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Automotive mechanic salary in United States (Updated 2026)

How much does an Automotive Mechanic make in the United States?

Average base salary

$28.15

Average $28.15

Low $17.54

High $45.16

The average salary for a automotive mechanic is $28.15 per hour in the United States and $5,712 overtime per year.24.8k salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated July 6, 2026).

What Does an Automotive Mechanic Do?

Automotive technicians diagnose, repair and maintain gasoline or diesel cars and trucks. They typically work in the service department of a car dealership, at a local independent repair shop or for a shop that focuses on one type of service, such as oil changes. They also may work for a more specialized organization, like a race car team.The day-to-day responsibilities of an automotive technician usually include:

Diagnosing vehicle problems using experience, test driving and working with specialized computers that communicate with vehicle electronics
Interpreting vehicle diagnostic codes to assess errors and causes of vehicle breakdown and planning how to proceed with the repair
Working with specialized tools and equipment to repair or replace broken parts. They may use a lift to raise the vehicle to work underneath it, pneumatic air tools for loosening and tightening of parts, a lathe for brake rotors and hand wrenches to remove parts.
Performing required inspections and manufacturer-recommended preventative maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, tune-ups, fluid level checks and following a service checklist at specified mileage intervals.
Specializing and working in just one area of expertise such as a brake work technician, a front-end technician or a race car mechanic for a team

Learn more about what an Automotive Mechanic does