Auto Mechanics
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$49,670
~$24/hr · ~$4,139/mo
US Jobs
806K
As fast as average
AI & Automation Risk
3/10
Low Risk
AI & Automation Risk
Low Risk 3/10
The core of this occupation involves physical labor, manual dexterity, and real-time mechanical repair in a physical environment, which provides a strong barrier against AI automation. While AI will significantly enhance diagnostic capabilities and predictive maintenance software, the actual physical replacement of parts and hands-on troubleshooting remains a human-centric task.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CABEST VALUE | $77,260 | Above avg (113.1) | $68,336 |
| Billings, MT | $59,040 | Below avg (90.3) | $65,346 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $71,360 | Above avg (110.3) | $64,724 |
| Fairbanks-College, AK | $65,440 | Average (101.2) | $64,665 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | $60,730 | Below avg (95.7) | $63,477 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $74,590 | Above avg (117.6) | $63,453 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | $61,730 | Average (97.3) | $63,438 |
| Boulder, CO | $63,470 | Average (100.6) | $63,083 |
| Madison, WI | $60,360 | Below avg (95.9) | $62,918 |
| Missoula, MT | $58,300 | Below avg (93.9) | $62,080 |
| Minot, ND | $54,980 | Below avg (88.7) | $61,995 |
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | $55,680 | Below avg (90.1) | $61,804 |
| Bozeman, MT | $61,080 | Average (99.0) | $61,693 |
| Appleton, WI | $57,320 | Below avg (93.7) | $61,150 |
| Helena, MT | $56,320 | Below avg (92.1) | $61,147 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Postsecondary nondegree award
10-Year Growth
+4% (As fast as average)
Hourly Rate
~$24/hr
Monthly Income
~$4,139/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)