Auto Mechanic Pay Ladder: Auto Tech to Diesel Tech to Shop Supervisor
Mechanics often start on cars and move to heavier equipment or into running a shop. Here is what each step paid in the May 2025 federal wage survey.
The pay ladder at a glance
| Occupation | U.S. jobs | 10th pct. | Median | 90th pct. | Typical entry education | Projected growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive technician | 704,640 | $34,660 | $50,620 | $81,790 | Postsecondary nondegree award | +5.0% |
| Diesel / truck mechanic | 289,960 | $44,530 | $61,770 | $88,740 | High school diploma or equivalent | +3.6% |
| Shop supervisor | 617,500 | $49,600 | $79,860 | $126,790 | High school diploma or equivalent | +4.1% |
Wages are May 2025 estimates from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025; growth and education from BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. The 10th and 90th percentiles show the range from entry-level or lower-paying employers to the most experienced or best-paid workers. For comparison, the median for all U.S. occupations was $50,980.
Automotive technicians
Automotive service technicians and mechanics earn a median of $50,620. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook says they typically complete a program in automotive service technology, though some enter with a high school diploma and learn on the job; certification may be required.
Diesel
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists earn $61,770, about 22% more than auto techs. BLS notes employers may prefer candidates with postsecondary training in diesel engine repair.
Shop supervisor
First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers and repairers earn $79,860. Service managers and shop foremen typically come from the tech ranks.
Where automotive technicians earn the most
State medians for automotive service technicians and mechanics vary widely. The five highest-paying states in the May 2025 survey:
| State | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $68,660 | 310 |
| California | $64,980 | 65,420 |
| Colorado | $61,280 | 12,300 |
| Alaska | $60,840 | 1,420 |
| Massachusetts | $60,760 | 12,710 |
Pay tips for techs
- Understand flat-rate pay. If you are paid per flagged hour, track actual hours too, so you can compare effective hourly pay.
- Fleet and government shops often pay hourly with benefits; compare them with dealership flat-rate offers.
Published October 27, 2026. Sources are linked in the text.
Header image: original chart by JobPayRaise.com using BLS OEWS May 2025 data.
Comments (1)
Dealership techs should know this exemption: federal law exempts from overtime any "salesman, partsman, or mechanic primarily engaged in selling or servicing automobiles, trucks, or farm implements" at a non-manufacturing dealer that sells to ultimate purchasers. Independent shops and fleets aren't covered by that exemption. The statute is 29 U.S.C. 213(b)(10).