Highest-Paying Mechanic Jobs [2026]
Research Summary. The Zippia data team has utilized a mix of public government data and insights from thousands of job postings to create average salary estimates for mechanic jobs across the United States. This analysis identifies the highest-paid types of mechanics based on their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of mechanics:
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Mobile Equipment Mechanic leads as the highest-paid type of mechanic with an average salary of $72,190 and an hourly rate of $34.71.
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The second highest-paying type of mechanic is Industrial Mechanic, with an average salary of $53,333.
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The average mechanic salary is now $47,149 per year, with an average hourly pay of $22.67.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Selecting a career path can be a daunting task, and while salary is a crucial consideration, it should not be the sole focus. Understanding which types of mechanics offer the highest pay can help guide your career progression effectively.
Here are the top salaries for various types of mechanics:
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Mobile Equipment Mechanic
Average Salary: $72,190
Mobile equipment mechanics are highly skilled professionals responsible for maintaining and repairing construction and surface mining equipment, including bulldozers, cranes, and excavators. They conduct inspections, diagnose issues, and utilize both hand and power tools for repairs, also troubleshooting electrical systems.
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Industrial Mechanic
Average Salary: $53,333
Industrial mechanics maintain and repair factory machinery and equipment, ensuring that production machinery, packaging equipment, and conveying systems operate efficiently. They prioritize safety and preventive maintenance to avoid operational delays.
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Truck Mechanic
Average Salary: $50,169
Truck mechanics, also known as diesel service technicians, are responsible for inspecting and repairing heavy-duty trucks, buses, and trailers. They conduct routine maintenance and diagnose issues in brake systems and electrical components.
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Industrial Maintenance Mechanic
Average Salary: $50,082
Industrial maintenance mechanics ensure the optimal performance of machinery used in industrial sectors, conducting regular inspections and maintenance to prevent breakdowns. They also document their findings and suggest improvements.
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Fleet Mechanic
Average Salary: $50,065
Fleet mechanics oversee the maintenance and repair of vehicle fleets, ensuring efficiency and safety. They maintain vehicle records and coordinate with supervisors to prevent operational delays.
Below is a comprehensive table of the average pay for various mechanics, followed by a detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Mechanics
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mobile Equipment Mechanic | |
| 2 | Industrial Mechanic | |
| 3 | Truck Mechanic | |
| 4 | Industrial Maintenance Mechanic | |
| 5 | Fleet Mechanic | |
| 6 | Diesel Mechanic | |
| 7 | Heavy Equipment Mechanic | |
| 8 | Shop Mechanic | |
| 9 | Service Mechanic | |
| 10 | Line Mechanic | |
| 11 | Field Mechanic | |
| 12 | Equipment Mechanic | |
| 13 | Automotive Mechanic | |
| 14 | Vehicle Mechanic | |
| 15 | Trailer Mechanic | |
| 16 | Light Wheel Mechanic | |
| 17 | Auto Mechanic | |
| 18 | Building Maintenance Mechanic | |
| 19 | General Maintenance Mechanic | |
| 20 | Mechanic Helper |
Methodology
Zippia utilizes data from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create salary estimates.
Our data science team also analyzes job postings and company publications for current salary information for mechanics.
After collecting the data, the team computes a weighted average for each job title. For more information on our salary estimates, please refer to our detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Mechanic Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid mechanic job?
The highest-paid mechanic job is that of a mobile equipment mechanic. Mobile Equipment Mechanics earn an average salary of $72,190, equating to approximately $34.71 per hour.
Mobile equipment mechanics are highly skilled professionals who conduct repairs and maintenance on construction and surface mining equipment, including bulldozers, cranes, and excavators. They inspect machines, evaluate operating manuals, diagnose issues, and perform repairs using hand and power tools.
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What is a good salary for a mechanic?
A good salary for a mechanic is $47,149 or more. This figure represents the average mechanic salary, and those earning at least $47,149 are above the average pay range.
However, it’s important to understand that average salaries can vary by location. Research the average salary in your area for your level of expertise to assess your compensation accurately.
For those just starting their careers, the average entry-level salary is around $35,715, so it’s critical to consider that the average figure encompasses mechanics of varying skill levels.
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Do mechanic jobs pay well?
Yes, mechanic jobs typically offer competitive pay. While some positions pay better than others, the average mechanic salary of $47,149 is higher than the average national salary of approximately $44,225 per year.
Many mechanic jobs also present high earning potential, with the top 10% earning an average of $53,243 annually.
Mechanics’ salaries can fluctuate based on experience, industry, and location, so be mindful of these factors when searching for jobs. Researching local salary rates can help you negotiate your salary effectively.
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Where do mechanics get paid the most?
Mechanics earn the highest salaries in Vermont. In Vermont, the average annual salary for mechanics is $56,946, with an hourly wage of $27.38.
The states with the next highest mechanic salaries include Wyoming, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania, with average annual salaries of $53,161, $52,686, and $51,524, respectively.
The cities providing the highest salaries for mechanics are:
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San Jose, CA – $61,068
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Des Moines, WA – $58,204
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Englewood, NJ – $58,193
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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.
