Auto Mechanic Pay 12-15-25

In late 2025, U.S. auto mechanics earn around $21.62 to $26.13 per hour on average, but rates vary significantly by experience, location (cities like Sitka, AK, and San Francisco pay more), and specialization, with some experienced mechanics earning $30+ hourly or in the $60k+ annual range, while entry-level positions might be lower. Top earners with expertise can see much higher rates or annual salaries.  

Average Hourly Pay (Late 2025 Estimates)

ZipRecruiter: ~$26.13/hour (based on ~$54,347/year).

Payscale: ~$21.62/hour (average base). 

Factors Influencing Pay

Location: High cost-of-living areas like San Francisco ($30.78/hr) and certain Alaskan cities pay more.

Experience: Senior mechanics earn more; entry-level rates are lower.

Specialization: Diesel mechanics, hybrid/EV specialists, or those with advanced certifications (like ASE) command higher pay.

Employer: Dealerships, independent shops, and fleet services offer different pay scales. 

Examples of Pay Ranges

Entry-Level: Around $15 - $20/hour.

Experienced: $25 - $35+/hour.

Top Earners: Can reach $30+/hour, with annual salaries exceeding $60,000 - $70,000+. 

As of December 2025, the average hourly pay for an auto mechanic in the United States generally ranges from $25 to $31 per hour, with the median wage being around $26.13 or $28.07 depending on the source. Pay can vary significantly based on location, experience, and certifications. 

Average Hourly Pay Ranges (December 2025)

Metric              Hourly Wage

Average Pay   $25-$31

25^th Percentile $21/hour

75^th Percentile $30/hour

90^th Percentile $35-28/hour

Key Factors Influencing Pay

Location: Wages vary significantly by state and city. Metropolitan areas and states with a higher cost of living (like California and Alaska) tend to have higher average hourly wages.

Experience & Certifications: Mechanics with more experience, advanced skills, or certifications, such as those from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), often command higher pay. Master technicians can earn between $60,000 to $80,000 annually.

Compensation Structure: Many mechanics are paid using a "flat-rate" system, where they are paid a set number of hours for a given job regardless of how long it actually takes. This system can allow efficient mechanics to earn more than a standard hourly wage, but income can be inconsistent. Other mechanics are paid a traditional hourly rate or salary.

Employer Type: Mechanics at dealerships typically have higher labor rates for customers and often have access to specific factory training and equipment, which can influence technician pay. Independent shops, while often having lower customer rates, can still offer competitive wages. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=auto+mechanic+pay+in+the+us+per+hour+2025

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader