Salary Outlook
The average mechanic and automotive technician earned $36,180 in 2011. The highest earners made about $59,600, while the lowest-paid took home $20,620 during the same period. Top earners in the profession worked the aerospace product and parts manufacturing, computer systems design, and related services industries. The highest-paying metro areas include Anchorage, Alaska, San Francisco, and San Jose, Calif.
| Job Salary | Year |
|---|---|
| 2002 | $30,460.00 |
| 2004 | $31,470.00 |
| 2006 | $33,770.00 |
| 2008 | $34,780.00 |
| 2010 | $36,820.00 |
Average Auto Mechanic Pay vs. All Social Services Jobs
The average auto mechanic takes in $36,180 per year, which is slightly higher than what many social services workers earn. For instance, landscapers and groundskeepers rake in $23,410 annually. With yearly earnings of $34,730, maintenance and repair workers also make less than auto techs. Fabricators and security guards also earn less, with take-home pays of $35,170 and $23,920, respectively. Patrol officers, however, out-earn mechanics. Their salary averaged $53,540 in 2011.
| Job Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Patrol Officer | $54,230.00 |
| Auto Mechanic | $36,180.00 |
| Fabricator | $35,170.00 |
| Maintenance & Repair Worker | $35,030.00 |
| Security Guard | $23,900.00 |
| Landscaper & Groundskeeper | $23,410.00 |
See Complete List of Best Social Services Jobs
Best Paying Cities for Auto Mechanics
The highest paid in the auto mechanic profession work in the metropolitan areas of Anchorage, AK, San Francisco, CA, and San Jose, CA. The Oakland, CA area also pays well, as does the city of Framingham, MA.
Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $52,860 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of an auto mechanic working in Anchorage, AK is $52,860, which is $16,680 more than the average pay in the profession.
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $50,710 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of an auto mechanic working in San Francisco, CA is $50,710, which is $14,530 more than the average pay in the profession.
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $50,240 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of an auto mechanic working in San Jose, CA is $50,240, which is $14,060 more than the average pay in the profession.
Oakland, CA
Average Salary: $49,970 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of an auto mechanic working in Oakland, CA is $49,970, which is $13,790 more than the average pay in the profession.
Framingham, MA
Average Salary: $49,680 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of an auto mechanic working in Framingham, MA is $49,680, which is $13,500 more than the average pay in the profession.
