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Mechanical Support Technician I Salary in the United States

How much does a Mechanical Support Technician I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mechanical Support Technician I in the United States is $52,763 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.

However, a Mechanical Support Technician I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $63,691
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $47,903 to $58,483
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $43,478

Key Factors That Influence Mechanical Support Technician I Salaries

A Mechanical Support Technician I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Mechanical Support Technician I Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Mechanical Support Technician Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $58,413.
  • California: $58,193.
  • Massachusetts: $57,413.

Top Paying Cities for Mechanical Support Technician Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $66,543
  • San Francisco: $65,813
  • Oakland: $64,423

What Skills Can Increase a Mechanical Support Technician I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Troubleshooting (Mentioned in 8.42% Job Postings): Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or processes on a machine or a system. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem in order to solve it, and make the product or process operational again. Troubleshooting is needed to identify the symptoms. Determining the most likely cause is a process of elimination—eliminating potential causes of a problem. Finally, troubleshooting requires confirmation that the solution restores the product or process to its working state. In general, troubleshooting is the identification or diagnosis of "trouble" in the management flow of a system caused by a failure of some kind. The problem is initially described as symptoms of malfunction, and troubleshooting is the process of determining and remedying the causes of these symptoms. A system can be described in terms of its expected, desired or intended behavior (usually, for artificial systems, its purpose). Events or inputs to the system are expected to generate specific results or outputs. (For example, selecting the "print" option from various computer applications is intended to result in a hardcopy emerging from some specific device). Any unexpected or undesirable behavior is a symptom. Troubleshooting is the process of isolating the specific cause or causes of the symptom. Frequently the symptom is a failure of the product or process to produce any results. (Nothing was printed, for example). Corrective action can then be taken to prevent further failures of a similar kind.
  • Preventive Maintenance (Mentioned in 2.92% Job Postings): Preventive maintenance is the act of performing regularly scheduled maintenance activities to help prevent unexpected failures in the future. Put simply, it's about fixing things before they break.
  • Microsoft Office (Mentioned in 1.93% Job Postings): Microsoft Office is a suite of desktop productivity applications that is designed by Microsoft for business use. You can create documents containing text and images, work with data in spreadsheets and databases, create presentations and posters.
Skills Demand Percentage
Troubleshooting 8.42%
Preventive Maintenance 2.92%
Microsoft Office 1.93%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Mechanical Support Technician I's salary.

  • Adaptability: Can increase your salary by up to 33%.
  • Time Management: Can increase your salary by up to 16%.
  • Calibration: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Adaptability $70,175
33%
Time Management $61,205
16%
Calibration $59,095
12%

Mechanical Support Technician I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Mechanical Support Technician I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $58,965. While startup companies pay approximate $49,878.

Mechanical Support Technician I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $49,878
Growth Stage 51~500 $52,751
Established 501~5000 $56,938
Enterprise 5000+ $58,965

Mechanical Support Technician I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Mechanical Support Technician I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Mechanical Support Technician positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Mechanical Support Technician I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Mechanical Support Technician I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$65,954$32.025%
Insurance$60,677$29.015%
Aerospace & Defense$58,039$28.010%
Energy & Utilities$58,039$28.010%
Financial Services$58,039$28.010%

How Education impacts a Mechanical Support Technician I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Mechanical Support Technician Is enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Mechanical Support Technician I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $46,855 and $50,825).

Mechanical Support Technician I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Mechanical Support Technician I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.8%
High School 14.0%
Associates 43.0%
Bachelors 36.8%
Masters 4.4%
Doctorate 0.0%

Mechanical Support Technician I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Mechanical Support Technician I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$47,903
Average $52,763/year
$58,483
$3,992
Average $4,397/month
$4,874
$921
Average $1,015/week
$1,125
$23
Average $25/hour
$28
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $58,483 $4,874 $1,125 $28
Average $52,763 $4,397 $1,015 $25
25th Percentile $47,903 $3,992 $921 $23

Mechanical Support Technician I Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Mechanical Support Technician I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Mechanical Engineering Technologist II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $58,940 - a projected growth of 12% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Mechanical Support Technician I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Mechanical Support Technician I

Here are companies hiring for Mechanical Support Technician I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Mechanical Support Technician I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Mechanical Support Technician I?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Mechanical Support Technician I roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. What is the highest paid tech job in the US?

While the highest-paying tech jobs in the US often exceed six figures, roles like Mechanical Support Technician offer competitive salaries ranging from $45,603 to $60,973, with a mid-salary of $52,503. These positions require a blend of technical skills and practical experience, making them essential in the tech industry.

3. How do technicians get paid?

Technicians can be compensated through hourly rates or flat rates, depending on the shop's policies. For instance, a Mechanical Support Technician typically earns between $45,603 and $60,973 annually, with a median salary of $52,503. Flat rate pay incentivizes productivity, as technicians are paid for each job completed.

4. What is the fastest trade to learn?

The fastest trade to learn can vary, but becoming a Mechanical Support Technician is a strong option. With a minimum salary of $45,603, a mid-range salary of $52,503, and a maximum salary of $60,973, this role offers a solid income potential while requiring relatively short training periods compared to other trades.

5. What does an IT support technician do?

An IT support technician provides technical assistance and support for computer systems, hardware, and software. They troubleshoot issues, install and configure equipment, and ensure systems run smoothly. The salary for this role typically ranges from $45,603 to $60,973, with a mid-range salary of $52,503, reflecting the technician's experience and expertise.

6. How much do mechanics make an hour in the US?

As of now, the salary for a Mechanical Support Technician in the United States ranges from $45,603 to $60,973 annually, with a median salary of $52,503. This translates to an hourly wage of approximately $21.93 to $29.30, depending on experience and location.

7. How much is a technician paid in USA?

The average salary for a Mechanical Support Technician in the USA ranges from $45,603 to $60,973 per year, with a mid-salary of $52,503. Entry-level positions typically start at $45,603, while experienced technicians can earn up to $60,973 annually.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.

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