Being an auto repair technician means you help fix cars and trucks, making sure they run smoothly for their owners. You use special tools and know-how to repair engines, brakes, and other important parts of vehicles.
One important thing to think about when choosing this career is how much you’ll be paid. To help decide this, many technicians use an automotive labor time guide, which shows the standard time and pay for different types of repairs. Knowing the right salary for your job is important because if you don’t, you might end up earning too little or asking too much, which can hurt your business or your chances of getting hired.
It’s important to learn about fair pay for auto repair work so that you can do your job well and feel good about how much you’re making.
Here’s the complete guide on “The Right Way to Use Automotive Labor Time Guide.”
How Much Does an Auto Mechanic Technician Make?
As of 2025, the average pay for an auto mechanic technician in the U.S. is $27.79 per hour.
The pay can range from as low as $10.82 to as high as $45.43 per hour. Most auto mechanic
technicians earn between $20.91 (at the 25th percentile) and $33.41 (at the 75th percentile). This means that how much you make can depend on your experience, the area where you work, and your skill level.
For example, if you’re just starting or working in a smaller area, you might earn closer to the lower end of the range, but as you gain experience, your pay could go up. The good news is that there are lots of chances for advancement and better pay as you get better at your job.
In some areas, auto mechanic technicians can even make more than the national average!
Technician Pay (Hourly)
Auto mechanic technicians in the U.S. typically earn between $25.73 and $28 per hour. This hourly wage can vary depending on factors like experience, location, and the type of work being done. Technicians with more skills or specialized training can often earn towards the higher end of this range.
Weekly Earnings
On average, auto mechanic technicians make between $1,029 and $1,111 per week. This means that based on their hourly rate, they can earn a steady paycheck each week. The exact amount may fluctuate depending on the number of hours worked, but most technicians can count on a reliable weekly income.
Monthly Earnings
Technicians can earn anywhere from $4,459 to $4,817 per month. This monthly pay range reflects the consistent work and the number of hours put in over a month. With experience and skill, technicians have the potential to earn higher amounts as they progress in their careers.
Annual Salary
The annual salary for an auto mechanic technician typically falls between $53,513 and $57,813. This yearly salary offers stability and a good living wage, with opportunities for growth and increased pay as experience and skills increase over time.
Auto Repair Labor Salaries Per Region
Alaska
Mechanics in Alaska earn an average annual salary of $78,000. This is one of the highest salaries for technicians in the country, reflecting the state’s higher cost of living and the demand for skilled labor in its remote regions.
Arizona
In Arizona, the average salary for a technician is $76,022. The warm climate and growing population of the state create a consistent need for car repairs, making this a competitive market for automotive professionals.
Texas
Texas offers an average annual salary of $65,268 for auto mechanic technicians. Known for its large number of vehicles on the road and a booming economy, Texas provides many opportunities for skilled mechanics.
Nebraska
In Nebraska, the typical salary for a mechanic is $62,981. With a lower cost of living and steady demand for automotive services, technicians in Nebraska enjoy a balanced wage with affordable living expenses.
Georgia
Auto Mechanic Technicians in Georgia earn around $62,472 annually. With a growing population and major metropolitan areas like Atlanta, the demand for auto repairs remains strong, offering good prospects for mechanics.
Vermont
In Vermont, the average salary for an Auto Mechanic Technician is $62,400. The state’s rural nature means mechanics are in demand to maintain vehicles for a spread-out population.
California
In California, auto repair technicians make around $62,394 annually. As one of the largest automotive markets in the country, California offers numerous opportunities, particularly in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Utah
Utah offers a salary of $62,391 for technicians. With a growing economy and population, the need for skilled automotive professionals is on the rise, especially in the state’s rapidly expanding cities.
Illinois
In Illinois, technicians make about $60,105 annually. Chicago, one of the largest cities in the country, provides many opportunities for mechanics to work on a wide variety of vehicles.
Mississippi, Iowa, Wisconsin
Technicians in Mississippi, Iowa, and Wisconsin each earn around $58,500 to $58,489 per year. These states offer a balanced mix of urban and rural opportunities with a steady demand for auto repair services.
Colorado
In Colorado, mechanics earn an average salary of $58,275. The state’s growing population and active outdoor lifestyle increase the need for reliable vehicle repairs.
New Hampshire, New York
In New Hampshire and New York, technicians earn salaries around $57,200 to $57,199. The cost of living is higher in New York, particularly in urban areas like New York City, but both states offer plenty of work in the automotive industry.
Click here to learn more about “Auto Repair Labor Rates: State Wise Breakdown”
Here’s the Earning $ Table
| State | Average Salary for Auto Mechanic Technician | Notes |
| Alaska | $78,000 | High salary due to high cost of living and demand in remote regions |
| Arizona | $76,022 | Competitive market due to growing population and climate needs |
| Texas | $65,268 | Large number of vehicles and booming economy |
| Nebraska | $62,981 | Lower cost of living and steady demand |
| Georgia | $62,472 | Strong demand due to growing population and metro areas like Atlanta |
| Vermont | $62,400 | High demand due to rural nature of the state |
| California | $62,394 | Large automotive market, especially in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco |
| Utah | $62,391 | Growing economy and expanding cities increasing demand |
| Illinois | $60,105 | Opportunities in large cities like Chicago |
| Mississippi | $58,500 | Balanced mix of urban and rural opportunities |
| Iowa | $58,489 | Steady demand for automotive services |
| Wisconsin | $58,489 | Steady demand for automotive services |
| Colorado | $58,275 | Growing population and active lifestyle |
| New Hampshire | $57,200 | Higher cost of living, steady automotive work |
| New York | $57,199 | Higher cost of living, especially in NYC, but plenty of work in the industry |
Salary by Experience
Entry-level Technician salary
Hourly Rate
The entry-level technician earns $20 per hour, providing a steady income for those starting in the field.
Weekly Earnings
At $20 per hour, this translates to $782 per week, based on a standard 40-hour workweek.
Monthly Earnings
Over a month, an entry-level technician can expect to make $3,392, offering reliable monthly compensation.
Annual Salary
Annually, this position earns a total of $38,844, providing a solid foundation for those new to the profession.
Mid-Level Technicians
Hourly Rate
A mid-level technician earns $42 per hour, reflecting their increased experience and expertise in the field.
Weekly Earnings
With a $42 hourly wage, they earn $1,666 per week, offering a competitive income for the role.
Monthly Earnings
Monthly, a mid-level technician can expect to make $7,222, providing substantial monthly compensation for their skillset.
Annual Salary
The total annual salary for a mid-level technician is $86,666, offering a solid income for those with a few years of experience.
Master-Level Technicians
Hourly Rate
A master-level technician earns $35.57 to $38 per hour, reflecting their advanced skills and expertise in the industry.
Weekly Earnings
With this hourly rate, they make $1,423 to $1,501 per week, providing a strong weekly income.
Monthly Earnings
Over a month, a master-level technician earns $6,165 to $6,506, offering reliable monthly compensation for their high level of proficiency.
Annual Salary
The total annual salary for a master-level technician is $73,984 to $78,078, reflecting their extensive experience and advanced capabilities in the field.
Factors Affecting Labor Rates
When you’re getting your car fixed, it’s important to know how much the repair will cost. Setting a fair price for the work your shop does requires thinking about several things.
Industry Averages
Labor rates, or how much shops charge per hour, can change a lot depending on where you are. In California, rates are high, sometimes reaching up to $175 an hour. But in Mississippi, the rate might only be around $110 an hour. Even within the same city, rates can vary a lot. For example, in Chicago, some shops charge anywhere from $80 to $189 an hour. But don’t just guess what a fair price is—make sure you check the rates in your area.
Automotive Labor Time Guide
Many shops use an automotive labor time guide to estimate how long a repair will take. This guide helps set a starting point for how much to charge. But it’s not always the perfect answer. The skill of the technician and how hard the job is should also play a role in the price you set.
Here’s the complete guide on “The Right Way to Use Automotive Labor Time Guides.”
Experience of Technicians
Experience matters a lot in car repair. More experienced technicians usually charge more because they are faster and do a better job. People are willing to pay a bit extra to make sure their car is fixed right the first time by someone who knows what they’re doing.
Geographical Area
Where you live also affects how much you should charge. In places with a higher cost of living, like big cities, overhead costs can be much higher. So, you might need to charge more to cover your expenses. But not every expensive place has high labor rates. For example, even though Honolulu is expensive, labor rates there are lower than what you’d expect.
