17 of the Highest Paying Auto Mechanic Jobs in 2026

The best Auto Mechanic jobs can pay up to $74,000 per year.

High Paying Auto Mechanic Jobs

• Engine Mechanic

  Salary range: $43,000 - $74,000

  The majority of Engine Mechanic salaries across the United States currently range between $43,000 (25th percentile) and $74,000 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Engine Mechanic job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Journeyman Mechanic

  Salary range: $55,000 - $72,500

  A journeyman mechanic has completed a mechanic’s apprenticeship and can become a fully independent mechanic. As a mechanic, you have a variety of duties, such as conducting routine service inspections of your customers’ cars, performing routine maintenance, and providing emergency assistance when a car has serious problems. You may work at a large auto shop or open your own business. In addition to car repair, you must also know how to safely dispose of waste and follow all health and safety regulations.

• Engineman

  Salary range: $54,500 - $70,500

  The majority of Engineman salaries across the United States currently range between $54,500 (25th percentile) and $70,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Engineman job market in the United States is active, with some companies hiring.

• Mobile Mechanic

  Salary range: $51,000 - $69,500

  A mobile mechanic is an auto mechanic who travels to customers and provides vehicle maintenance on-site, rather than in a garage. This service is becoming increasingly popular because of its convenience, allowing customers to save time and avoid towing charges. As a mobile mechanic you can provide most of the services that are available in a garage, which includes electrical maintenance, transmission service, engine repairs, air conditioning recharging, battery replacement, and brake repair. Many mobile mechanics work weekends and holidays.

• Shop Mechanic

  Salary range: $45,500 - $65,500

  The majority of Shop Mechanic salaries across the United States currently range between $45,500 (25th percentile) and $65,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Shop Mechanic job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Engine Builder

  Salary range: $50,000 - $64,000

  The job duties of an engine builder involve working to design, build, improve, assemble, and test engines. In this career, you usually work in the automotive industry, though you could also design engines for aerospace, manufacturing, or a variety of other industries. Your duties as an engine builder may include engine teardown and rebuilding, as well as creating new engines. Your employer may also expect you to work on a specific aspect of an auto design project, such as the transmission. In some positions, you may add components and inspect engines to ensure proper functionality.

• Mechanic

  Salary range: $40,000 - $60,000

  A mechanic repairs or services vehicles like cars and trucks. Their responsibilities include diagnosing automotive problems and making the necessary repairs. They also perform routine maintenance, like oil changes and tune-ups, to prevent future problems. They communicate with clients to assess their automotive needs and provide competent, appropriate maintenance.

• Shift Mechanic

  Salary range: $46,000 - $60,000

  The majority of Shift Mechanic salaries across the United States currently range between $46,000 (25th percentile) and $60,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Shift Mechanic job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Car Mechanic

  Salary range: $42,000 - $59,000

  The majority of Car Mechanic salaries across the United States currently range between $42,000 (25th percentile) and $59,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Car Mechanic job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Vehicle Mechanic

  Salary range: $40,000 - $58,500

  The majority of Vehicle Mechanic salaries across the United States currently range between $40,000 (25th percentile) and $58,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Vehicle Mechanic job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Garage Mechanic

  Salary range: $43,000 - $56,000

  The majority of Garage Mechanic salaries across the United States currently range between $43,000 (25th percentile) and $56,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Garage Mechanic job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Utility Mechanic

  Salary range: $41,000 - $55,000

  The majority of Utility Mechanic salaries across the United States currently range between $41,000 (25th percentile) and $55,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Utility Mechanic job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Chassis Mechanic

  Salary range: $43,500 - $54,000

  A chassis mechanic performs preventative and corrective maintenance on a trailer or intermodal vehicle. As a chassis mechanic, you inspect trailers, troubleshoot for any existing problems, and repair them for use and distribution. This includes repairing ABS systems, air brake systems, wheel ends, and structural assemblies. You must document each of your repairs to ensure there is a historical record of each trailer you work on. Other duties and responsibilities include conducting minor welding and fabrication on chassis and shipping containers and diligently keeping paperwork or using a mobile application to log work orders.

• Mechanical Apprentice

  Salary range: $36,000 - $50,000

  The majority of Mechanical Apprentice salaries across the United States currently range between $36,000 (25th percentile) and $50,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Mechanical Apprentice job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Assistant Mechanic

  Salary range: $36,000 - $45,000

  The responsibilities of an assistant mechanic include performing intermediate skilled repair work on automobiles, small engines, and other equipment. In this career, you help the mechanic install and replace various parts on cars, trucks, and tractors. You may also help perform complete tune-ups. Other duties include changing oil and checking batteries, fan belts, filters, tires, wipers, headlights, and more. You are responsible for troubleshooting and fixing heating and air conditioning systems, electrical controls, suspension, and exhaust systems. You help with overhauling and replacing major components like transmissions and engines. You are expected to order the required parts and supplies, help load and unload delivery trucks, tow broken-down vehicles, perform welding services, and offer assistance to other crews.

• Apprentice Technician

  Salary range: $34,000 - $44,000

  Apprentice technicians work in a variety of industries, but the most common is the automotive industry. In this position, you are a part of a training program to become an entry-level automotive technician who operates shop equipment, makes mechanical repairs, and complies with local, state, and federal policies. Your responsibilities are to perform preventative maintenance, diagnose issues, and make repairs to systems in a variety of vehicles. You also learn how to use diagnostic tools and help test different components and systems.

• Roadway Mechanic

  Salary range: $40,000 - $40,000

  The majority of Roadway Mechanic salaries across the United States currently range between $40,000 (25th percentile) and $40,000 (75th percentile) annually. Most people working in this role make similar salaries regardless of skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Roadway Mechanic job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.