000 annually2. As an automotive mechanic, you also have ways to add to your base salary depending on bonuses, overtime pay, and side jobs you might do outside your regular job. Your pay will be affected by many factors, including where you live.
Where do Auto Mechanics Earn the Most?
When it comes to automotive mechanic salaries, urban areas, and regions with higher costs of living tend to offer higher wages. According to data from the BLS, the top five states/regions with the highest average wages are3:
- District of Columbia - $31.44 per hour or $65,390 per year
- Alaska - $29.95 per hour or $62,290 per year
- California - $29.53 per hour or $61,420 per year
- Washington - $28.39 per hour or $59,060 per year
- New Jersey - $27.80 per hour or $57,820 per year
While rural areas may offer lower salaries, a lower cost of living can raise the power of your earnings so it’s important to consider all these factors when you decide where you wish to work. Pay close attention to job availability in these regions and what is most important to you when it comes to salary expectations, expenses, and potential work-life balance in your state.
What Factors Affect Auto Service Technician Salaries?
In addition to location, your salary may be impacted by the vehicle makes and models you work on. Porsche, Land Rover, Jaguar, Audi, and BMW are more costly to repair than other models; expertise with such high-end models can help you ask for more money. Knowledge and experience with costly repairs can also help you increase your earning potential.
Where is the Most Demand for Auto Mechanics?
Demand for automotive mechanics is steady nationwide4, but some cities and states have more growth opportunities than others. BLS projections show that states such as Texas, California, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania have the highest employment levels for auto service technicians5. Demand above the national average is also predicted for several states including Colorado6, Connecticut7, and Georgia8. This growth is driven by factors such as population, increased vehicle ownership, and the need for regular maintenance and repair services. The BLS also indicates that the top 10 regions for automotive technicians for employment level9:
- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-WI
- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DMV
- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
- Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL
- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ
What Career Growth is Available for Auto Service Technicians?
In addition to overtime and commission opportunities, your salary can also be bumped up as you learn more skills and acquire certifications. Advancement to supervisory or managerial roles, such as service manager or shop foreman, can lead to increased responsibility, status, and higher earning potential. And as with any job, the more you learn, the more likely you are to earn more.
What Certifications can Auto Mechanics Get?
In many cases, you have a better opportunity for a higher paying position if you can show your employer, you have the credentials of a skilled auto mechanic. One way to do this is through earning certifications. Training through an accredited automotive technician program at a trade school can represent training time and knowledge needed as a prerequisite to sit for certification exams in addition to on-the-job experience. You can also prove your abilities with formal certification through the National Institute of Automotive Excellence (ASE). ASE certification tests show your current and future employers that you care enough to advance your knowledge and your career. There are more than 50 ASE certification tests that cover all you need to know about the auto repair and service industry. Among the certifications are:
- A1 – Engine Repair
- A2 – Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
- A3 – Manual Drive Train & Axles
- A4 – Suspension & Steering
- A5 – Brakes
- A6 – Electrical/Electronic Systems
- A7 – Heating & Air Conditioning
- A8 – Engine Performance
What Automotive Skills Will Add to Your Marketability?
As with other industries, the automotive industry has skills and abilities that are highly valued and rewarded with higher salaries. You need mechanical knowledge, but other sought-after qualities include customer service and care, computer systems and electronics, as well as critical thinking and quick, complex problem solving10. Your ability to perform the technical aspects of your job while also having good interpersonal skills can help you go far in your career.
Where Can You Work as an Automotive Mechanic?
Vehicle mechanics are needed across the country, in big cities and small towns. You can look for positions at auto repair shops, car dealerships, and companies that have auto fleets that require regular maintenance and repair. You may also find work in the broader industry in automotive parts stores. Once you gain enough skills and establish yourself in an area, you may even decide to consider self-employment.
What Are Common Perks and Benefits for Automotive Mechanics?
Some mechanics might argue that doing what you love is the biggest benefit of all to a career working on cars. But as you look for jobs, compare offers. Ask for benefits such as health insurance, dental and vision coverage, retirement plans, disability coverage, paid time off, and employee discounts on parts and services. Find employers willing to offer additional incentives such as tool allowances, tuition reimbursement for certifications, and performance-based bonuses. These benefits would contribute to your overall compensation and enhance your job satisfaction and desire to stay with an employer.
There are many factors to consider when you look for employment in the automotive industry. Much of it will be dependent on your skillset, education credentials, and where you live or want to work. Once you are well trained in the field, consider all these factors before you make your decision about where to work and train to become an automotive mechanic.
References:
1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Automotive Service technicians and mechanics: Occupational outlook handbook. U.S. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm Retrieved April 17, 2024
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Automotive Service technicians and mechanics: Occupational outlook handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm#tab-5 Retrieved April 17, 2024
3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Automotive Service technicians and Mechanics. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes493023.htm#st:~:text=%24%2053%2C210-,Top%20paying%20states,-for%20Automotive%20Service Retrieved April 3, 2024
4 National Center for O*NET Development. National Employment Trends: 49-3023.00 - Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics. O*NET OnLine. Retrieved August 21, 2024, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/49-3023.00
5 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Automotive Service technicians and Mechanics. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes493023.htm Retrieved July 15, 2024
6 O*Net Online, Colorado Employment Trends. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/49-3023.00?st=CO Retrieved July 18, 2024
7 O*Net Online, Connecticut Employment Trends. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/49-3023.00?st=CT Retrieved July 18, 2024
8 O*Net Online, Georgia Employment Trends. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/49-3023.00?st=GA Retrieved July 18, 2024
9 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2023 metropolitan and nonmetropolitan area occupational employment and wage estimates. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes493023.htm#st:~:text=%24%2057%2C820-,Metropolitan%20areas,-with%20the%20highest Retrieved April 3, 2024
10 O*Net Online, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics. https://www.onetonline.org/link/details/49-3023.00#:~:text=back%20to%20top-,Worker%20Requirements,-Skills%20Save%20Table Retrieved April 3, 2024