In May 2019, the median annual wages for automotive service technicians and mechanics in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
Automobile dealers | $45,710 |
Automotive mechanical and electrical repair and maintenance | 39,820 |
Automotive parts, accessories, and tire stores | 36,180 |
Many experienced technicians working for automobile dealers and independent repair shops receive a commission related to the labor cost charged to the customer. Under this system, which is commonly known as “flat rate” or “flag rate,” weekly earnings depend on the amount of work completed. Some repair shops pay technicians on an hourly basis instead.
Most service technicians work full time, and many work evenings or weekends. Overtime is common.