How much do Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics make?
The median pay for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in the United States is $50,620 per year — about $24.34 per hour. Entry-level positions start near $34,660, while the most experienced professionals in the top 10% earn $81,790.
That is $10,770 less than the median across all occupations in BLS data ($61,390).
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics salary range by percentile
Half of all Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earn between $38,900 and $70,430 a year.
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $34,660 | $16.66 | |
| 25th percentile (early career) | $38,900 | $18.70 | |
| 50th percentile (median) | $50,620 | $24.34 | |
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $70,430 | $33.86 | |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $81,790 | $39.32 |
Highest-paying states for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Where you work matters more than almost anything else. District of Columbia leads the country for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics pay at $68,660 a year, followed by California ($64,980) and Colorado ($61,280). At the other end, West Virginia posts the lowest median at $37,660 — a gap of $31,000 for the same job, driven by local demand, industry mix, and cost of living.
| # | State | Median salary | Hourly | vs national |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $68,660 | $33.01 | +36% |
| 2 | California | $64,980 | $31.24 | +28% |
| 3 | Colorado | $61,280 | $29.46 | +21% |
| 4 | Alaska | $60,840 | $29.25 | +20% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $60,760 | $29.21 | +20% |
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics salary in every state
Official BLS state-level figures across 51 states and territories. Click a state for the full local breakdown.
Workforce and education
About 705,000 people work as Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in the United States. The mean (average) wage is $56,420 — above the median, which means high earners pull the average up. On qualifications: a high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job, per O*NET occupation data.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics make in the United States?
How does Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics pay compare to other jobs?
Which state pays Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics the most?
What education do Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics need?
How many Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics work in the United States?
Related salaries
Other maintenance & repair roles with similar pay.