How much does a mechanic make?

The world couldn't run without mechanics, as these professionals provide valuable services throughout countless aspects of life, from the cars we drive to the trucks that deliver goods to homes and stores. If you're pursuing a career as an automotive technician, there are several options for areas of expertise, all of which have different levels of pay. By learning how much a car mechanic makes, you can prepare yourself for a career that you enjoy and that pays you enough money to support yourself and reach your financial goals.

Here, we'll take a closer look at the national average salary of a car mechanic, along with details about factors that impact their earnings. This will help you find a job that aligns with your desired compensation and professional goals.

How much does an auto mechanic make per hour?

Auto mechanics are typically paid by the hour. This is especially true for mechanics who work in auto shops or car dealerships. They may receive hourly pay in addition to extra pay for complex services. Across the United States, the average hourly wage for a car mechanic is $24 per hour. 

Auto mechanics in entry-level jobs and others at the lowest end of the income pool may be more likely to earn $18 per hour. Those on the upper end of the spectrum can earn an average of $30 per hour. A variety of factors can impact how much an auto mechanic makes per hour, such as their experience and the specialty certifications they earn to bolster their expertise. You can also earn higher hourly wages as an auto mechanic by advancing to higher-level roles, such as a shift lead or a manager.

How much do mechanics make a week?

Car mechanics can sometimes be paid weekly. For these mechanics, the average pay is $953 per week. The lowest-paid mechanics typically make around $705 per week, while those who earn the highest incomes get an average of $1,184 per week.

How much does a car mechanic make a year?

In some cases, a mechanic may track their earnings through an annual salary. Currently, the national average vehicle mechanic salary is $49,578 per year. On the lowest end of the spectrum for this career, mechanics make an average of $36,657 per year, while the highest earners receive an average of $61,571 per year.

"Currently, the national average vehicle mechanic salary is $49,578 per year. On the lowest end of the spectrum for this career, mechanics make an average of $36,657 per year, while the highest earners receive an average of $61,571 per year."

Flat rate vs. hourly rate

In some cases, an auto mechanic's pay is calculated based on the services they provide. For example, a mechanic may charge specific prices for oil changes, brake repairs, and engine checks that all differ based on complexity. This is known as a flat rate, which allows mechanics to get paid based on the level of skills they'll use and lets customers know the exact cost when they schedule their services.

Another option is to charge customers an hourly rate, which depends on the length of time a project takes. This can be a great option for mechanics who work long hours, as they get compensated based on the time they spend on each project rather than the tasks they perform. You can set your hourly rate by exploring other rates for mechanics in your area with the same skills. Additionally, you can achieve a higher hourly rate by specializing in an advanced area of mechanics or earning professional certifications that verify your expertise.

Types of auto mechanics

There are several different types of mechanics in the automotive industry. Here are some of the various automotive mechanic skill sets:

• General mechanic: A general automotive mechanic identifies issues in vehicles and performs repairs.
• Service technician: Service technicians perform routine maintenance on cars, such as oil and filter changes, electrical component checks, and mechanical inspections.
• Auto body mechanic: When the external body of a car is damaged, an auto body mechanic does the necessary repairs.
•  Heavy equipment mechanic: A heavy equipment mechanic specializes in repairing and maintaining machines used in various industries, such as tractors for farming and machinery for industrial development plants.
• Maintenance supervisor: Maintenance supervisors oversee all the mechanics in an auto shop or dealership, where they schedule services, answer questions, and hire staff.
• Diesel mechanics: Diesel mechanics know how to repair trucks, cars, and machinery with diesel engines.
• Race car mechanic: A race car mechanic works on cars used in competitive racing, often with specialty parts and engines.

What factors impact how much a car mechanic makes?

An automotive worker's salary depends on many factors, including the types of cars they work on and the amount of experience they have in the field. Here are some of the ways you can increase your salary as an auto mechanic.

Gain more experience

One of the biggest factors that impacts how much a car mechanic earns is how much experience they have. When a mechanic has several years of experience under their belt, they can earn more money since they have more practical knowledge about working on cars. As you gain more experience with companies that can teach you about best practices for different makes and models, you'll increase your earning potential.

Having more experience can also give you opportunities to qualify for advanced jobs that pay higher salaries. For instance, if you work as a service technician in a car dealership, you might advance to a service coordinator or lead service technician role to earn more income.

Learn a specialized skill

Specialized skills are valuable in all industries, including automotive mechanics. Since there are so many manufacturers, car body types, and options for mechanical hardware across different vehicles, mechanics who are skilled in working with various types of cars can often earn more money. A great way to learn more specialized skills is to take certification courses or complete apprenticeships that allow you to learn about new types of engines, vehicles, and repair techniques.

Consider your location

Another factor that affects how much a mechanic earns in the automotive industry is their location. In some cities, especially those with a higher volume of people who own luxury cars, mechanics can earn higher salaries. By considering location, you can look for jobs and clients in potentially high-paying places.

For example, you can improve your career by networking with other mechanics in areas with higher average salaries to learn how to access new clients in lucrative markets. If you're interested in moving, you might also consider researching cities and towns that have the highest average pay for mechanics to ensure you end up somewhere that will allow you to maximize your earnings.

Whether you're finishing trade school or just considering working as an automotive mechanic, you can benefit from learning about how much they make and what kinds of options are available for compensation in your field. There are several ways for mechanics to get paid, and knowing how much money you could make will help you pursue a job that supports your professional and financial goals. Sign up to get email alerts from CareerBuilder to ensure you never miss out on the newest job openings for mechanics, and you'll be sure to notice options that pay competitive salaries.

More tips about finding and starting a job in the trades

To learn more about why working in a trade can be lucrative and beneficial, explore a list of some of the highest-paying trade jobs that are currently in demand.

If you're not sure which trade job is the right choice for you, read about how to find a job you love.

Before you start your next role as a mechanic, check out what you need to know before signing an employment contract.

If mechanics and cars are what you're after, learn about jobs in diesel mechanics and technology.

For details about high-paying roles in another industry with several trade jobs, read about the highest-paying jobs in energy.