Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics vs Childcare Workers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics professionals earn $17,620 more per year than Childcare Workers professionals — that's 55.0% higher. At the 90th percentile, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earns $80,850 compared to $44,560 for Childcare Workers.
Salary Range Comparison
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$33,660 – $80,850
Childcare Workers$22,900 – $44,560
$22,900$80,850
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | Childcare Workers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $33,660 | $22,900 | +$10,760 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,140 | $28,000 | +$10,140 |
| Median (50th) | $49,670 | $32,050 | +$17,620 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,660 | $36,960 | +$28,700 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,850 | $44,560 | +$36,290 |
| Mean (Average) | $55,260 | $33,140 | +$22,120 |
Employment Numbers
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
688,840
employed nationwide
Childcare Workers
520,180
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $77,260 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $74,590 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $64,930 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $63,590 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $62,970 |
Best Cities for Childcare Workers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $44,970 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $43,640 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $40,180 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $39,290 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $38,720 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics or Childcare Workers?
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $17,620 (55.0% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics salaries range from $33,660 (10th percentile) to $80,850 (90th percentile), with a median of $49,670.
What is the salary range for Childcare Workers?
Childcare Workers salaries range from $22,900 (10th percentile) to $44,560 (90th percentile), with a median of $32,050.
How many Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics and Childcare Workers jobs are there?
There are approximately 688,840 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics positions and 520,180 Childcare Workers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Childcare Workers to Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics has a median salary of $49,670 while Childcare Workers earns $32,050. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS