Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics vs Registered Nurses: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Registered Nurses professionals earn $43,930 more per year than Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics professionals — that's 88.4% higher. At the 90th percentile, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earns $80,850 compared to $135,320 for Registered Nurses.
Salary Range Comparison
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$33,660 – $80,850
Registered Nurses$66,030 – $135,320
$33,660$135,320
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | Registered Nurses | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $33,660 | $66,030 | $-32,370 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,140 | $78,610 | $-40,470 |
| Median (50th) | $49,670 | $93,600 | $-43,930 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,660 | $107,960 | $-42,300 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,850 | $135,320 | $-54,470 |
| Mean (Average) | $55,260 | $98,430 | $-43,170 |
Employment Numbers
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
688,840
employed nationwide
Registered Nurses
3,282,010
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 Registered Nurses
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $208,940 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $188,020 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $169,210 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $133,440 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $133,090 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics or Registered Nurses?
Registered Nurses professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $43,930 (88.4% 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 Registered Nurses?
Registered Nurses salaries range from $66,030 (10th percentile) to $135,320 (90th percentile), with a median of $93,600.
How many Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics and Registered Nurses jobs are there?
There are approximately 688,840 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics positions and 3,282,010 Registered Nurses positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Registered Nurses 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 Registered Nurses earns $93,600. 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