Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics vs Cost Estimators: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Cost Estimators professionals earn $27,400 more per year than Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics professionals — that's 55.2% higher. At the 90th percentile, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earns $80,850 compared to $128,640 for Cost Estimators.
Salary Range Comparison
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$33,660 – $80,850
Cost Estimators$46,330 – $128,640
$33,660$128,640
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | Cost Estimators | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $33,660 | $46,330 | $-12,670 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,140 | $59,830 | $-21,690 |
| Median (50th) | $49,670 | $77,070 | $-27,400 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,660 | $99,630 | $-33,970 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,850 | $128,640 | $-47,790 |
| Mean (Average) | $55,260 | $83,160 | $-27,900 |
Employment Numbers
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
688,840
employed nationwide
Cost Estimators
219,530
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 Cost Estimators
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $104,190 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $103,030 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $97,990 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $86,540 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $86,300 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics or Cost Estimators?
Cost Estimators professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $27,400 (55.2% 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 Cost Estimators?
Cost Estimators salaries range from $46,330 (10th percentile) to $128,640 (90th percentile), with a median of $77,070.
How many Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics and Cost Estimators jobs are there?
There are approximately 688,840 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics positions and 219,530 Cost Estimators positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Cost Estimators 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 Cost Estimators earns $77,070. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS