How Much Does a Car Mechanic Make a Year?

Car mechanics keep automobiles running.

Car mechanics repair and maintain cars and light trucks. Though they typically receive a guaranteed salary, more experienced mechanics can earn more by receiving commissions based on the labor costs charged to customers.

Basics

Car mechanics made a median hourly wage of $17.03, which is a yearly salary of $35,420, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2009. The bottom 10 percent earned $9.54 or $19,840, while the highest 10 percent made $28.81 or $59,920 in 2009.

Industries

The industry of employment determines pay, with aerospace product and parts manufacturing offering the highest average pay at $31.87 or $66,290, followed by couriers and express delivery services, at $29.73 or $61,840, and natural gas distribution at $28.34 or $58,940.

States

The state in which the job is located may affect pay, with the highest salaries located in Alaska at $23.74 or $49,370, District of Columbia at $21.56 or $44,850, and Connecticut, at $20.53 or $42,700.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Car Mechanics Description
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Car Mechanics Wages