Automotive Technician Salary in the U.S. – A 2026 Guide

Wondering if a career as an automotive technician is right for you? 

If you want to work on cars and perform diagnostics, maintenance, repairs and inspections, the answer might be… yes, it is! 

All of these tasks are typical automotive technician (also known as automotive mechanic) duties that are critical in keeping vehicles on the road running smoothly. 

Fortunately, students can learn these skills at Universal Technical Institute's 51-week Automotive Technology training program and pursue work in a variety of different settings such as these:^1,7 

• Dealerships 
• Repair shops 
• Specialty shops 
• Rental agencies 
• Racing teams and race shops 

But how much do they get paid? 

Keep reading to learn more! We’ll key you in on the most recent automotive technician salary figures and what could potentially influence these numbers. 

Average Automotive Technician Salary 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics in the United States was $50,620 in May 2025.²⁵ This means that half of automotive technicians earned more while the other half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.  

Top 10 State-Specific Annual Median Automotive Technician Salaries 

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including years of experience, employer requirements, industry demand and local cost of living. 

An excellent option for those seeking a career in the industry is Universal Technical Institute's 51-week Automotive & EV Technology program, which hosts automotive courses that help students gain hands-on automotive repair skills.^1,7 These courses can help graduates pursue auto tech careers in any state! 

The BLS has also reported the median salaries of automotive technicians across the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Looking at these figures can help you understand how salaries vary across the country and plan your next career move. (Rankings based on BLS median annual salary figures from May 2025).  

Read: What Is a Fleet Mechanic? 

1. District of Columbia: $68,660 

Washington, D.C., has a rich history and culture and is the location of major national political processes. The city is also densely packed with museums, monuments, major league sports teams and fantastic restaurants. 

D.C.-based mechanics can also pursue a wide range of unique career opportunities, including positions with the CIA and the United States Capitol Police. Of course, positions with dealerships and repair shops are also available. This can be an exciting city to work in! 

2. California: $64,980 

California, the third-largest state in the country, is the most populated state in the U.S. As a result, the Golden State is home to a large number of vehicles that require maintenance. Additionally, many out-of-state visitors come to California to enjoy its many attractions, which include several major amusement parks, film studio tours, Napa Valley wine tastings and the many miles of the Pacific Ocean coastline. 

That means business for automotive technicians in California! The coastal state also has one of the highest costs of living, which may explain why its automotive technicians are paid more than technicians from some other states. 

3. Colorado: $61,280 

4. Alaska: $60,840 

For those who enjoy the outdoors and being off the grid, Alaska could be a fitting place to live. Various industries such as oil and gas, fishing, timber, mining and agriculture fuel this state's economy. 

Automotive mechanics in Alaska can also work in dealerships, repair shops and insurance companies. Some even become agricultural automotive mechanics, maintaining and repairing farm equipment to support one of the state's driving industries! 

Read: How To Train To Become an Auto Electrician 

5. Massachusetts: $60,760 

Massachusetts offers a mix of historic cities and modern industry, with strong sectors in education, healthcare and technology. With busy urban areas like Boston and a high number of daily commuters, there’s consistent demand for automotive technicians to keep vehicles running reliably. From independent repair shops to larger dealerships, techs can find a range of opportunities across the state. 

6. Connecticut: $60,220 

Read: What is an Automotive Service Manager? 

7. Viginia: $59,330 

8. New Hampshire: $59,020 

With top industries in this state including tourism and manufacturing, New Hampshire can be a great place for the automotive technician. It also has some big names in the automotive industry, which can offer opportunities for those seeking a change. 

Beyond that, the state’s White Mountain Forest, charming historic beaches and stunning autumn foliage make it a great place for both the adventurous outdoor enthusiast and the more leisurely-inclined lifestyle. 

9. Montana $58,740 

Montana’s wide-open spaces make reliable transportation essential. Automotive technicians in this state often work on a variety of vehicles, from everyday cars to trucks and agricultural equipment. With fewer public transportation options and long travel distances, skilled techs are important in keeping people and industries moving. 

Read: Automotive Shop Safety Rules 

10. Oregon: $58,520 

How Long Does It Take To Become an Automotive Technician? 

Completing essential automotive technician work requires the right skills, knowledge and persistence to succeed. However, the amount of time needed to pursue and secure an entry-level position in the industry varies. Fortunately, future automotive technicians can gain more in-depth skills through options such as technical training. 

An automotive trade school can provide industry-standard instruction and technology, both of which help future technicians in honing key automotive technician traits. A career path may include some or all of these steps: 

• Get a high school diploma/GED certificate. 
• Enroll in a trade program. 
• Get certified (if needed). 
• Get licensed (if needed). 
• Continually seize learning opportunities. 

As you can see, the path toward becoming an automotive technician could evolve even after you obtain an entry-level position. That is, if you maintain a constant state of curiosity and a willingness to seize opportunities. Doing so will allow you to adapt to rapidly changing trends and advancements in your industry! 

Read: Automotive Specialized Training Programs 

Train in Automotive Technology at UTI! 

Auto mechanic jobs are available throughout the country, so there are likely opportunities in whichever state you want to work! After learning about each state's automotive technician salary trends, you can make a more informed decision about where you want to work. 

According to the BLS, completing postsecondary automotive technician training is a great way to prepare for entry-level positions. In just 51 weeks, UTI's  Automotive & EV Technology program will provide you with the knowledge and skills that today's employers seek.^1,7 

To learn more about how UTI can help you succeed in your career, visit our website today to request information and speak with an Admissions Representative! Apply to our automotive technician school when you’re ready to learn. 

UTI Campuses That Offer Automotive Technician Training 

• Atlanta, Georgia 
• Austin, Texas 
• Avondale, Arizona 
• Bloomfield, New Jersey 
• Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas 
• Exton, Pennsylvania 
• Houston, Texas 
• Lisle, Illinois 
• Long Beach, California 
• Miramar, Florida 
• Mooresville, North Carolina 
• Orlando, Florida 
• Rancho Cucamonga, California 
• Sacramento, California 
• Salt Lake City, Utah

*VA benefits may not be available at all locations.