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Do you love working on cars? Training to become an automotive technician may be the perfect career choice.
Automotive technicians (commonly referred to as automotive mechanics) are responsible for diagnosing, maintaining, repairing and inspecting cars, trucks and other types of vehicles. They play an important role in keeping the vehicles that help fuel our economy on the road.
Skilled automotive technicians can work in a variety of different settings, including:
No matter where auto mechanics decide to apply their skills, this can be a career path that offers great opportunities for growth and advancement in the field.
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to choosing a career is knowing how much does an automotive technician make. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual automotive service technicians and mechanic salary in the United States was $46,880 in May 2021.25 This means half of automotive technicians earned more and half earned less.
Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area. While the number stated above is an average of the earnings of all automotive technicians in the U.S., it can be helpful to look at the median wages of technicians in the 50 states and the District of Columbia as reported by BLS. This can help you to understand how salaries vary across the country so you can plan your next career move.
Keep reading to learn how the annual median salaries for automotive technicians vary in the U.S. (median wages reported in May 2021):
Washington, D.C., is known for its vibrant history and culture. Living here means you're surrounded by museums and monuments, major league sports teams and some of the best restaurants in the country.
This city offers a variety of unique job opportunities for automotive mechanics, from roles for the CIA and Capitol Police to positions with dealerships and repair shops, just as might be found in other states. This can be an exciting city in which to work — plus, it’s currently ranked as offering the highest median annual salary for automotive techs.
If you love the outdoors and being farther off the grid, you might love living in Alaska. This state’s economy is driven by a variety of industries, including oil and gas, fishing, timber, mining, and agriculture.
Automotive mechanics in Alaska can find employment in all kinds of settings, from dealerships and repair shops to insurance companies. Some even go on to find success as agricultural mechanics who maintain and repair farm equipment, which supports one of Alaska’s most prominent industries.
As the third-largest state in the country, California has plenty of vehicles on the road that need to be taken care of. There lots of commuters and tourists who like to take advantage of the many miles of Pacific Ocean coastline, which could lead to plenty of opportunities for automotive technicians.
U.S. News & World Report has ranked Washington the No. 1 state overall, and has ranked it in the top five states for health care, education, economy and infrastructure. Washington is a nature lover's dream, with plenty of forests and mountains to explore. Bustling Seattle always has something fun going on entertainment-wise.
Automotive mechanics of all skill levels can be found working in the state, from entry-level to master certified technicians. With opportunities across a variety of industries, this is a great place to start your technician career.
Hawaii's relaxed island vibes and watersport opportunities make it a desirable place to live and work. Tourism, defense, agriculture, fishing, manufacturing and power are all industries that fuel the state’s economy.
Whether you’re looking to work in a dealership, maintain fleet vehicles or even open a shop of your own, the Aloha State may be a great place to launch your career. Residents and businesses look to auto mechanics to keep their vehicles on the road, so there are many different avenues techs can pursue here.
Colorado offers a variety of nature experiences, from skiing on mountains to hiking in forests. Its capital, Denver, is home to top museums and a lively dining and nightlife scene.
Some of the biggest industries in Colorado include manufacturing, mining and agriculture. Within each of these sectors, automotive technicians may be able to find work. For example, technicians and mechanics are needed to service the vehicles that transport goods for manufacturing.
Beyond its colonial history, Ivy League schools and beautiful four seasons, Massachusetts also boasts a strong automotive industry presence.
Boston is the most populated urban city of New England, which tends to mean a lot of vehicles operated. Also, tourism is the state’s fourth highest industry, according to World Atlas, which means technicians can feel at home in Boston, thanks to its average salary and automotive history.
Delaware and New Jersey have beautiful beaches and historical landmarks in common, along with another thing: They tie for the eighth-highest median annual salary in 2021 for automotive mechanics.
Maryland is another state rich in history. It's known for its delicious fresh seafood, charming small towns, proximity to Washington, D.C., and its picturesque water surroundings.
Maryland is also a great place to call home if you’re an automotive mechanic or technician. According to Zippia, some of the leading automotive companies to work for in Maryland include Sport Collision Center, Carroll Motor Fuels and Frederick Motor Co.
Heading over to the Pacific Northwest, Oregon is known for its fishing, tourism and manufacturing, according to World Atlas. Fishing and manufacturing require vehicles to transport goods, which brings in the need for mechanics, while tourists will bring in cars as they visit this beautiful state. Beyond that, you can enjoy outdoor activities, visit the Land of Books, (aka Portland) and browse the world’s last operating Blockbuster video rental store in Bend.
Auto mechanic jobs are available in diverse places all over the country. Wherever you want to work, you’re likely to find opportunities.
According to the BLS, completing a postsecondary automotive technician training is a great way to prepare for entry-level positions. UTI’s Automotive Technology program was designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills today’s employers are looking for in just 51 weeks.7
To learn more about how UTI can prepare you for career success,1 visit our website and request information to get in touch with an Admissions Representative today.
Thinking about becoming an auto tech? Learn about how long it takes to become an automotive technician, salary, job outlook and more.
UTI grad Willie Conradt is living his dream as a shop owner in Hawaii. Curious how he did it? Read his story here.
Is there a difference between a mechanic and an automotive technician? We try to settle the debate.
1) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
7) Some programs may require longer than one year to complete.
25) UTI’s Automotive Technology program prepares graduates for entry-level positions using the provided training, primarily as automotive technicians. Estimated annual salary shown above is for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics as published in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages. Entry-level salaries are lower for UTI graduates. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Individual circumstances and wages depend on economic factors, personal credentials, work experience, industry certifications, the location of the employer, and their compensation programs. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than as an automotive technician, such as service writer, smog inspector, and parts associate. Salary information for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: The average annual entry-level salary range for persons employed as Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics (49-3023) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is $32,140 to $53,430 (Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development, May 2020 data https://lmi.dua.eol.mass.gov/lmi/OccupationalEmploymentAndWageSpecificOccupations#). Salary information for North Carolina: The U.S. Department of Labor estimates the hourly median wage for skilled automotive technicians in North Carolina is $19.04 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wages, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics). The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish entry-level salary data. However, the 25th and 10th percentile of hourly earnings in North Carolina are $14.34 and $12.94, respectively.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
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