The Average Auto Tech Salary
The need exists for qualified and highly trained auto technicians, or mechanics, to repair and maintain cars and light trucks. An auto technician’s salary will vary by state, and depends on the level of skill and training. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is an excellent online resource to determine the average salary.
Median Hourly Wages
- The median hourly salary of an auto tech, as of May 2008, was $16.88, including commission.
- Of the figure above, the middle 50 percent made between $12.44 and $22.64 per hour. The highest 10 percent made more than $28.71 per hour, and the lowest 10 percent made less than $9.56 per hour.
- Wages by industry are listed as follows: Those employed with local government made an average of $20.07, automobile dealers $19.61, auto repair and maintenance $15.26, gas stations $15.22, and those employed by auto part and tire stores made an average of $14.90.
- Experienced technicians working with auto dealers and independent repair shops may receive commission. Some employers offer health and retirement benefits.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities should be good for auto techs who graduate from postsecondary automotive training programs. This is due to the increase of cars in the US, and many employers have reported difficulty finding skilled workers.
Top Paying States
- The following average hourly salaries are as of May 2010.
- Alaska: $24.94
- District of Columbia: $22.68
- Maryland: $20.83
- Connecticut: $20.078
- Massachusetts: $20.73
Top Paying Metropolitan Areas
- The following average hourly salaries are as of May 2010.
- Fairbanks, AK: $25.10
- Danbury, CT: $25.06
- Anchorage, AK: $25.04
- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA: $24.73
- Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA Metro Division: $24.51
- Ann Arbor, MI: $24.39
- Lewiston, ID-WA Metro Area: $24.23
- Hinesville-Fort Stewart, GA: $23.88
- Reno-Sparks, NV: 23.37
- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metro Division: $23.16