Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for master mechanics in the United States
Are master mechanic jobs in demand?
Master mechanic job and salary trends over time
Master mechanic jobs over time
Master mechanic job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,215 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 2,181 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 2,305 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,280 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 2,250 | 0.00% |
Average master mechanic salary over time
Master mechanic salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $45,455 | $21.85 | +4.7% |
| 2024 | $43,432 | $20.88 | +3.4% |
| 2023 | $42,008 | $20.20 | +2.9% |
| 2022 | $40,811 | $19.62 | +2.8% |
| 2021 | $39,697 | $19.09 | +1.6% |
Master mechanic jobs by state
Most common states for master mechanics
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 521 | 17% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 104 | 14% |
| 3 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 95 | 14% |
| 4 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 141 | 13% |
| 5 | Alaska | 739,795 | 96 | 13% |
| 6 | Delaware | 961,939 | 120 | 12% |
| 7 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 67 | 12% |
| 8 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 208 | 11% |
| 9 | Vermont | 623,657 | 68 | 11% |
| 10 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 831 | 10% |
| 11 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 91 | 10% |
| 12 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 572 | 9% |
| 13 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 534 | 9% |
| 14 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 286 | 9% |
| 15 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 184 | 9% |
| 16 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 465 | 8% |
| 17 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 441 | 8% |
| 18 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 228 | 8% |
| 19 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 228 | 8% |
| 20 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 133 | 8% |
Most common cities for master mechanics
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thornton | 1 | 1% | $49,851 |
| 2 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $49,728 |
| 3 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $49,364 |
| 4 | Sacramento | 1 | 0% | $50,949 |
| 5 | Scottsdale | 1 | 0% | $41,264 |
| 6 | Tampa | 1 | 0% | $33,820 |
Master Mechanic job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of master mechanic experts
Julia Johnson
Professor, Automotive TechnologySkyline College
Vehicle Maintenance And Repair Technologies/Technicians
What Master Mechanic skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Julia Johnson: The skill that will be the most important in the next 3-5 years is electrical diagnosis and repair. Almost every system on modern vehicles has an electrical component, so gaining a solid understanding of electrical fundamentals is essential.
What will help Master Mechanics increase their earning potential?
Julia Johnson: The fastest way to advance in your career is to begin earning your ASE Certifications. You should plan to earn your G-1 ASE certification within the first 6 months of your employment. There are 9 certificates in the A Series and if you earn them all, you will be an ASE certified Master Technician.
Caid Kroeger
Associates Degree Coordinator/InstructorWeber State University
Vehicle Maintenance And Repair Technologies/Technicians
What will help Master Mechanics increase their earning potential?
Caid Kroeger: Some advice I can give is embrace learning, work on your soft skills, and develop a strong understanding of electrical systems. With the continuous advancement of technology in the automotive industry, marked by the emergence of electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving, and connected car technologies, it is crucial for technicians to embrace continuous learning. Keeping pace with these advancements requires not only additional training and certifications but also a detailed understanding of the increasingly complex electrical systems that modern vehicles rely on. Enhancing electrical knowledge and troubleshooting skills has become more important than ever. Alongside these technical proficiencies, the cultivation of soft skills cannot be recommended enough. Effective communication, adept problem-solving, and superior customer service are essential, especially when it comes to explaining technical issues to customers who may lack technical expertise.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Master Mechanic job market given the pandemic?
Trish Serratore: The biggest trends facing the automotive service repair market are the need to help car owners understand that they still need to service their vehicles, even if they are not driving them as much due to remote working situations.
Smaller shops will have difficulties staying in business due to shutdowns and prior technician furloughs. Finding good technicians in this pandemic is just as complicated as before. Keeping technicians trained and updated will also be a factor in the repair business as shops get used to virtual and distance learning.
New graduates entering the field will need to showcase their credentials (ASE Certifications) and be able to quantify their experience. We are still hearing about a technician shortage, but many shops are still wary of an inexperienced individual.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Master Mechanics in the next 3-5 years?
Trish Serratore: Vehicle manufacturers continue to add technology to their vehicles. Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS), collision avoidance technology, and telematics are just a few of these technologies. Infotainment will continue to be a prevalent factor as more folks want their vehicles to do what their phone does.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Master Mechanics in the next 5 years?
Trish Serratore: Hard to say. There is no shortage of folks who would like to work as technicians. As technology increases, the competencies required will change the job descriptions. We will always need technicians for oil changes, brake repairs, HVAC, and the like. However, we will also need, but not as many, technicians with highly developed computer and electronic skills.