The highest-paid mechanics in the United States are employed by the armed forces. They earn an average annual salary of $63,000, which is nearly $10,000 more than the average mechanic’s salary. This is largely due to their specialized training, which includes extensive knowledge of military vehicles and aircraft.
The second highest-paid group of mechanics work for car dealerships. Their average annual income is $57,000. These mechanics typically perform maintenance on new cars in order to ensure they meet manufacturer specifications. They also perform routine inspections on used cars before they are sold to customers.
The third highest-paid group are employed by repair shops specializing in repairing high-end luxury vehicles such as Porsches, Mercedes-Benz and BMWs. Their annual average salary is $56,000 per year.
Mechanic Highest Salary
Working as a mechanic can be rewarding because you can help fix the machines that many people rely on in their everyday life. Mechanics work in a variety of fields, as many industries rely on machinery and automation to function. While the average mechanic can earn a decent salary, there are many high-paying positions available to those with experience and expertise in the field. In this article, we discuss 11 of the highest-paying jobs that are available to mechanics.
Related: Mechanical Designer vs. Mechanical Engineer: What’s the Difference?
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5 highest-paying mechanic jobs
Finding a lucrative career as a mechanic might be easier if you know what kinds of jobs suit your background. Here’s a list of five high-paying mechanic jobs. For the most up-to-date Indeed salaries, click the links below:
1. Maintenance worker
National average salary: $70,334 per year
Primary duties: Maintenance workers are professional repair people who work in a variety of fields. Facilities often employ maintenance workers in hospitals, schools and retail shops. They perform repairs on any devices that break during normal business. Maintenance workers often have a background in plumbing, electronic wiring and construction, as they may fix a variety of machines and their components. Because of their wide range of expertise, maintenance workers often earn more than the average mechanic.
2. Mechanical designer
National average salary: $70,987 per year
Primary duties: Mechanical designers are professionals who work with engineering and production teams to create products that meet client specifications. Mechanical designers may work in a wide range of fields, from automotive production to architecture. They typically work with computer systems that assist in the design process of complicated machines. Because mechanical designers usually have years of experience in the maintenance field, they can earn a high salary.
3. Mechanical engineer
National average salary: $82,949 per year
Primary duties: Mechanical engineers specialize in designing mechanical and thermal devices. They often work for companies that create machines that require an engine or power source to operate. Many mechanical engineers begin their careers by working as a mechanic and transition into engineering after earning their degree in a related field. Because most mechanical engineering jobs require a high-level degree, they can earn a good salary.
Related: Learn About Being a Mechanical Engineer
4. Maintenance manager
National average salary: $83,108 per year
Primary duties: Maintenance managers are supervisors who oversee a maintenance team. They work with their team to diagnose problems and perform repairs on time. Maintenance managers may design budgets and purchase the tools that their team needs to complete a job. Most maintenance managers begin their careers as lower-level repair workers and can receive promotions after earning a significant amount of experience. Their experience allows them to earn a higher salary than the average mechanic.
Related: Learn About Being a Maintenance Manager
5. Mechanical project manager
National average salary: $99,124 per year
Primary duties: Mechanical project managers work with their team to coordinate efficient production and repairs of complex machinery. Project managers are typically maintenance professionals with a high level of experience and expertise that allows them to complete their projects on time. They’re also responsible for managing a large team of employees, so most mechanical project managers have leadership and managerial skills.
6 mechanic positions with above-average pay
Because many high-paying mechanic jobs require a few years of experience, it’s helpful to start your career with a position that has above-average pay while you gain experience. Here are some positions you can consider:
1. Mechanical technician
National average salary: $45,838 per year
Primary duties: Mechanical technicians work with engineers and product managers to design efficient mechanical products and equipment. Mechanical technicians often work in electrical or industrial fields and may work in factories or other facilities that produce goods. Working as a mechanical technician can be financially rewarding, as many of these technicians earn more than the average mechanic’s salary.
2. Mechanic
National average salary: $51,403 per year
Primary duties: Mechanic are professionals who perform maintenance and repairs on a variety of vehicles and equipment. Mechanics work in a variety of fields, such as the automotive and transportation industries. Most mechanics work as part of a larger company that specializes in repairing one type of machine, although some mechanics work freelance. To earn more than the average salary, mechanics typically rely on years of experience or specialize in repairing unique equipment.
Related: Learn About Being a Mechanic
3. Automotive technician
National average salary: $52,297 per year
Primary duties: Automotive technicians are mechanics who work only with cars, trucks and other motorized vehicles. Automotive technicians diagnose issues with vehicles and develop plans to fix them. Because many vehicles have digital components, such as computers, automotive technicians may have a deep understanding of the complex systems that keep the machines operating. Automotive technicians who stay up to date with how to repair the newest models of cars can typically earn higher salaries.
4. Repair manager
National average salary: $54,758 per year
Primary duties: Repair managers work in an advisory role for a team of maintenance professionals. These professionals help their team understand what needs to be repaired and help create plans to efficiently fix any issues. Repair managers may also designate work schedules and the hiring and firing of staff. Repair managers are often mechanics with a few years of experience, so this carer can be a way to earn a high salary.
5. Repair technician
National average salary: $56,047 per year
Primary duties: Repair technicians are maintenance professionals who specialize in repairing complex equipment. While many repair technicians work in the automotive industry, others work in more specialized fields, like medical devices or electronic equipment. Repair technicians typically work as part of a larger team and diagnose problems and create repair plans. Repair technicians can earn more than the average mechanic by specializing in repairing expensive equipment.
6. Maintenance supervisor
National average salary: $56,110 per year
Primary duties: A maintenance supervisor is a management-level position that oversees a team of mechanics. Maintenance supervisors often work for construction companies and ensure that the construction team meets their client’s specifications. They may also install and repair building systems to comply with local safety codes.
Tips for getting a higher salary
When working as a mechanic, knowing what it takes to earn a higher salary can be very beneficial. Mechanics who can leverage their unique skills and experience can often earn more on average. Here are some tips for earning more than the average mechanic:
- Become certified: Many unique products require special certification to repair them. Earning a certification for a particular product gives you opportunities that might not be available to other mechanics.
- Earn a degree: While many mechanic jobs do not require a degree, earning a relevant degree may allow you to earn a higher salary. Individuals with degrees may also have additional job opportunities.
- Get experience: One of the best ways to earn a higher salary is to gain experience in your profession. Mechanics who can list years of relevant experience on their resume can often ask for a higher salary during the interview process.
