Research Summary. Extensive research by the Zippia data science team has revealed updated insights into mechanic salaries across the United States as of 2026:
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Connecticut boasts the highest average mechanic salary at $59,010.
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South Carolina has the lowest average mechanic salary at $35,129.
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The national average salary for mechanics stands at $47,149.
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The national hourly wage for mechanics is $22.67.
For more details on our methodology, visit the specific methodology.
Background
Consistently, salary remains the most crucial factor influencing job satisfaction across various demographics. Many individuals ask, “How much do mechanics earn in my area?” Understanding the salary landscape for mechanics is essential for making informed career choices.
While individual circumstances can vary significantly based on factors such as location and experience, we provide reliable data on average salaries for mechanics by state, detailed by seniority level. This information offers a valuable benchmark for what you can expect to earn in your region.
Currently, Connecticut offers the best salary prospects for mechanics.
Here’s a quick overview of the top ten states for mechanic salaries:
Let’s dive into the details and view the complete rankings of all states.
Highest-Paid Mechanics By State
| Rank | State | Average Mechanic Salary | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connecticut | $59,010 | $42,000 | $82,000 |
| 2 | California | $58,210 | $41,000 | $82,000 |
| 3 | New Jersey | $58,112 | $41,000 | $81,000 |
| 4 | Washington | $57,967 | $42,000 | $78,000 |
| 5 | Vermont | $56,946 | $42,000 | $76,000 |
| 6 | New York | $54,801 | $39,000 | $76,000 |
| 7 | Oregon | $53,482 | $38,000 | $73,000 |
| 8 | Wyoming | $53,161 | $38,000 | $72,000 |
| 9 | Alaska | $53,109 | $44,000 | $63,000 |
| 10 | North Dakota | $52,686 | $39,000 | $70,000 |
| 11 | Massachusetts | $52,458 | $38,000 | $72,000 |
| 12 | Maine | $51,791 | $38,000 | $69,000 |
| 13 | Pennsylvania | $51,524 | $36,000 | $72,000 |
| 14 | Maryland | $50,948 | $35,000 | $72,000 |
| 15 | New Hampshire | $50,738 | $37,000 | $69,000 |
| 16 | Illinois | $50,498 | $36,000 | $70,000 |
| 17 | Nevada | $50,320 | $35,000 | $70,000 |
| 18 | Colorado | $50,006 | $36,000 | $68,000 |
| 19 | Utah | $49,990 | $36,000 | $68,000 |
| 20 | Virginia | $49,967 | $35,000 | $71,000 |
| 21 | Wisconsin | $49,518 | $35,000 | $68,000 |
| 22 | Minnesota | $49,467 | $36,000 | $67,000 |
| 23 | Nebraska | $49,027 | $35,000 | $67,000 |
| 24 | Ohio | $49,015 | $34,000 | $68,000 |
| 25 | Iowa | $48,624 | $35,000 | $66,000 |
| 26 | Rhode Island | $47,615 | $34,000 | $65,000 |
| 27 | Montana | $46,502 | $34,000 | $63,000 |
| 28 | Missouri | $46,210 | $33,000 | $63,000 |
| 29 | Michigan | $45,643 | $32,000 | $63,000 |
| 30 | Louisiana | $45,423 | $33,000 | $62,000 |
| 31 | South Dakota | $45,350 | $33,000 | $61,000 |
| 32 | Delaware | $45,015 | $31,000 | $63,000 |
| 33 | New Mexico | $44,902 | $32,000 | $61,000 |
| 34 | Idaho | $44,766 | $32,000 | $61,000 |
| 35 | North Carolina | $44,407 | $31,000 | $61,000 |
| 36 | Arizona | $44,297 | $32,000 | $60,000 |
| 37 | Indiana | $44,194 | $31,000 | $61,000 |
| 38 | Kentucky | $43,903 | $31,000 | $61,000 |
| 39 | Kansas | $43,525 | $31,000 | $59,000 |
| 40 | Texas | $43,348 | $31,000 | $59,000 |
| 41 | West Virginia | $42,834 | $30,000 | $60,000 |
| 42 | Hawaii | $42,121 | $33,000 | $53,000 |
| 43 | Oklahoma | $41,369 | $30,000 | $56,000 |
| 44 | Florida | $41,145 | $30,000 | $56,000 |
| 45 | Georgia | $40,947 | $29,000 | $56,000 |
| 46 | Tennessee | $40,245 | $29,000 | $55,000 |
| 47 | Arkansas | $37,538 | $27,000 | $51,000 |
| 48 | Mississippi | $36,283 | $26,000 | $49,000 |
| 49 | Alabama | $35,361 | $25,000 | $48,000 |
| 50 | South Carolina | $35,129 | $25,000 | $48,000 |
Methodology: Mechanic Salary By State
To gain insights into mechanic salaries by state, Zippia aggregated data from various reputable sources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and job postings. Our data science team then calculated a weighted average of these figures to establish the average pay for mechanics in each state.
We ranked all states based on average annual salary data, identifying the highest-paying state for mechanics.
Mechanic Salary By State FAQs
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What is the highest-paid state for mechanics?
The highest-paid state for mechanics is Connecticut, with an average salary of $59,010 per year.
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What city pays mechanics the most?
San Jose, CA offers the highest average salary for mechanics at $61,068 per year.
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What is the worst state for mechanics?
The state with the lowest average salary for mechanics is South Carolina, at $35,129 per year.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
