Auto Mechanic Salary

Reader Question

Hey there, I am going to tech college to be a mechanic, and have been getting conflicting information about what is the going rate for an auto mechanic salary, can you help. I know you are somewhere in Texas, so things will obviously be different from location to location but can you give me a ball park?
Tom in PA

Hey Tom

Yes, love to help and yes I am in Houston so things will be a little different from state to state and type of mechanic but I can give you an estimate of what I pay our mechanics.

My front end mechanic and all suspension work like shocks and struts makes about $40,000 a year with 2 weeks vacation and health benefits

My general line mechanics for brakes, oil changes, belts and hoses, tune ups etc. makes about $30,000 a year with same benefits

My top A/C and electrical mechanic who does all diagnosing of no start problems, running problems, ABS and air bags, and anything that requires reading a tech manual and using a voltmeter or scan tool and his brain makes about $50,000 a year with benefits.

Every shop needs a general line mechanic and there are tons of those guys always looking for a job. The guys with the real technical skills and knowledge of electronics are in high demand and probably always will be. You can really command a high auto mechanic salary if you are one of those guys who studies hard and spends some time and money on training and the tools needed to do the job. My guy can command more money at a dealership but does not want to put up with their work routine and management so he sticks with me 🙂