What Is the Beginning Salary of a Mechanic?
Automotive mechanics keep people driving by providing both automotive repair and maintenance services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports more than 587,000 auto mechanics and service technicians were employed in the United States in 2010. The amount earned by these mechanics can vary by location and employer, but experience generally plays a role in salary.
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Starting Wages
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Most auto mechanics are paid by the hour. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates the average wage for all mechanics nationwide was $18.36 per hour in 2010, an annual salary of $38,200. Mechanics just starting in the industry typically make toward the bottom end of the pay scale, about $20,200 or less per year, or about $9.71 per hour. The lower 25 percent made up to $12.65 per hour, or about $26,320.
Earning Potential
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Despite the lower range of pay for those just starting as mechanics, the earning potential for the field is substantially higher. Mechanics who obtain multiple certifications or master certification can generally expect to command salaries above the median. According to the BLS, the upper 25 percent of all mechanics made $22.73 or more per hour, or about $47,280 per year. The upper 10 percent made $28.65 per hour or better, which equates to approximately $59,590 per year.
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Industry
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The industry in which a mechanic works can also affect how much he makes. For instance, those who work for car dealerships made higher average salaries than those employed by auto mechanic shops. Car dealerships paid an average of $42,830 per year in 2010, while service shops paid an average of $35,200. Those working for courier and delivery services made even more at an average of $61,300 per year.
Job Outlook
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The number of new jobs in the field are expected to grow by about 5 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bureau indicates this is slower than average job growth compared with other fields, largely because of increased automation and efficiency in the automotive repair field.
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References
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