Auto mechanic salary
BLS occupation: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics · Installation, maintenance and repair · data for May 2025
Median salary $50,620 a year, US
Median hourly pay $24.34 an hour
Middle half earn $38,900–$70,430 25th to 75th percentile
Auto mechanics employed 704,640 +5.0% projected by 2035
How much does an auto mechanic make?
- The median auto mechanic salary in the US is $50,620 a year ($24.34 an hour): half of the 704,640 auto mechanics BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $56,420.
- The middle half earn between $38,900 and $70,430. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $34,660 and the top 10% more than $81,790.
- That is about the same as the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- The District of Columbia pays auto mechanics the most (median $68,660), followed by California ($64,980) and Colorado ($61,280). West Virginia pays the least ($37,660).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in North Dakota, where the median is worth $64,479 in typical US prices, then the District of Columbia and Montana. The District of Columbia's higher pay is offset by its prices (109.9 vs a US average of 100).
- In 64 of the 383 metro areas with data, the median auto mechanic salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of auto mechanics to grow 5.0% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 66,200 openings a year. The typical entry education is a postsecondary certificate (a nondegree award).
official From BLS's survey of employers: what auto mechanics are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Auto mechanic salary range
Half of auto mechanics earn between $38,900 and $70,430 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $34,660
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $38,900
Median Yearly pay: $50,620
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $70,430
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $81,790
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $34,660 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $38,900 |
| Median | $50,620 |
| Top 25% earn over | $70,430 |
| Top 10% earn over | $81,790 |
Auto mechanic salary by state
The District of Columbia pays auto mechanics the most; West Virginia the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($50,620), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $68,660 median |
| California | $64,980 median |
| Colorado | $61,280 median |
| Alaska | $60,840 median |
| Massachusetts | $60,760 median |
| Connecticut | $60,220 median |
| Virginia | $59,330 median |
| New Hampshire | $59,020 median |
| Montana | $58,740 median |
| Oregon | $58,520 median |
| Delaware | $58,410 median |
| Minnesota | $58,390 median |
| Maryland | $57,520 median |
| North Dakota | $57,360 median |
| Washington | $57,270 median |
| New Jersey | $56,610 median |
| Wisconsin | $54,350 median |
| Michigan | $54,120 median |
| New York | $54,120 median |
| Hawaii | $52,160 median |
| Maine | $52,040 median |
| Rhode Island | $51,770 median |
| Vermont | $51,630 median |
| Wyoming | $51,330 median |
| South Dakota | $51,160 median |
| Nebraska | $50,560 median |
| Iowa | $50,510 median |
| Tennessee | $50,290 median |
| Pennsylvania | $49,800 median |
| Arizona | $49,570 median |
| Indiana | $49,360 median |
| Illinois | $49,170 median |
| Missouri | $49,160 median |
| Georgia | $49,060 median |
| Ohio | $48,710 median |
| Idaho | $48,420 median |
| Texas | $48,310 median |
| Nevada | $48,290 median |
| Florida | $48,260 median |
| North Carolina | $48,200 median |
| South Carolina | $48,100 median |
| Kansas | $47,790 median |
| New Mexico | $47,300 median |
| Utah | $46,570 median |
| Oklahoma | $46,560 median |
| Louisiana | $46,400 median |
| Alabama | $45,640 median |
| Kentucky | $44,890 median |
| Arkansas | $44,160 median |
| Mississippi | $37,820 median |
| West Virginia | $37,660 median |
Where auto mechanic pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Auto mechanics' pay goes furthest in North Dakota once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| North Dakota | $64,479 |
| District of Columbia | $62,474 |
| Montana | $62,064 |
| Colorado | $59,465 |
| Alaska | $59,438 |
| Minnesota | $59,206 |
| California | $58,689 |
| Virginia | $58,682 |
| Delaware | $58,522 |
| Connecticut | $58,122 |
Auto mechanic pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $68,660 | $33.01 | $46,230 | $89,960 | 310 | $62,474 |
| California | $64,980 | $31.24 | $38,180 | $95,280 | 65,420 | $58,689 |
| Colorado | $61,280 | $29.46 | $39,550 | $93,830 | 12,300 | $59,465 |
| Alaska | $60,840 | $29.25 | $44,060 | $94,600 | 1,420 | $59,438 |
| Massachusetts | $60,760 | $29.21 | $38,370 | $95,090 | 12,710 | $57,452 |
| Connecticut | $60,220 | $28.95 | $38,430 | $79,930 | 6,960 | $58,122 |
| Virginia | $59,330 | $28.52 | $36,540 | $92,570 | 17,880 | $58,682 |
| New Hampshire | $59,020 | $28.38 | $38,310 | $82,250 | 4,840 | $56,660 |
| Montana | $58,740 | $28.24 | $38,170 | $78,460 | 2,900 | $62,064 |
| Oregon | $58,520 | $28.13 | $39,590 | $92,090 | 6,990 | $56,617 |
| Delaware | $58,410 | $28.08 | $36,700 | $82,280 | 1,910 | $58,522 |
| Minnesota | $58,390 | $28.07 | $38,310 | $83,180 | 11,980 | $59,206 |
| Maryland | $57,520 | $27.65 | $35,940 | $84,420 | 14,230 | $54,802 |
| North Dakota | $57,360 | $27.58 | $37,610 | $83,860 | 2,140 | $64,479 |
| Washington | $57,270 | $27.53 | $39,470 | $95,620 | 12,930 | $53,517 |
| New Jersey | $56,610 | $27.22 | $33,500 | $91,210 | 17,640 | $52,029 |
| Wisconsin | $54,350 | $26.13 | $36,590 | $78,140 | 12,270 | $57,761 |
| Michigan | $54,120 | $26.02 | $36,110 | $79,060 | 22,280 | $56,248 |
| New York | $54,120 | $26.02 | $35,470 | $91,490 | 32,020 | $50,148 |
| Hawaii | $52,160 | $25.08 | $36,360 | $79,090 | 2,710 | $47,439 |
| Maine | $52,040 | $25.02 | $38,420 | $74,650 | 3,390 | $53,622 |
| Rhode Island | $51,770 | $24.89 | $31,860 | $80,780 | 2,530 | $50,616 |
| Vermont | $51,630 | $24.82 | $40,500 | $78,690 | 1,610 | $52,706 |
| Wyoming | $51,330 | $24.68 | $34,200 | $79,470 | 1,560 | $55,378 |
| South Dakota | $51,160 | $24.60 | $38,670 | $80,500 | 2,010 | $57,752 |
| Nebraska | $50,560 | $24.31 | $36,770 | $79,990 | 4,560 | $56,114 |
| Iowa | $50,510 | $24.28 | $36,100 | $77,400 | 7,610 | $57,553 |
| Tennessee | $50,290 | $24.18 | $34,820 | $79,930 | 16,210 | $54,740 |
| Pennsylvania | $49,800 | $23.94 | $35,600 | $77,630 | 29,400 | $51,039 |
| Arizona | $49,570 | $23.83 | $34,660 | $79,330 | 16,400 | $49,237 |
| Indiana | $49,360 | $23.73 | $35,800 | $78,580 | 16,480 | $52,888 |
| Illinois | $49,170 | $23.64 | $34,190 | $91,200 | 29,510 | $49,191 |
| Missouri | $49,160 | $23.63 | $34,950 | $76,870 | 17,210 | $54,131 |
| Georgia | $49,060 | $23.59 | $33,580 | $84,360 | 22,070 | $50,949 |
| Ohio | $48,710 | $23.42 | $34,110 | $79,690 | 22,640 | $52,504 |
| Idaho | $48,420 | $23.28 | $34,570 | $77,710 | 5,030 | $50,705 |
| Texas | $48,310 | $23.23 | $29,360 | $81,720 | 69,750 | $49,775 |
| Nevada | $48,290 | $23.22 | $33,500 | $81,180 | 7,420 | $48,300 |
| Florida | $48,260 | $23.20 | $31,970 | $79,180 | 49,930 | $46,667 |
| North Carolina | $48,200 | $23.17 | $31,500 | $79,610 | 26,510 | $51,099 |
| South Carolina | $48,100 | $23.13 | $31,200 | $78,030 | 13,420 | $51,307 |
| Kansas | $47,790 | $22.98 | $31,970 | $77,340 | 6,240 | $53,060 |
| New Mexico | $47,300 | $22.74 | $30,390 | $77,850 | 5,080 | $51,295 |
| Utah | $46,570 | $22.39 | $30,460 | $77,320 | 9,350 | $47,105 |
| Oklahoma | $46,560 | $22.38 | $29,410 | $81,480 | 8,870 | $53,004 |
| Louisiana | $46,400 | $22.31 | $30,230 | $77,790 | 8,620 | $52,604 |
| Alabama | $45,640 | $21.94 | $31,030 | $79,230 | 9,040 | $51,383 |
| Kentucky | $44,890 | $21.58 | $30,210 | $73,910 | 11,140 | $49,790 |
| Arkansas | $44,160 | $21.23 | $30,320 | $75,600 | 7,310 | $50,795 |
| Mississippi | $37,820 | $18.18 | $28,650 | $74,000 | 7,410 | $43,495 |
| West Virginia | $37,660 | $18.11 | $28,270 | $65,520 | 4,490 | $42,080 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Auto mechanic salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes auto mechanic pay: 387 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- San Jose, CA $77,840
- Napa, CA $76,450
- San Francisco, CA $76,030
- Santa Rosa, CA $75,080
- Sacramento, CA $72,020
- Vallejo, CA $69,710
- Oxnard, CA $65,160
- San Diego, CA $64,320
- Riverside, CA $64,210
- Hanford, CA $64,090
Where the pay goes furthest
- San Jose, CA $70,493
- Dubuque, IA $69,886
- Santa Rosa, CA $69,658
- Minot, ND $68,966
- Napa, CA $67,923
- Grand Forks, ND $67,711
- Sacramento, CA $67,517
- Ames, IA $66,216
- Rapid City, SD $66,151
- Des Moines, IA $65,943
All 387 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $77,840 | 3,040 | $70,493 | 59% |
| Napa, CA | $76,450 | 160 | $67,923 | 46% |
| San Francisco, CA | $76,030 | 7,270 | $65,763 | 54% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $75,080 | 1,000 | $69,658 | 43% |
| Sacramento, CA | $72,020 | 4,870 | $67,517 | 38% |
| Vallejo, CA | $69,710 | 760 | $64,261 | 42% |
| Oxnard, CA | $65,160 | 1,450 | $58,950 | 54% |
| San Diego, CA | $64,320 | 4,910 | $57,487 | 55% |
| Riverside, CA | $64,210 | 7,680 | $60,324 | 47% |
| Hanford, CA | $64,090 | 170 | $63,073 | 36% |
| Boulder, CO | $63,950 | 670 | $60,788 | 41% |
| Chico, CA | $63,070 | 320 | $62,324 | 29% |
| Boston, MA | $63,060 | 9,360 | $58,245 | 57% |
| Stockton, CA | $62,840 | 1,310 | $59,797 | 46% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $62,820 | 22,330 | $55,316 | 56% |
| Modesto, CA | $62,770 | 1,030 | $60,293 | 40% |
| Salinas, CA | $62,770 | 620 | $57,565 | 53% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $62,530 | 3,170 | $64,506 | 30% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $62,450 | 1,250 | $61,902 | 35% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $62,440 | 1,460 | $58,429 | 55% |
| Denver, CO | $61,960 | 6,340 | $58,573 | 37% |
| Washington, DC | $61,860 | 12,030 | $56,813 | 47% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $61,620 | 520 | $56,742 | 55% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $61,610 | 790 | $60,923 | 38% |
| Richmond, VA | $61,510 | 2,930 | $62,856 | 33% |
| Bozeman, MT | $61,320 | 330 | $59,819 | 43% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $61,110 | 700 | $56,168 | 64% |
| Fairbanks, AK | $61,060 | 270 | $59,162 | 36% |
| Dubuque, IA | $61,030 | 290 | $69,886 | 21% |
| Greeley, CO | $60,920 | 600 | $60,813 | 33% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $60,710 | 1,600 | $60,284 | 35% |
| Barnstable, MA | $60,650 | 430 | $61,667 | 51% |
| Madison, WI | $60,650 | 1,270 | $62,341 | 35% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $60,490 | 7,180 | $57,707 | 34% |
| Des Moines, IA | $60,470 | 1,870 | $65,943 | 25% |
| Portland, OR | $60,450 | 4,180 | $57,342 | 36% |
| Billings, MT | $60,150 | 650 | $64,314 | 28% |
| Minot, ND | $60,020 | 210 | $68,966 | 25% |
| Anchorage, AK | $59,880 | 850 | $56,801 | 38% |
| New Haven, CT | $59,760 | 1,320 | $57,154 | 41% |
| Manchester, NH | $59,720 | 1,540 | $56,523 | 44% |
| Missoula, MT | $59,650 | 350 | $61,849 | 33% |
| Casper, WY | $59,530 | 260 | $63,445 | 29% |
| Fargo, ND | $59,510 | 600 | $65,488 | 22% |
| Merced, CA | $59,390 | 330 | $60,432 | 42% |
| Seattle, WA | $59,290 | 6,860 | $53,350 | 46% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $59,190 | 720 | $65,309 | 26% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $59,130 | 430 | $59,639 | 41% |
| Great Falls, MT | $59,110 | 210 | $61,036 | 29% |
| Portland, ME | $59,090 | 1,360 | $58,012 | 47% |
| Waterbury, CT | $59,040 | 950 | $59,171 | – |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $58,980 | 220 | $58,837 | – |
| Rapid City, SD | $58,980 | 360 | $66,151 | 30% |
| Norwich, CT | $58,950 | 630 | $58,689 | 43% |
| Hartford, CT | $58,910 | 2,160 | $57,336 | 41% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $58,860 | 450 | $53,560 | 71% |
| Ames, IA | $58,820 | 260 | $66,216 | 24% |
| Nashville, TN | $58,700 | 5,150 | $60,931 | 37% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $58,680 | 220 | $67,711 | 23% |
| Yuba City, CA | $58,580 | 280 | $56,201 | 42% |
| Rochester, NY | $58,530 | 2,310 | $60,318 | 31% |
| Pueblo, CO | $58,480 | 290 | $63,730 | 27% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $58,460 | 12,700 | $57,004 | 39% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $58,420 | 540 | $57,910 | 39% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $58,290 | 3,560 | $59,515 | 39% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $58,200 | 400 | $60,958 | 36% |
| St. Louis, MO | $58,190 | 7,590 | $61,196 | 29% |
| Appleton, WI | $58,060 | 640 | $62,823 | 25% |
| Salem, OR | $57,960 | 590 | $55,919 | 34% |
| Helena, MT | $57,820 | 220 | $60,434 | 34% |
| Allentown, PA | $57,810 | 1,830 | $57,829 | 38% |
| New York, NY | $57,760 | 28,420 | $51,313 | 74% |
| Baltimore, MD | $57,630 | 6,340 | $55,155 | 40% |
| Burlington, VT | $57,580 | 660 | $57,039 | 54% |
| Winchester, VA | $57,570 | 410 | $59,689 | 38% |
| Kenosha, WI | $57,540 | 310 | $56,904 | – |
| Monroe, MI | $57,400 | 270 | $61,396 | 27% |
| Medford, OR | $57,390 | 420 | $56,579 | 39% |
| Bend, OR | $57,300 | 440 | $55,305 | 46% |
| Kahului, HI | $57,180 | 440 | $52,270 | 67% |
| Bismarck, ND | $56,960 | 350 | $62,577 | 27% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $56,560 | 440 | $56,133 | 43% |
| Bellingham, WA | $56,550 | 360 | $54,725 | 41% |
| Trenton, NJ | $56,550 | 800 | $54,807 | 54% |
| Springfield, MA | $56,440 | 870 | $58,754 | 42% |
| Lewiston, ME | $56,370 | 280 | $59,502 | 34% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $56,260 | 1,530 | $51,416 | 48% |
| Green Bay, WI | $56,180 | 640 | $60,353 | 24% |
| Columbus, OH | $56,150 | 3,920 | $58,815 | 33% |
| Lansing, MI | $56,130 | 890 | $59,090 | 28% |
| Detroit, MI | $56,000 | 9,520 | $55,834 | 32% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $55,640 | 370 | $56,335 | 42% |
| Albany, NY | $55,500 | 2,140 | $55,742 | 37% |
| Gainesville, GA | $55,330 | 440 | $57,179 | 37% |
| Chicago, IL | $55,320 | 20,140 | $53,400 | 47% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $55,270 | 280 | $53,952 | 47% |
| York, PA | $55,110 | 1,000 | $57,406 | 30% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $54,840 | 630 | $55,474 | 45% |
| Salisbury, MD | $54,840 | 390 | $57,354 | 43% |
| Spokane, WA | $54,840 | 1,100 | $54,651 | 33% |
| Corvallis, OR | $54,330 | 130 | $52,232 | 40% |
| El Centro, CA | $54,330 | 320 | $57,085 | 40% |
| Grants Pass, OR | $54,330 | 140 | $55,575 | 35% |
| Worcester, MA | $54,330 | 1,720 | $52,993 | 46% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $54,300 | 260 | $59,252 | 25% |
| Carson City, NV | $54,270 | 270 | $55,304 | 46% |
| Omaha, NE | $54,230 | 2,250 | $59,003 | 31% |
| Sioux City, IA | $54,230 | 330 | $62,727 | 29% |
| Longview, WA | $54,080 | 230 | $55,441 | 31% |
| Bremerton, WA | $53,820 | 470 | $50,963 | 46% |
| Kansas City, MO | $53,790 | 5,380 | $58,124 | 34% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $53,750 | 250 | $55,705 | 34% |
| Charlotte, NC | $53,660 | 7,990 | $55,122 | 39% |
| Kennewick, WA | $53,450 | 590 | $53,408 | 38% |
| Albany, OR | $53,290 | 170 | $52,194 | 37% |
| Kingston, NY | $53,290 | 440 | $52,915 | 45% |
| Grand Island, NE | $53,250 | 260 | $61,449 | 30% |
| Janesville, WI | $53,240 | 390 | $56,818 | 29% |
| Wausau, WI | $53,100 | 340 | $57,312 | 22% |
| Akron, OH | $52,900 | 1,580 | $56,656 | 30% |
| Duluth, MN | $52,640 | 650 | $59,301 | 30% |
| Savannah, GA | $52,230 | 1,000 | $54,860 | 41% |
| Traverse City, MI | $52,220 | 320 | $55,927 | 43% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $52,040 | 360 | $56,000 | 29% |
| Fresno, CA | $52,000 | 1,890 | $50,902 | 47% |
| North Port, FL | $51,970 | 2,110 | $50,744 | 49% |
| Providence, RI | $51,970 | 3,700 | $51,065 | 50% |
| Jackson, MI | $51,870 | 240 | $56,516 | 27% |
| Eugene, OR | $51,770 | 620 | $50,971 | 41% |
| Durham, NC | $51,580 | 1,090 | $52,864 | 38% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $51,530 | 4,160 | $51,797 | 39% |
| Atlanta, GA | $51,450 | 12,310 | $51,420 | 43% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $51,400 | 250 | $54,045 | 41% |
| Naples, FL | $51,320 | 940 | $49,729 | 61% |
| Reading, PA | $51,310 | 890 | $52,864 | 36% |
| Olympia, WA | $51,260 | 450 | $49,445 | 48% |
| Roanoke, VA | $51,230 | 740 | $54,722 | 33% |
| Athens, GA | $51,170 | 440 | $54,819 | 42% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $51,080 | 310 | $54,332 | 32% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $51,020 | 1,320 | $55,782 | 35% |
| Houston, TX | $50,940 | 14,910 | $51,648 | 39% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $50,940 | 230 | $49,049 | 41% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $50,920 | 560 | $51,950 | 46% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $50,910 | 490 | $51,794 | 43% |
| Austin, TX | $50,610 | 5,210 | $51,608 | 38% |
| Raleigh, NC | $50,600 | 3,650 | $51,550 | 40% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $50,530 | 5,600 | $52,803 | 36% |
| Lancaster, PA | $50,530 | 1,540 | $51,426 | 37% |
| Memphis, TN | $50,490 | 2,980 | $54,774 | 33% |
| Michigan City, IN | $50,400 | 250 | $54,973 | 29% |
| Racine, WI | $50,320 | 350 | $52,438 | 35% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $50,300 | 370 | $53,022 | 34% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $50,280 | 370 | $54,183 | 27% |
| Cleveland, OH | $50,260 | 4,120 | $53,512 | 34% |
| Redding, CA | $50,260 | 380 | $49,919 | 39% |
| Reno, NV | $50,190 | 1,580 | $49,686 | 49% |
| La Crosse, WI | $50,180 | 370 | $54,681 | 32% |
| Bangor, ME | $50,170 | 450 | $51,985 | 36% |
| Yakima, WA | $50,150 | 410 | $52,488 | 33% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $50,090 | 11,340 | $48,482 | 41% |
| Walla Walla, WA | $50,090 | 90 | $50,843 | 35% |
| Elkhart, IN | $49,990 | 530 | $55,345 | 28% |
| Midland, TX | $49,990 | 600 | $52,191 | 38% |
| Iowa City, IA | $49,960 | 360 | $54,596 | 42% |
| Rochester, MN | $49,920 | 480 | $54,965 | 38% |
| Jackson, TN | $49,910 | 520 | $58,359 | 33% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $49,890 | 650 | $56,079 | 29% |
| Johnson City, TN | $49,830 | 450 | $56,671 | 36% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $49,810 | 1,240 | $53,807 | 30% |
| Dallas, TX | $49,720 | 17,690 | $48,230 | 40% |
| Albany, GA | $49,710 | 420 | $56,702 | 26% |
| Clarksville, TN | $49,570 | 730 | $54,504 | 33% |
| Springfield, MO | $49,570 | 1,840 | $55,958 | 30% |
| Miami, FL | $49,550 | 11,970 | $43,406 | 64% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $49,540 | 1,410 | $50,218 | 36% |
| Lincoln, NE | $49,500 | 770 | $54,051 | 31% |
| Staunton, VA | $49,470 | 230 | $54,286 | 35% |
| Niles, MI | $49,450 | 270 | $53,535 | 34% |
| Syracuse, NY | $49,410 | 1,650 | $51,607 | 40% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $49,380 | 1,200 | $49,268 | 56% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $49,310 | 3,340 | $51,609 | 39% |
| Lafayette, IN | $49,290 | 480 | $52,756 | 36% |
| New Orleans, LA | $49,190 | 1,610 | $53,123 | 38% |
| Columbus, IN | $49,180 | 190 | $52,880 | 34% |
| Lebanon, PA | $49,180 | 300 | $52,760 | 35% |
| Charleston, SC | $49,120 | 2,510 | $48,652 | 50% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $49,120 | 390 | $52,373 | 37% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $49,090 | 4,520 | $51,473 | 37% |
| College Station, TX | $49,080 | 700 | $53,963 | 37% |
| South Bend, IN | $49,080 | 670 | $52,855 | 31% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $49,030 | 300 | $48,871 | 52% |
| Sherman, TX | $49,030 | 360 | $52,287 | 33% |
| Honolulu, HI | $49,020 | 1,720 | $44,178 | 74% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $48,930 | 340 | $51,564 | 41% |
| Cleveland, TN | $48,900 | 260 | $55,518 | 35% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $48,900 | 6,430 | $51,653 | 36% |
| Lewiston, ID | $48,870 | 190 | $53,609 | 36% |
| Columbus, GA | $48,830 | 630 | $54,683 | 33% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $48,820 | 2,320 | $51,096 | 37% |
| Ithaca, NY | $48,820 | 190 | $47,253 | 49% |
| Springfield, IL | $48,810 | 550 | $52,628 | 30% |
| Dover, DE | $48,800 | 320 | $50,048 | 44% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $48,770 | 220 | $51,133 | 34% |
| Greensboro, NC | $48,770 | 2,110 | $52,517 | 35% |
| Augusta, GA | $48,730 | 1,260 | $53,023 | 36% |
| Waterloo, IA | $48,720 | 430 | $55,963 | 25% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $48,690 | 310 | $56,565 | 25% |
| Flint, MI | $48,680 | 920 | $52,325 | 26% |
| Kingsport, TN | $48,670 | 670 | $56,300 | 33% |
| Vineland, NJ | $48,670 | 330 | $50,715 | 41% |
| Pinehurst, NC | $48,640 | 250 | $55,062 | 46% |
| Boise, ID | $48,630 | 2,030 | $49,425 | 47% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $48,610 | 970 | $53,388 | 36% |
| Tucson, AZ | $48,600 | 2,150 | $50,157 | 37% |
| Kokomo, IN | $48,580 | 200 | $54,190 | 27% |
| Buffalo, NY | $48,550 | 2,590 | $50,655 | 36% |
| Knoxville, TN | $48,540 | 2,280 | $52,437 | 43% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $48,500 | 440 | $52,314 | 41% |
| Midland, MI | $48,490 | 190 | $52,752 | 34% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $48,490 | 640 | $55,334 | 30% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $48,480 | 1,710 | $53,404 | 34% |
| Bloomington, IN | $48,480 | 330 | $50,986 | 43% |
| Mankato, MN | $48,450 | 290 | $53,268 | 31% |
| Williamsport, PA | $48,450 | 340 | $52,463 | 27% |
| Columbia, MO | $48,370 | 630 | $54,082 | 36% |
| Mansfield, OH | $48,350 | 250 | $54,404 | 22% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $48,320 | 580 | $51,180 | 36% |
| Topeka, KS | $48,320 | 510 | $54,402 | 31% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $48,270 | 400 | $51,003 | 33% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $48,210 | 560 | $50,833 | 32% |
| Greenville, SC | $48,120 | 2,310 | $51,598 | 39% |
| Rockford, IL | $48,110 | 730 | $52,206 | 32% |
| Wilmington, NC | $48,100 | 1,130 | $49,885 | 44% |
| Champaign, IL | $48,090 | 460 | $51,875 | 35% |
| Columbia, SC | $48,080 | 2,500 | $51,334 | 39% |
| Sebastian, FL | $47,950 | 370 | $48,775 | 53% |
| Evansville, IN | $47,920 | 740 | $52,356 | 27% |
| Asheville, NC | $47,900 | 950 | $49,634 | 43% |
| Brunswick, GA | $47,880 | 250 | $54,590 | 42% |
| Davenport, IA | $47,880 | 980 | $53,750 | 25% |
| Decatur, IL | $47,880 | 240 | $54,149 | 27% |
| Lawrence, KS | $47,880 | 240 | $53,057 | 39% |
| Tampa, FL | $47,880 | 7,380 | $47,458 | 50% |
| Binghamton, NY | $47,870 | 520 | $51,549 | 40% |
| Orlando, FL | $47,850 | 6,480 | $47,181 | 48% |
| Bay City, MI | $47,830 | 200 | $52,034 | 26% |
| Birmingham, AL | $47,830 | 2,220 | $52,191 | 35% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $47,800 | 690 | $50,759 | 41% |
| Wichita, KS | $47,800 | 1,330 | $53,740 | 30% |
| Dalton, GA | $47,770 | 250 | $53,170 | 35% |
| Utica, NY | $47,770 | 670 | $51,544 | 36% |
| Crestview, FL | $47,760 | 740 | $49,221 | 49% |
| Peoria, IL | $47,750 | 1,040 | $52,340 | 29% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $47,720 | 340 | $52,705 | 29% |
| Macon, GA | $47,700 | 540 | $53,881 | 30% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $47,670 | 1,460 | $47,668 | 48% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $47,650 | 4,970 | $47,548 | 44% |
| Morristown, TN | $47,600 | 260 | $55,116 | 39% |
| Scranton, PA | $47,600 | 1,300 | $50,879 | 34% |
| Odessa, TX | $47,510 | 640 | $50,599 | 40% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $47,480 | 490 | $48,323 | 48% |
| The Villages, FL | $47,480 | 180 | $55,582 | 44% |
| Gainesville, FL | $47,460 | 800 | $49,063 | 41% |
| Rome, GA | $47,460 | 210 | $52,639 | 32% |
| Louisville, KY | $47,440 | 3,640 | $50,970 | 34% |
| St. George, UT | $47,430 | 550 | $48,736 | 47% |
| Tulsa, OK | $47,410 | 2,430 | $53,142 | 35% |
| Muncie, IN | $47,360 | 260 | $53,728 | 26% |
| Muskegon, MI | $47,350 | 340 | $51,179 | 33% |
| Slidell, LA | $47,350 | 490 | $51,064 | – |
| Mobile, AL | $47,330 | 890 | $53,724 | 32% |
| Saginaw, MI | $47,320 | 580 | $52,062 | 27% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $47,280 | 3,910 | $46,873 | 42% |
| Watertown, NY | $47,280 | 350 | $53,917 | 38% |
| Auburn, AL | $47,250 | 300 | $53,734 | 41% |
| State College, PA | $47,240 | 300 | $48,821 | 49% |
| Greenville, NC | $47,220 | 390 | $53,415 | 37% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $47,180 | 330 | $54,618 | 26% |
| Dayton, OH | $47,100 | 1,570 | $50,812 | 34% |
| Toledo, OH | $47,090 | 1,350 | $51,490 | 32% |
| Beaumont, TX | $47,050 | 890 | $52,251 | 33% |
| Montgomery, AL | $47,030 | 670 | $52,441 | 35% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $47,010 | 420 | $53,436 | 26% |
| Canton, OH | $46,990 | 860 | $52,558 | 29% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $46,990 | 360 | $51,016 | 40% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $46,970 | 590 | $52,561 | 33% |
| San Antonio, TX | $46,880 | 6,320 | $49,495 | 36% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $46,870 | 1,220 | $50,958 | 37% |
| Hickory, NC | $46,860 | 950 | $52,958 | 41% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $46,840 | 1,900 | $45,765 | 47% |
| Erie, PA | $46,840 | 670 | $51,501 | 29% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $46,840 | 1,520 | $51,274 | 40% |
| Huntsville, AL | $46,840 | 940 | $50,327 | 36% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $46,840 | 410 | $53,350 | 25% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $46,820 | 3,340 | $51,787 | 35% |
| Deltona, FL | $46,810 | 1,700 | $47,108 | 45% |
| Hinesville, GA | $46,810 | 110 | $49,833 | 45% |
| Waco, TX | $46,790 | 730 | $50,556 | 36% |
| Valdosta, GA | $46,730 | 310 | $52,939 | 34% |
| Elmira, NY | $46,720 | 210 | $49,493 | 29% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $46,670 | 540 | $49,597 | 40% |
| Farmington, NM | $46,660 | 400 | $53,200 | 36% |
| Sandusky, OH | $46,660 | 280 | $52,262 | 47% |
| Ogden, UT | $46,650 | 1,870 | $46,488 | 42% |
| Sumter, SC | $46,500 | 190 | $52,829 | 38% |
| Logan, UT | $46,490 | 380 | $48,464 | 37% |
| Pocatello, ID | $46,450 | 200 | $52,246 | 28% |
| Longview, TX | $46,400 | 800 | $51,852 | 30% |
| Johnstown, PA | $46,350 | 330 | $53,940 | 23% |
| Joplin, MO | $46,320 | 590 | $54,038 | 32% |
| Springfield, OH | $46,300 | 200 | $51,170 | 31% |
| Pensacola, FL | $46,290 | 1,190 | $47,371 | 45% |
| Visalia, CA | $46,280 | 700 | $46,361 | 45% |
| Bloomington, IL | $46,260 | 440 | $49,456 | 34% |
| Abilene, TX | $46,190 | 650 | $51,115 | 52% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $46,190 | 520 | $45,949 | 48% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $46,180 | 430 | $50,149 | 41% |
| Altoona, PA | $46,160 | 400 | $51,571 | 26% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $46,150 | 300 | $49,376 | 46% |
| Florence, SC | $46,130 | 600 | $53,161 | 39% |
| Little Rock, AR | $46,130 | 2,160 | $51,620 | 32% |
| San Angelo, TX | $46,130 | 410 | $49,896 | 34% |
| Youngstown, OH | $46,090 | 840 | $52,738 | 27% |
| Lexington, KY | $46,080 | 1,530 | $49,608 | 42% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $46,080 | 1,630 | $50,064 | 40% |
| Shreveport, LA | $45,990 | 930 | $54,255 | 33% |
| Lafayette, LA | $45,920 | 810 | $52,655 | 36% |
| Lakeland, FL | $45,900 | 1,820 | $47,251 | 47% |
| Ocala, FL | $45,900 | 1,030 | $48,197 | 42% |
| Killeen, TX | $45,870 | 1,110 | $50,334 | 34% |
| Amarillo, TX | $45,860 | 930 | $49,946 | 34% |
| Houma, LA | $45,840 | 400 | $53,864 | 34% |
| Burlington, NC | $45,750 | 370 | $49,090 | 35% |
| Decatur, AL | $45,740 | 290 | $52,447 | 28% |
| Lima, OH | $45,740 | 270 | $51,010 | 32% |
| Daphne, AL | $45,720 | 470 | $48,284 | 45% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $45,690 | 420 | $50,647 | 39% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $45,640 | 870 | $48,595 | 39% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $45,540 | 520 | $53,045 | 36% |
| Hammond, LA | $45,450 | 280 | $53,812 | 35% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $45,360 | 1,040 | $48,440 | 46% |
| Kankakee, IL | $45,190 | 320 | $46,881 | 35% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $45,070 | 530 | $51,378 | 44% |
| Victoria, TX | $45,060 | 300 | $50,156 | 31% |
| Lawton, OK | $45,010 | 260 | $52,373 | 30% |
| Lubbock, TX | $44,950 | 1,180 | $49,224 | 36% |
| Texarkana, TX | $44,940 | 410 | $53,492 | 33% |
| Alexandria, LA | $44,900 | 340 | $52,401 | 28% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $44,830 | 350 | $52,203 | 33% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $44,780 | 440 | $50,026 | 35% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $44,710 | 1,090 | $48,246 | 38% |
| Sebring, FL | $44,650 | 210 | $48,286 | 41% |
| Anniston, AL | $44,590 | 200 | $51,880 | 26% |
| Tyler, TX | $44,590 | 850 | $48,385 | 35% |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $44,540 | 220 | $49,909 | 34% |
| Yuma, AZ | $44,510 | 540 | $48,012 | 38% |
| Manhattan, KS | $44,410 | 240 | $49,256 | 34% |
| Eagle Pass, TX | $44,360 | 90 | $52,932 | 31% |
| El Paso, TX | $44,250 | 2,080 | $49,215 | 41% |
| Dothan, AL | $44,170 | 300 | $52,688 | 33% |
| Provo, UT | $43,980 | 1,590 | $44,772 | 48% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $43,970 | 260 | $49,705 | 41% |
| Owensboro, KY | $43,900 | 290 | $49,543 | 34% |
| Monroe, LA | $43,760 | 400 | $52,346 | 32% |
| Panama City, FL | $43,730 | 620 | $44,945 | 48% |
| Paducah, KY | $43,260 | 290 | $50,253 | 32% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $42,860 | 470 | $47,528 | 34% |
| Gadsden, AL | $42,200 | 170 | $49,269 | 30% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $42,030 | 550 | $48,936 | 31% |
| Wheeling, WV | $42,030 | 400 | $47,587 | 25% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $41,630 | 350 | $45,963 | 37% |
| Charleston, WV | $41,390 | 690 | $46,654 | 35% |
| Enid, OK | $40,670 | 130 | $48,262 | 33% |
| Weirton, WV | $40,670 | 170 | $45,684 | 24% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $40,430 | 260 | $47,160 | 37% |
| McAllen, TX | $39,920 | 1,620 | $46,475 | 34% |
| Florence, AL | $39,800 | 240 | $46,925 | 32% |
| Laredo, TX | $39,450 | 640 | $45,368 | 34% |
| Brownsville, TX | $39,160 | 780 | $45,548 | 46% |
| Gulfport, MS | $39,120 | 980 | $43,464 | 44% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $38,880 | 300 | $44,176 | 39% |
| Jackson, MS | $38,040 | 1,900 | $42,719 | 46% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $37,700 | 430 | $43,020 | 41% |
| Beckley, WV | $37,340 | 380 | $42,255 | 33% |
| Parkersburg, WV | $37,250 | 330 | $42,784 | 34% |
| Huntington, WV | $37,240 | 920 | $42,116 | 35% |
| Morgantown, WV | $37,060 | 360 | $39,712 | 44% |
What the median auto mechanic salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $50,620 |
| Month | $4,218 |
| Every two weeks | $1,947 |
| Week | $973 |
| Hour | $24.34 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming an auto mechanic: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | Short-term on-the-job training |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +5.0% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 66,200 |
| Self-employed | 14.6% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| HVAC technician | $61,010 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Lineman | $95,320 | High school diploma |
| Diesel mechanic | $61,770 | High school diploma |
| Aircraft mechanic | $79,870 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Maintenance technician | $49,590 | High school diploma |
| Millwright | $65,700 | High school diploma |
| Locksmith | $51,320 | High school diploma |
Questions about auto mechanic pay
How much does an auto mechanic make an hour?
The median is $24.34 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $16.66 and the top 10% over $39.32.
How much does an auto mechanic make a month?
About $4,218 a month before taxes at the median salary of $50,620, or $1,947 every two weeks.
What state pays auto mechanics the most?
The District of Columbia, with a median of $68,660. California ($64,980), Colorado ($61,280), Alaska ($60,840) and Massachusetts ($60,760) follow.
Where do auto mechanics make the most after cost of living?
North Dakota: its median of $57,360 is worth $64,479 at typical US prices. The District of Columbia, Montana and Colorado come next.
How much do entry-level auto mechanics make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of auto mechanics earn under $34,660 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $38,900, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become an auto mechanic?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a postsecondary certificate (a nondegree award). Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: short-term on-the-job training.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 49-3023 (Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.