How Much Does an Automotive Service Technician Make? (2025)
An automotive service technician is a skilled professional who inspects, maintains, and repairs vehicles to ensure their efficiency and safety. They work on systems like engines, brakes, and electrical components, using diagnostic tools for routine maintenance and complex repairs.
Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, which is about average for all occupations.
Here are additional insights into automotive service technician salary trends, highest-paying industries, career growth opportunities, and frequently asked questions about seeking this role.
Average Automotive Service Technician Salary
As of January 1, 2025, the average annual salary for automotive technicians in the U.S. is $50,870. Salaries typically range from $37,631 to $63,173, with most professionals earning between $43,940 and $57,310, depending on experience, location, and the skills needed.
2025 Automotive Service Technician Salary: $50,870 per year ($24 per hour)
According to Salary.com, the average monthly salary for automotive technicians is $4,239, with an average weekly pay of $978. The hourly wage for an automotive technician is typically $24.
| Percentile | By Hour | By Week | By Month | By Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $18 | $724 | $3,136 | $37,631 |
| 25th Percentile | $21 | $845 | $3,662 | $43,940 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $24 | $978 | $4,239 | $50,870 |
| 75th Percentile | $28 | $1,102 | $4,776 | $57,310 |
| 90th Percentile | $30 | $1,215 | $5,264 | $63,173 |
Automotive Service Technician Salaries State by State
Salaries for automotive service technicians can vary greatly by state, with factors like local economic conditions, cost of living, industry presence, and the demand for skilled professionals playing key roles. Experienced technicians tend to earn higher salaries in states where the cost of living is higher and demand for skilled workers is strong.
The highest-paying states for automotive technicians are the District of Columbia ($56,620), California ($56,110), and New Jersey ($55,750), while Mississippi offers the lowest average salary at $45,380. Below are the average annual salaries for automotive technicians across top industries in various states in the U.S. as of January 1, 2025.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $56,620 |
| California | $56,110 |
| New Jersey | $55,750 |
| Alaska | $55,400 |
| Massachusetts | $55,350 |
| Washington | $54,840 |
| Connecticut | $54,630 |
| New York | $54,230 |
| Hawaii | $53,160 |
| Rhode Island | $53,110 |
| Maryland | $52,450 |
| Illinois | $52,040 |
| Minnesota | $52,040 |
| Colorado | $51,890 |
| New Hampshire | $51,730 |
| Oregon | $51,680 |
| Delaware | $51,630 |
| Nevada | $51,070 |
| Virginia | $51,020 |
| Pennsylvania | $50,770 |
| North Dakota | $50,360 |
| Wisconsin | $50,260 |
| Michigan | $50,210 |
| Vermont | $49,900 |
| Texas | $49,800 |
| Ohio | $49,750 |
| Arizona | $49,550 |
| Maine | $49,500 |
| Indiana | $49,340 |
| Georgia | $49,190 |
| North Carolina | $48,830 |
| Iowa | $48,680 |
| Missouri | $48,480 |
| Kansas | $48,430 |
| Louisiana | $48,380 |
| Utah | $48,380 |
| Florida | $48,330 |
| South Carolina | $48,020 |
| Nebraska | $47,920 |
| Kentucky | $47,870 |
| Montana | $47,510 |
| Idaho | $47,460 |
| Tennessee | $47,110 |
| Oklahoma | $47,050 |
| New Mexico | $46,900 |
| Alabama | $46,750 |
| Arkansas | $46,340 |
| West Virginia | $45,780 |
| South Dakota | $45,730 |
| Mississippi | $45,380 |
What are the Best-Paying Cities for Automotive Service Technicians?
Similar to state-level variations, automotive service technician salaries can differ significantly by city, influenced by factors like cost of living, local demand, and the job market.
For instance, cities in California, including San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland, offer some of the highest average annual salaries for automotive technicians, making them appealing destinations for professionals in the automotive industry there.
| City | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $63,840 |
| San Francisco, CA | $63,590 |
| Oakland, CA | $62,060 |
| New York, NY | $59,410 |
| Queens Village, NY | $59,010 |
| Paramus, NJ | $58,600 |
| Passaic, NJ | $58,550 |
| Bergenfield, NJ | $58,500 |
| Stamford, CT | $58,400 |
| Huntington, NY | $57,990 |
| Bridgeport, CT | $57,630 |
| Newark, NJ | $57,480 |
How Experience Affects Automotive Service Technician Salary?
The salary for automotive service technician can also increase with experience. According to the report, an entry-level automotive service technician earns about $49,966 annually. With 1 to 2 years of experience, the pay increases slightly to $51,148.
Automotive service technicians with 2 to 4 years of experience earn around $52,101, while senior automotive technicians with 5 to 8 years make about $52,387. Those with over 8 years of experience can expect to earn a median salary of $52,578.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level Automotive Technician | $49,966 |
| Intermediate-Level Automotive Technician | $51,148 |
| Senior-Level Automotive Technician | $52,101 |
| Specialist-Level Automotive Technician | $52,387 |
| Expert-Level Automotive Technician | $52,578 |
How to Increase Salary as an Automotive Service Technician
For job seekers hoping to increase their salary as an automotive technician, several strategies can help boost earning potential:
- Gain more experience: As you move from entry-level positions to intermediate, senior, and expert-level positions, your salary will naturally increase. The more experience you gain, the more you can earn. Senior technicians can expect to earn over $52,000 annually.
- Pursue certifications: Obtaining certifications, such as ASE (Automotive Service Excellence), or specialized certifications in areas like hybrid or electric vehicles, can make you more valuable and lead to higher-paying roles.
- Specialize in high-demand areas: Focus on specialized areas such as automotive repair shops specializing in farm equipment, automobile dealers, automotive mechanical, and electrical repair and maintenance. These niches often offer higher wages due to the specialized knowledge required.
- Work in Higher-paying locations: Salaries vary widely by location. Moving to cities like San Jose, CA ($63,840) or New York, NY ($59,410) can increase your earning potential due to the higher cost of living and greater demand for skilled technicians.
- Take on leadership or supervisory roles: Moving into a leadership role, such as a shop supervisor or lead technician, often comes with a salary boost. These roles typically require more responsibility but also offer greater compensation.
Automotive Service Technician Skills
Automotive service technicians who possess certain in-demand skills can boost their earnings significantly. The Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report reveals that automotive repair technicians with expertise in electrical systems can see a salary increase of 11.70%, while those skilled in safety inspections may enjoy an 8.77% salary boost.
Here are some of the key skills for automotive service technicians and the potential salary boosts associated with training them:
| Skill | Demand | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air-conditioning) | 2.20% | 12.92% |
| Electrical Systems | 10.02% | 11.70% |
| Automotive Services | 14.28% | 10.44% |
| Vehicle Maintenance | 5.23% | 10.36% |
| Safety Policies and Procedures | 3.43% | 9.02% |
| Safety Inspections | 2.00% | 8.77% |
Automotive Service Technician Salary FAQs
Here are some common questions (FAQs) about automotive service technicians:
What does an Automotive Service Technician do?
Automotive service technicians and mechanics generally perform the following tasks:
- Diagnose issues, often utilizing computerized diagnostic tools
- Plan work processes using charts, technical manuals, and their expertise
- Test parts and systems to verify proper functionality
- Use checklists to ensure all essential components are inspected
- Carry out routine maintenance tasks, such as oil changes, checking fluid levels, and rotating tires
- Repair or replace worn-out parts like brake pads, wheel bearings, and sensors
- Conduct repairs according to manufacturer and customer specifications
- Communicate automotive problems and repairs clearly to clients
What is the highest salary for automotive service technician?
The highest salary for automotive technicians is reported to be around $63,173, typically for experienced technicians with specialized skills and extensive experience in high-demand areas or with a larger company.
What is the average salary for automotive service technician?
The average annual salary for automotive technicians in the United States is $50,870 as of January 01, 2025. While the average hourly pay is $24, and the average monthly salary is $4,239.
