Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics vs Substitute Teachers, Short-Term: 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 $11,200 more per year than Substitute Teachers, Short-Term professionals — that's 29.1% higher. At the 90th percentile, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earns $80,850 compared to $63,460 for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term.
Salary Range Comparison
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$33,660 – $80,850
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term$26,240 – $63,460
$26,240$80,850
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | Substitute Teachers, Short-Term | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $33,660 | $26,240 | +$7,420 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,140 | $31,310 | +$6,830 |
| Median (50th) | $49,670 | $38,470 | +$11,200 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,660 | $51,930 | +$13,730 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,850 | $63,460 | +$17,390 |
| Mean (Average) | $55,260 | $44,930 | +$10,330 |
Employment Numbers
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
688,840
employed nationwide
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term
481,300
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 Substitute Teachers, Short-Term
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $64,090 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $60,080 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $58,570 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL | $58,070 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $57,740 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics or Substitute Teachers, Short-Term?
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $11,200 (29.1% 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 Substitute Teachers, Short-Term?
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term salaries range from $26,240 (10th percentile) to $63,460 (90th percentile), with a median of $38,470.
How many Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics and Substitute Teachers, Short-Term jobs are there?
There are approximately 688,840 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics positions and 481,300 Substitute Teachers, Short-Term positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Substitute Teachers, Short-Term 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 Substitute Teachers, Short-Term earns $38,470. 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