What Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics this way: "Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices"; "Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made"; "Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications"; "Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes"; "Estimate costs of vehicle repair".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is postsecondary nondegree award. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 825,800 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 866,700 in 2035, an increase of 40,900 jobs (+5%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 66,200 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 8.0% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. 14.6% of workers in this occupation are self-employed; the wage figures below cover wage and salary workers. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $50,620, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earn the most
Across the 24 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $48,442 in Texas to $65,573 in California, a gap of $17,131 (1.35 times). 18 of those 24 states average above the BLS national median of $50,620 and 6 average at or below it.
Texas employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 68,740, which is 9.8% of the 698,610 counted across them. California follows with 64,920.
Highest-paying states
California ($65,573), New Hampshire ($62,015) and District of Columbia ($61,860) lead the ranking, while Texas ($48,442) and Florida ($48,473) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics: pay against the cost of living
We compare 31 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Jefferson County, WV (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV) at $30,013. The smallest margin is $5,082 in Kings County, NY.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 31 of the 31 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 25.4% and 71.2% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Automotive Body and Related Repairers belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (49-3000) include Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians and Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists.
Frequently asked questions about Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
How much do Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $50,620. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $48,442 to $65,573.
Which state pays Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $65,573. New Hampshire is next at $62,015.
Is Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 5% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 66,200 openings a year.
What education do Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics need?
The typical entry-level education is postsecondary nondegree award and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jefferson County, WV leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $30,013 on a median wage of $61,860.