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Automotive Mechanic I Salary in the United States

How much does an Automotive Mechanic I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Automotive Mechanic I in the United States is $48,878 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.

However, an Automotive Mechanic I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $58,096
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $44,254 to $53,703
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $40,044
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Automotive Mechanic I Salaries

An Automotive Mechanic I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Automotive Mechanic I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Automotive Mechanic I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Automotive Mechanic I (0-1 years): $48,878
  • Automotive Mechanic II (1-3 years): $55,179
  • Automotive Mechanic III (3-5 years): $61,652
  • Automotive Mechanic IV (5-7 years): $67,458
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Automotive Mechanic I0-1 years$48,878
Automotive Mechanic II1-3 years$55,179
Automotive Mechanic III3-5 years$61,652
Automotive Mechanic IV5-7 years$67,458
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How Do Automotive Mechanic Is 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 Automotive Mechanic Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $54,118.
  • California: $53,912.
  • Massachusetts: $53,194.

Top Paying Cities for Automotive Mechanic I

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: $61,650
  • San Francisco: $60,975
  • Oakland: $59,690

Automotive Mechanic I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Automotive Mechanic I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $54,716. While startup companies pay approximate $46,289.

Automotive Mechanic I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $46,289
Growth Stage 51~500 $48,956
Established 501~5000 $52,838
Enterprise 5000+ $54,716

Automotive Mechanic I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Automotive Mechanic I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Automotive Mechanic positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Automotive Mechanic I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Automotive Mechanic I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$63,541$31.030%
Biotechnology$61,098$29.025%
Telecom$57,187$27.017%
Financial Services$56,210$27.015%
MFG Durable$56,210$27.015%

Automotive Mechanic I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Automotive Mechanic 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 August 01, 2026
$44,254
Average $48,878/year
$53,703
$3,688
Average $4,073/month
$4,475
$851
Average $940/week
$1,033
$21
Average $23/hour
$26
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $53,703 $4,475 $1,033 $26
Average $48,878 $4,073 $940 $23
25th Percentile $44,254 $3,688 $851 $21

Automotive Mechanic I Salary Growth & Career Path

Automotive Mechanic I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Automotive Mechanic I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Diesel Mechanic II $56,077 15%
Automotive Mechanic II $55,179 13%

Most common benefits for Automotive Mechanic I

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

Common company salaries for Automotive Mechanic I

Here are companies hiring for Automotive Mechanic I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Automotive Mechanic I

1. Where can an Automotive Mechanic I earn the most?

An Automotive Mechanic I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Automotive Mechanic I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Automotive Mechanic I is $61,650.

2. What is the highest pay for Automotive Mechanic I?

The highest pay for Automotive Mechanic I is $58,096.

3. What is the lowest pay for Automotive Mechanic I?

The lowest pay for Automotive Mechanic I is $40,044.

4. What are the responsibilities of Automotive Mechanic I?

Performs maintenance and repairs on automobiles and light trucks. Performs major repairs like body work, chassis and engine repair, and disassembling and assembling components. Also performs minor repairs and maintenance work such as replacing worn drive belts, hoses, and filters. Helps diagnose issues, uses electronic indicator systems to identify problems, and performs routine safety checks on brakes, suspension, exhaust, cooling, and other systems. Adheres to appropriate safety procedures. Typically requires a high school diploma. Typically requires a Certificate in Automotive Technology. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Automotive Mechanic I?

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Automotive Mechanic I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

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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