Top U.S. States Paying the Most for Automotive Technicians (2020 Median Salaries)
Love working on cars? A career as an automotive technician—diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing vehicles—offers a reliable path to a steady income and growth.
Automotive technicians play a vital role in keeping the nation’s fleet safe and efficient, supporting everything from everyday commuters to commercial fleets and racing teams.
- Dealerships
- Repair shops
- Specialty shops
- Rental agencies
- Racing teams and race shops
How Much Do Automotive Technicians Earn?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $44,050 for automotive service technicians and mechanics (May 2020). Source
Wages vary by experience, employer, demand, and regional cost of living. Below is a snapshot of median wages across the 50 states and the District of Columbia, based on BLS data from May 2020.
Top 10 Annual Median Salaries for Automotive Technicians
1. District of Columbia – $65,420
Washington, D.C. offers a mix of federal, dealership, and repair shop opportunities. Its median pay leads the nation for techs.
2. Hawaii – $53,280
With a strong tourism and defense economy, Hawaii provides diverse roles from dealership service to fleet maintenance.
3. New Jersey – $51,360
Proximity to major East‑Coast hubs and a robust transportation sector create ample opportunities for skilled technicians.
4. Alaska – $51,330
Alaska’s oil, gas, and agricultural industries drive demand for mechanics in dealerships, repair shops, and farm equipment maintenance.
5. California – $50,950
California’s dense traffic and diverse automotive market mean high demand for technicians across all vehicle types.
6. Washington – $50,230
Seattle’s booming tech scene and robust transportation network support a wide range of automotive service positions.
7. Colorado – $50,170
Manufacturing, mining, and agriculture in Colorado require technicians to keep commercial fleets and equipment running.
8. Wyoming – $49,180
Mining, agriculture, and manufacturing in Wyoming offer solid wages for entry‑level and experienced mechanics.
9. Virginia – $48,940
Virginia hosts major automotive manufacturing facilities and research institutes, creating many tech roles.
10. Maryland – $48,080
Maryland’s proximity to Washington, D.C., and a thriving auto‑service sector provide strong career prospects.
All 50 States Ranked by Median Salary
| Rank | State | Annual Median Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $65,420 |
| 2 | Hawaii | $53,280 |
| 3 | New Jersey | $51,360 |
| 4 | Alaska | $51,330 |
| 5 | California | $50,950 |
| 6 | Washington | $50,230 |
| 7 | Colorado | $50,170 |
| 8 | Wyoming | $49,180 |
| 9 | Virginia | $48,940 |
| 10 | Maryland | $48,080 |
| 11 | Connecticut | $47,620 |
| 12 | Massachusetts | $47,130 |
| 13 | North Dakota | $46,420 |
| 14 | New Hampshire | $45,610 |
| 15 | Texas | $45,520 |
| 16 | Nevada | $45,380 |
| 17 | Delaware | $45,170 |
| 18 | Minnesota | $45,110 |
| 19 | Illinois | $44,820 |
| 20 | Rhode Island | $44,640 |
| 21 | Oregon | $44,240 |
| 22 | Nebraska | $44,010 |
| 23 | Michigan | $43,920 |
| 24 | North Carolina | $42,840 |
| 25 | Oklahoma | $42,810 |
| 26 | Utah | $42,760 |
| 27 | Wisconsin | $42,620 |
| 28 | Missouri | $42,570 |
| 29 | Iowa | $42,520 |
| 30 | Idaho | $42,160 |
| 31 | Arizona | $42,010 |
| 32 | South Dakota | $41,970 |
| 33 | Georgia | $41,690 |
| 34 | Montana | $41,530 |
| 35 | Pennsylvania | $41,470 |
| 36 | Vermont | $41,470 |
| 37 | Alabama | $41,200 |
| 38 | New York | $41,160 |
| 39 | Indiana | $40,850 |
| 40 | Tennessee | $40,660 |
| 41 | Ohio | $40,600 |
| 42 | Florida | $40,540 |
| 43 | South Carolina | $40,540 |
| 44 | Maine | $40,250 |
| 45 | Kansas | $40,150 |
| 46 | Louisiana | $39,790 |
| 47 | New Mexico | $39,770 |
| 48 | Arkansas | $37,840 |
| 49 | Mississippi | $36,690 |
| 50 | Kentucky | $35,160 |
| 51 | West Virginia | $32,250 |
Launch Your Career in Less Than a Year
Auto‑mechanic roles are in demand nationwide, from dealerships to fleet maintenance and specialty shops. The Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights that a postsecondary technician credential significantly boosts job prospects and starting wages.
Universal Technical Institute’s Automotive Technology Program is a 51‑week curriculum designed to equip students with the skills employers seek today.
Ready to start? Request information from an admissions representative and begin your journey to a high‑earning career.
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