How much does an auto mechanic make?
a year · about $24 an hour
A typical auto mechanic in the United States makes $50,620 a year, about $24 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They listen to a driver's problem, scan the car's computer, and inspect parts such as brakes, tires, and sensors. After repairs, they test the car, record the work, and explain the fix to the customer.
Did you know? ASE-certified auto technicians must retake their tests every five years to keep their certification current.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $34,660 and $81,790How do you become one?
In the U.S., study auto repair, electronics, computers, and math in high school, then attend a technical school or community-college auto program—or learn on the job as a trainee or apprentice. With experience, pass an ASE test to earn a specialty certification.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., experience and ASE certificates can help mechanics earn more, while pay also differs among dealerships, repair shops, and places. Specialists who handle complex problems, work extra or evening/weekend hours, or are paid by completed jobs may earn differently.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in California ($64,980), lowest in West Virginia ($37,660).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
In Japan, a auto mechanic averages $33,587. Auto mechanic salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $34,660 | $50,620 | $81,790 | about 705,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $64,980 | about 65,000 |
| Colorado | $61,280 | about 12,000 |
| Alaska | $60,840 | about 1,000 |
| Massachusetts | $60,760 | about 13,000 |
| Connecticut | $60,220 | about 7,000 |
Official definition: Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles. Excludes “Automotive Body and Related Repairers” (49-3021), “Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists” (49-3031), and “Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles” (49-2096).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-service-technicia
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/49-3023.00
- www.ase.com/about-ase
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.aseeducationfoundation.org/students/get-started
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY