Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics vs Pharmacy Technicians: 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 $6,210 more per year than Pharmacy Technicians professionals — that's 14.3% higher. At the 90th percentile, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earns $80,850 compared to $59,450 for Pharmacy Technicians.
Salary Range Comparison
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$33,660 – $80,850
Pharmacy Technicians$35,100 – $59,450
$33,660$80,850
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | Pharmacy Technicians | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $33,660 | $35,100 | $-1,440 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,140 | $36,920 | +$1,220 |
| Median (50th) | $49,670 | $43,460 | +$6,210 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,660 | $48,580 | +$17,080 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,850 | $59,450 | +$21,400 |
| Mean (Average) | $55,260 | $44,800 | +$10,460 |
Employment Numbers
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
688,840
employed nationwide
Pharmacy Technicians
487,920
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 Pharmacy Technicians
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $70,740 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $61,990 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $59,960 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $55,810 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $54,740 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics or Pharmacy Technicians?
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $6,210 (14.3% 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 Pharmacy Technicians?
Pharmacy Technicians salaries range from $35,100 (10th percentile) to $59,450 (90th percentile), with a median of $43,460.
How many Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics and Pharmacy Technicians jobs are there?
There are approximately 688,840 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics positions and 487,920 Pharmacy Technicians positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Pharmacy Technicians 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 Pharmacy Technicians earns $43,460. 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