How Much Does a Mechanic Make?

Mechanics service and repair various types of equipment, ranging from industrial machinery to aircraft engines. Wages differ based on the industry, skills required and duties performed. Mechanics who have completed a formal training program may receive higher wages than do mechanics without formal training.

View 4 Popular Schools »

Salary Information for Mechanics

Automotive Mechanics

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the average hourly wage of an automotive mechanic was $18.21 in 2009 (www.bls.gov). The top ten percent of automotive mechanics earned a median wage of $28.81 per hour, while the lowest ten percent made a median hourly wage of $9.54. Automotive mechanics who were employed in the aerospace parts manufacturing industry earned the highest wages, with average earnings of $31.87 an hour or $66,290 annually.

Bus and Truck Mechanics

The BLS cited that, as of May 2009, bus and truck mechanics received mean hourly wages of $20.00. The middle half of bus and truck mechanics earned between $12.78 and $28.70. Those employed in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry earned the highest wages, with annual salaries of $60,240 or $28.96 per hour.

Aircraft Mechanics

Aircraft mechanics averaged $25.47 hourly or $52,970 annually, as reported by the BLS in 2009. Mechanics working for express delivery services companies earned the highest among all aircraft mechanics, with average hourly earnings of $40.83.

Industrial Machinery Mechanics

The BLS noted that industrial machinery mechanics received mean hourly wages of $22.19 through May 2009. The median earnings were $21.38 per hour or $44,470 per year. Industrial machinery mechanics in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry received the highest earnings, with hourly mean wages of $31.43.

Career Requirements

Training

Prospective mechanics may look to junior colleges and vocational schools to receive training in the specific field of repair they wish to pursue. These institutions offer certificate, diploma and associate degree programs in automotive technology and diesel repair to help aspiring mechanics gain the knowledge they need to enter the field. While intermediate and advanced courses differ by industry, most programs begin with introductory courses in blueprint reading, electronic circuits and control systems.

Mechanics may also learn the necessary skills through on-the-job training or apprenticeships under the supervision of more experienced technicians. Mechanics-in-training often begin by performing routine work, like greasing parts, changing filters or replacing batteries.

Certification

Mechanics who have the required skills, education and experience may consider earning voluntary certifications, like those offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Certifications may help mechanics increase their employment opportunities and pay rates.

Show me popular schools

Related to How Much Does a Mechanic Make

  • Related
  • Recently Updated
  • Popular
Become a Ford-Certified Mechanic: Certification and Career Info

Research the requirements to become a Ford-certified mechanic. Learn about the job and its duties, and read the...

Forklift Mechanic Certification and Training Program Information

Forklift mechanic training is usually offered through diesel technician or heavy equipment training programs. Diesel...

Agricultural Mechanic: Job Description, Duties and Requirements

Agricultural mechanics are professional farming technicians that deal with the maintenance and repair of cultivation...

Become a Bulldozer Mechanic: Education and Career Roadmap

Learn how to become a bulldozer mechanic. Research the education, licensure and experience requirements for starting a...

How to Become a Manufacturing Mechanic: Education and Career Roadmap

4 Popular Schools

Other Schools:

  • New England Institute of Technology

    School locations:
    • Rhode Island (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at New England Institute of Technology include:
      • Non-Degree: Coursework
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
      • Construction Management and Trades
      • Electrical Repair and Maintenance
      • Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
        • Autobody Repair
        • Automotive Mechanics
        • Marine Watercraft Repair and Maintenance
    » Research New England Institute of Technology's Programs

  • University of Cincinnati

    School locations:
    • Ohio (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at University of Cincinnati include:
      • Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
      • Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Associate
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
      • Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
        • Automotive Mechanics
    » Research University of Cincinnati's Programs

  • Ferris State University

    School locations:
    • Michigan (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Ferris State University include:
      • Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
      • Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
      • Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
      • Construction Management and Trades
      • Electrical Repair and Maintenance
      • Heavy Equipment Maintenance
      • Precision Metal Working
      • Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
        • Autobody Repair
        • Automotive Mechanics
    » Research Ferris State University's Programs

  • Southern Illinois University

    School locations:
    • Illinois (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Southern Illinois University include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
      • Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
        • Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance
        • Automotive Mechanics
        • Avionics Repair and Maintenance
    » Research Southern Illinois University's Programs

  • Pearl River Community College

    School locations:
    • Mississippi (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Pearl River Community College include:
      • Non-Degree: Coursework, Diploma
      • Undergraduate: Associate
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
      • Construction Management and Trades
      • Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
      • Precision Metal Working
      • Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
        • Automotive Mechanics
        • Diesel Mechanics
    » Research Pearl River Community College's Programs

  • Valdosta State University

    School locations:
    • Georgia (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Valdosta State University include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, Master
      • Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
      • Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
        • Automotive Mechanics
    » Research Valdosta State University's Programs

Popular Schools

Avg. Wages For Related Jobs

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics