Highest-Paying Mechanic Jobs [2023]

Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of mechanics that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of mechanics:

• Mobile Equipment Mechanic is the highest-paid type of mechanic with an average salary of $72,190 and an average hourly rate of $34.71.

• The second highest-paying type of mechanic is industrial mechanic, with an average salary of $53,333.

• The average mechanic salary is $47,149 per year, and the average hourly pay is $22.67.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a mechanic, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of mechanics are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of mechanics:

1. Mobile Equipment Mechanic

   Average Salary: $72,190

   Mobile equipment mechanics are skilled employees who are responsible for conducting repairs and maintenance of construction and surface mining equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, and excavators. These mechanics must inspect machines and heavy equipment while evaluating operating manuals to perform diagnosis and resolve any defects. They are required to use hand and power tools to perform repairs on the defective equipment parts. Mobile equipment mechanics must also check any open circuits on the electrical systems of heavy equipment.

2. Industrial Mechanic

   Average Salary: $53,333

   An industrial mechanic maintains and repairs equipment and any other industrial types of machinery in a factory. Industrial mechanics manage the operation of machinery like production machinery, packaging equipment, and conveying systems. They need to use protective equipment like safety glasses and hardhats as well as follow safety precautions during operations. It is their responsibility to make sure that all industrial machines function well through preventive maintenance service and troubleshooting.

3. Truck Mechanic

   Average Salary: $50,169

   Also known as diesel services technicians, truck mechanics perform various heavy-duty truck tasks. The technicians work on large vehicles, tractor-trailers, and buses. It is their duty to inspect, make diagnoses, and repair the brake systems and other electrical components. They conduct routine maintenance work, which aims for longevity and functionality. It is also important for them to have skills in communication, organization, computer system, and administrative tasks.

4. Industrial Maintenance Mechanic

   Average Salary: $50,082

   An industrial maintenance mechanic is responsible for ensuring the efficiency and optimal performance of industrial equipment and machinery to support operations and prevent operational delays. Industrial maintenance mechanics perform regular maintenance for the equipment, inspecting the components for any malfunctions, and conduct immediate repairs as needed. They also write resolution reports for reference and recommend supplies and resources to avoid the reoccurrence of system problems and downtimes. An industrial maintenance mechanic must have excellent organizational and analytical skills to measure and calibrate instruments properly and identify inconsistencies.

5. Fleet Mechanic

   Average Salary: $50,065

   A fleet mechanic is responsible for inspecting and maintaining the safety and efficiency of vehicles for various industrial operations and services. Fleet mechanics conduct regular maintenance of the engines, repairing its malfunctioning components, and upgrading its system for optimal performance. They oversee the overall management of fleet operations, keeping an organized record of resolutions for reference to avoid reoccurrence of defects. A fleet mechanic coordinates with the fleet supervisor for necessary replacements of vehicles to avoid delays in operations and prevent potential hazards on the road.

Below is a full table of the average pay for various mechanic that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Mechanics

Methodology

Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.

Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for mechanics.

Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Mechanic Jobs FAQs

1. What is the highest-paid mechanic job?

   The highest-paid mechanic job is a mobile equipment mechanic. Mobile Equipment Mechanics earn an average salary of $72,190, which is $ 34.71 hourly.

   Mobile equipment mechanics are skilled employees who are responsible for conducting repairs and maintenance of construction and surface mining equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, and excavators. These mechanics must inspect machines and heavy equipment while evaluating operating manuals to perform diagnosis and resolve any defects. They are required to use hand and power tools to perform repairs on the defective equipment parts. Mobile equipment mechanics must also check any open circuits on the electrical systems of heavy equipment.

2. What is a good salary for a mechanic?

   A good salary for a mechanic is $47,149 or more. The average mechanic salary is $47,149, so those making at least $47,149 are earning above-average paychecks.

   Keep in mind, however, that the average mechanic salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.

   In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a mechanic, the average entry level salary is $35,715, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $47,149 average, as this includes all mechanics of all skill and experience levels.

3. Do Mechanic jobs pay well?

   Yes, mechanic jobs pay well. As in any industry, some mechanic jobs pay better than others, but the average mechanic salary of $47,149 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

   In addition to this, many mechanic jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of mechanics earning $53,243 a year on average.

   Mechanics’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a mechanic. Do your research on the going rate for a mechanic in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

4. Where do mechanics get paid the most?

   Mechanics get paid the most in Vermont. In Vermont, mechanics earn an average annual salary of $56,946 and an average hourly wage of $27.38.

   Following VT, the states with the highest-paid mechanics are Wyoming, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania, with average annual salaries of $53,161, $52,686, and $51,524 respectively.

   The cities with the highest-paid mechanic salaries are:

   1. San Jose, CA – $61,068

   2. Des Moines, WA – $58,204

   3. Englewood, NJ – $58,193

Author

Chris Kolmar

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.