As of March 01, 2025, the average annual salary for an Auto Tech/Mechanic III in the United States is $64,800. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $56,890 to $71,890, with most professionals earning between $49,688 and $78,345.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $71,890 | $5,991 | $1,383 | $35 |
| Average | $64,800 | $5,400 | $1,246 | $31 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,890 | $4,741 | $1,094 | $27 |
An entry-level Auto Tech/Mechanic III with less than 1 year of experience earns about $61,406. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $61,639. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $63,970. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $66,582, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $67,627.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Auto Tech/Mechanic III | $61,406 |
| Intermediate Level Auto Tech/Mechanic III | $61,639 |
| Senior Level Auto Tech/Mechanic III | $63,970 |
| Specialist Level Auto Tech/Mechanic III | $66,582 |
| Expert Level Auto Tech/Mechanic III | $67,627 |
| Entry Level | 5% |
| Mid Level | 5% |
| Senior Level | 1% |
| Top Level | 3% |
| Experienced | 4% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of March 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Auto Tech/Mechanic III compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $52,606 in 2023 to approximately $52,338 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Auto Tech/Mechanic III salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Auto Tech/Mechanic III information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Auto Tech/Mechanic III job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Auto Tech/Mechanic III and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $64,800 | 68.9% | ||
| Bonus | $310 | 0.3% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $4,981 | 5.3% | ||
| 401K/403B | $2,735 | 2.9% | ||
| Disability | $1,302 | 1.4% | ||
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 8.9% | ||
| Pension | $3,516 | 3.7% | ||
| Time Off | $8,014 | 8.5% | ||
| Total Compensation | $94,009 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.3% |
| High School | 62.8% |
| Associates | 28.1% |
| Bachelors | 4.8% |
| Masters | 2.2% |
| Doctorate | 0.9% |
What Am I Worth?
The highest 10% of auto mechanics earned an annual salary of over $71,520. While six-figure salaries for auto mechanics are uncommon, job-seekers may find opportunities in areas with a shortage of mechanics or at auto dealerships, which could potentially lead to higher earnings.
Pay for auto mechanics typically ranges from $56,600 to $71,520, with a mid-salary of $64,470. While some highly skilled technicians may earn more, reaching $100k is uncommon and usually requires extensive experience and specialization. Most mechanics will earn within the provided salary range based on their skills and experience.
Mechanic Level 3 involves advanced skills such as using precision measuring tools, advanced trade math, and installing components like bearings, couplings, and mechanical seals. The salary for this position ranges from $56,600 to $71,520, with a mid-range salary of $64,470, reflecting the expertise required in these tasks.
The majority of mechanics typically work until they reach the retirement age of 65. However, if you're considering retiring early, it's essential to create a financial plan. With a salary range for auto tech/mechanics between $56,600 and $71,520, developing strong money management skills can help you achieve your retirement goals.
A level 3 technician is a highly skilled professional who addresses complex issues related to programming or manufacturing. They typically include engineers and technical experts who have in-depth knowledge of the company's products. In the auto tech field, salaries for such technicians range from $56,600 to $71,520, with a median salary of $64,470.
To become a wealthy mechanic, consider starting your own repair garage or related business. With the right education and experience, you can identify market gaps and capitalize on them. As an auto tech, you can earn between $56,600 and $71,520 annually, and with a successful venture, you could potentially exceed six figures.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
