Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics vs Mechanical Engineers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn $52,650 more per year than Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics professionals — that's 106.0% higher. At the 90th percentile, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earns $80,850 compared to $161,240 for Mechanical Engineers.
Salary Range Comparison
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$33,660 – $80,850
Mechanical Engineers$68,740 – $161,240
$33,660$161,240
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | Mechanical Engineers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $33,660 | $68,740 | $-35,080 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,140 | $81,800 | $-43,660 |
| Median (50th) | $49,670 | $102,320 | $-52,650 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,660 | $130,290 | $-64,630 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,850 | $161,240 | $-80,390 |
| Mean (Average) | $55,260 | $110,080 | $-54,820 |
Employment Numbers
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
688,840
employed nationwide
Mechanical Engineers
286,760
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 Mechanical Engineers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $147,730 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $145,640 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $128,660 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $126,870 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $124,160 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics or Mechanical Engineers?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $52,650 (106.0% 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 Mechanical Engineers?
Mechanical Engineers salaries range from $68,740 (10th percentile) to $161,240 (90th percentile), with a median of $102,320.
How many Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics and Mechanical Engineers jobs are there?
There are approximately 688,840 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics positions and 286,760 Mechanical Engineers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Mechanical Engineers 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 Mechanical Engineers earns $102,320. 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