Automotive Mechanic Salary in 2026
Automotive mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks. They use diagnostic equipment to identify problems and perform mechanical and electrical repairs.
Median Salary
$46,000
$3,833/mo
Entry Level
$32,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$66,000
experienced
Job Growth
0%
10-yr outlook
Automotive Mechanic Overview
Automotive mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks. They use diagnostic equipment to identify problems and perform mechanical and electrical repairs.
Education
Trade School Certificate
Experience
1-3 years
Industry
Automotive
Total Jobs (US)
770K
5-Year Growth
+10%
Category
Trades
Hourly Rate
$22.12/hr
Monthly Pay
$3,833
Automotive Mechanic Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Automotive Mechanic salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Automotive Mechanic Salary
$54,000
$4,500/month · $2,077/biweekly · $25.96/hr
Automotive Mechanic Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Automotive Mechanic field.
Entry-level Automotive Mechanics earn around $32,000, while the top 10% earn $73,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Automotive Mechanics
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $54,000 | +$8,000 |
| New York | $53,000 | +$7,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $46,000 | $0 |
| Texas | $45,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $45,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Automotive Mechanics
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $54,000 | +$8,000 |
| Los Angeles | $52,000 | +$6,000 |
| Miami | $47,000 | +$1,000 |
| Philadelphia | $47,000 | +$1,000 |
| Houston | $46,000 | $0 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Automotive Mechanic Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Automotive Mechanic from entry level to expert.
$32,000
0-2 years
$49,000
3-7 years
$66,000
8-14 years
$81,000
15+ years
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Automotive Mechanic Salary FAQ
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