Do you want to learn how you can make more money in your career as an auto mechanic?
The auto repair industry is a great place for skilled professionals who want to grow their careers and earn a higher salary. There are the traditional auto mechanic roles, where you will think of oil changes and tire rotations. However, the auto industry is more than that, and there’s plenty of room to grow your career. There are more specialized roles available with higher pay, and we’re here to explore them all. Let’s get into it.
18 highest-paying jobs for mechanics
A few roles stand out at the top of the pay scale in the auto repair industry. These normally require training, certifications, and years of experience.
18. Performance tuning specialist
Average salary: $60,000 – $80,000/year
Key role and responsibilities
A performance tuning specialist modifies vehicles for speed, power, and handling. This role is highly specialized. It often deals with race cars or high-end performance vehicles. It requires extensive knowledge of ECU training, turbocharging, and aftermarket modifications.
17. Automotive Technical Trainer
Average salary: $70,000 – $90,000/year
Key role and responsibilities
An automotive technical trainer works for manufacturers, large dealership networks, or technical schools. They are responsible for the education and training of the next generation of technicians. They work on training materials, conduct workshops, and also show how advanced repairs and diagnostic procedures are carried out. They need to have strong communication skills, ASE Master Certification, and even OEM credentials. If a tech wants to move beyond the shop floor, this is a great direction to go in.
16. Heavy equipment mechanic
Average salary: $60,000 – $85,000/year
Key role and responsibilities:
A heavy equipment mechanic repairs and maintains large machines used in construction, farming, and industry. For example, bulldozers,backhoes or cranes. This role requires a strong knowledge of hydraulic systems and diesel engines.
15. Collision repair manager
Average salary: $65,000 – $85,000/year
Key role and responsibilities:
Another key role is that of a collision repair manager who looks after operations in a collision or body repair center. They take on the role of managing customer estimates, coordinating repair timelines, and ensuring compliance with insurance regulations. All this while supervising technicians who carry out bodywork and painting.
14. Diesel technician
Average salary: $60,000 – $90,000/year
Key role and responsibilities
Diesel technicians specialize in diesel-powered vehicles. These include trucks, buses, and other heavy equipment. This role requires high expertise, as diesel techs often work on complex engines. Since it is a specialized skill set, diesel techs earn more than general auto mechanics.
13. Shop foreman/Lead technician
Average salary: $70,000 – $95,000/year
Key role and responsibilities
A shop foreman or a lead technician is a master technician who also has certain leadership duties. They are responsible for diagnosing the most complex repairs. They also train junior techs in addition to managing the shop’s workflow. They create a bridge between other technicians and management and ensure quality control in the auto shop.
12. Mechanical designer
Average salary: $81,850/year
Key role and responsibilities
A mechanical designer will work with engineers and product teams. Together they will develop components and systems. Specifically in the auto industry they create tools and parts with performance, durability, and efficiency standards. It brings together creativity and technical knowledge.
11. Maintenance worker
Average salary: $85,969/year
Key role and responsibilities
Maintenance workers are required to work on repairs across many different systems. It’s not restricted to vehicles. They might work in schools, hospitals, or even malls. Auto technicians who have experience and skills in electrical work or HVAC can move into this broader role for higher pay.
10. Maintenance manager
Average salary: $92,589/year
Key role and responsibilities
Maintenance managers take care of the repair and maintenance teams. This is more often in industrial and commercial settings. In the auto industry, they take on the role of overseeing large fleets or shop operations. They will manage budgets, staff, and scheduling. This is a role for experienced technicians who want to go into management.
9. Mechanical engineer
Average salary: $98,860/year
Key role and responsibilities
Mechanical engineers are responsible for the design, development, and testing of mechanical systems. This includes engines, thermal devices, or even automotive components. An advanced degree in engineering and a strong background in physics a requirements. It is not a direct auto repair role, but it is a great step up for technicians who want to go for further education. Or if they want to move into R&D or automotive innovation.
8. Automotive service director
Average salary: $100,000 – $135,000/year
Key role and responsibilities
An automotive service director looks after the service department of a dealership or a repair shop. They set goals, manage technicians and service advisors. They are also responsible for customer satisfaction and making sure the shop is profitable. They are also incharge of coordinating with other departments to make sure the service team is meeting performance benchmarks.
7. Automotive master technician (ASE certified)
Average salary: $65,000 – $80,000/year
Key role and responsibilities:
An automotive master technician is a highly experienced mechanic. They also have multiple ASE certifications. With the experience and knowledge, they are able to handle advanced diagnostics, engine rebuilds, and drivetrain work. Their high pay is also a direct reflection of their expertise and ability to work on complex issues without supervision.
6. Mobile mechanic
Average salary: $50,000 – $70,000/year
Key role and responsibilities:
A mobile mechanic can work by himself or with a company to provide on-site repair services. They often service cars at a customers’ home or workplace. They have lower overhead costs, plus they follow convenience-based pricing. This allows them to earn more than shop mechanics. But, their salary depends on whether they work for themselves or for a company.
5. Hybrid and EV technician
Average salary: $55,000 – $75,000/year
Key role and responsibilities:
In recent times, hybrid and EV vehicles have gained popularity. This also means specialized hybrid and EV technicians are in demand. These techs are responsible for work on electric drive trains, battery systems, and advanced electronics. They also need to undergo specialized training in high-voltage systems.
4. Automotive HVAC technician
Average salary: $50,000 – $68,000/year
Key role and responsibilities:
An automotive HVAC technician is responsible for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. It is a niche role, but requires knowledge of complex climate control systems. In today’s technologically advanced vehicles, it is a valued specialty.
3. Fleet mechanic
Average salary: $50,000 – $65,000/year
Key role and responsibilities:
Fleet mechanics take care of entire fleets for companies, delivery services or municipalities. They take care of preventive maintenance, inspections, and even repairs across a range of vehicles. This role brings stability and plenty of consistent hours, which makes it an appealing role with a high pay.
2. Transmission specialist
Average salary: $55,000 – $70,000/year
Key role and responsibilities
Transmission repairs are complex and costly. These require specialists to diagnose and rebuild automatic and manual transmissions. They often work in specialty shops, and because of their focused expertise get a higher pay.
1. Service Advisor
Average salary: $65,000 – $80,000/year (can be more with bonuses)
Key role and responsibilities:
Service advisors are not mechanics. But, they are an important part of the customer experience. They mediate between the customer and the technician. They are responsible for explaining services, preparing estimates, and recommending repairs. They earn commission on sales, which boosts their income.
How to get a higher salary for your mechanic job
So whether you’re just starting or wanting to move up, we have compiled a list of practical steps you can take to land a high-paying job. Here you go:
1. Earn ASE certifications
Getting your ASE certifications (especially a Master Tech) increases your value. High-paying roles often require or prefer ASE credentials.
2. Specialize in a niche
Specialized roles such as a transmission specialist, hybrid/EV technician, or say a diesel mechanic get a higher pay because of the limited supply of such roles. So getting into a niche can pay off.
3. Get manufacturer training
You can also get certified by manufacturers such as Ford, Toyota, or BMW. Dealerships pay extra for technicians who have these certifications that offer training in brand-specific diagnostics and repair procedures.
4. Develop leadership skills
You can make the move into supervision roles such as a foreman or service director. These require more than just technical ability. For this you can develop soft skills such as communication, time management and even team leadership.
5. Stay current with technology
Cars are much more technologically advanced today. So staying up to date with the new tech, like auto repair software, diagnostic tools, and electric systems, can help you stay competitive.
6. Work in a high-demand location
In areas where there is a labor shortage, experienced mechanics get paid more. You can consider relocating for better pay opportunities.
7. Build a reputation for quality
Focus on building your reputation for quality with customer reviews, gaining repeat business, and employer trust. This will establish you as a reputable and reliable technician, which will increase your chances of being promoted and rewarded.
8. Be open to mobile work or freelancing
Consider shifting to mobile work or freelancing as they tend to earn higher hourly rates. If you’re experienced and self-motivated, this can help you get higher pay.
9. Negotiate your pay
Negotiate your pay with confidence. Provide evidence of your certifications, show your past performance metrics, or share positive customer feedback as proof. These are great to ask for a raise.
10. Join professional networks
Get into various mechanic forums, local technician groups or even LinkedIn communities. These can open up doors to bigger opportunities for you that are not always available on job boards and you can also learn about alternative careers within the industry.
Wrapping up
The auto repair industry is not just about oil and tire changing. It can offer a structured career path, with a serious earning potential. You can easily move on from technical roles to leadership, if you invest in the right learning and are willing to learn, specialize, and stand out. So whether you’re an apprentice or a season technician looking to level, there is always room to move up the ladder.
