12 of the Best Types of Auto Mechanic Jobs in 2026

Discover some great types of Auto Mechanic jobs that are hiring now.

High Paying Auto Mechanic Jobs

• Journeyman Auto Mechanic

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

  Journeyman Auto Mechanic is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Journeyman Auto Mechanic jobs pay between $55,000 (25th percentile) and $72,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Journeyman Auto Mechanic job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Independent Contractor Auto Mechanic

  Salary range: $43,500 - $61,500

  You find Independent Contractors in many different industries, so the path to becoming one varies significantly. In general, you must have several years of experience in the field and have a track record of success in your industry. You also must pursue the kind of work that can be done on a consultant or contract basis. You may possess particular skills or expertise that a company needs temporarily, such as an IT Consultant, or provide a service that is required intermittently, like a Freelance Writer. Many Independent Contractors transition to becoming self-employed to have a more flexible schedule and the ability to choose their clients.

• Per Diem Auto Mechanic

  Salary range: $43,500 - $61,500

  Per diem jobs are short-term positions which are paid by the day. The most common per diem job opportunities are in the medical field, including positions in nursing, hospice, pediatrics, and midwifery. Phlebotomists, operating (OR) assistants, and pharmacists may also work on a per diem basis. Per diem employees are often contracted to work as admissions coordinators, recreation coordinators, and assistants.

• Live In Auto Mechanic

  Salary range: $43,500 - $61,500

  Live In Auto Mechanic is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Live In Auto Mechanic jobs pay between $43,500 (25th percentile) and $61,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Live In Auto Mechanic job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Co Op Auto Mechanic

  Salary range: $43,500 - $61,500

  The qualifications you need for a Co-Op job depend on the application requirements at your school and the organization where you want to work. You must be an officially enrolled student at your college or university, and GPA and credit hour requirements are typical. Some companies prefer Co-Op students whose major aligns with the industry. You must have strong communication skills and a willingness to learn and practice a variety of new tasks and job duties. Your responsibilities are to apply your learning to your Co-Op work experience and be a punctual and motivated employee.

• Freelance Auto Mechanic

  Salary range: $43,500 - $61,500

  Freelancers are self-employed. As a freelancer, you provide work to clients and invoice them for it. The type of clients you have depends on what kind of services you offer. Your clients can be individuals or companies. A full-time freelancer often has assignments from multiple clients at once. Some common services that people provide as freelancers are: writing, editing, graphic design, web design, marketing, programming, accounting, and bookkeeping. Freelancing is ideal for those who prefer to be their own boss and are willing to market themselves to meet their income goals.

• Full Time Auto Mechanic

  Salary range: $43,500 - $61,500

  Full-time employment hours are generally determined by the employer. There is no single universal definition; however, various laws and policies govern different types of eligibility and statuses. For example, the Fair Labor Standards Act does not define full-time employment but does require overtime pay after 40 hours of work in a workweek for non-exempt employees. The Affordable Care Act, in determining Applicable Large Employers, defines full-time employees as those working an average of at least 30 hours per week, or 130 hours a month. The H-1B Visa Program defines full-time as 40 hours per week, normally, and in no event would less than 35 hours per week be considered to be full-time employment. In practice, full-time employment is typically between 32 and 40 hours per week.

• Temporary Auto Mechanic

  Salary range: $43,500 - $61,500

  A Temporary job is an employment arrangement in which both parties, the employee and employer, agree in advance that the position will be filled for a set period. Temporary jobs often are based on employers’ seasonal or specific project needs. Occasionally, Temporary employees will be offered ongoing, full-time positions if their performance is excellent and a position is available. However, you should not assume this will be the case.

• Internship Auto Mechanic

  Salary range: $33,500 - $52,000

  An Internship is a position within your desired field that pays little or no money but offers you the opportunity to gain real-world experience. This may set you apart for your future job search. Generally, Internships are almost expected by employers on an entry-level candidate’s resume. You are much more of an asset to an employer if you have some work experience.

• Apprentice Auto Mechanic

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

  Apprentice Auto Mechanic is a common job search query. Most salaries for Apprentice Auto Mechanic jobs pay between $36,000 (25th percentile) and $50,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Apprentice Auto Mechanic job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Auto Mechanic Trainee

  Salary range: $32,000 - $49,000

  The requirements to get a trainee job vary by industry. In some, such as architecture or accounting, you must graduate from an accredited college program before you can begin work. Other industries, such as retail, manufacturing, or telemarketing, may require only a high school diploma or a GED certificate to begin a training program. No matter what profession you are interested in, you should have strong verbal and written communication and an interest in continuing the career.

• Entry Level Auto Mechanic

  Salary range: $30,000 - $46,000

  Entry-level jobs are positions that do not require any previous experience in the role. Most entry-level jobs are aimed at high school or college graduates as a starting point for a future career goal. A college student may have majored in their ideal career field, but will still need to start in an entry-level position to train in a real-world environment. Some students move from internships into entry-level jobs, but most entry-level jobs do not expect a candidate to have any prior employment or on-site training.