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Job outlook for senior mechanics in the United States
Senior mechanic job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected senior mechanic job growth rate is 5% from 2018-2028.
About 76,300 new jobs for senior mechanics are projected over the next decade.
Senior mechanic salaries have increased 11% for senior mechanics in the last 5 years.
There are over 26,663 senior mechanics currently employed in the United States.
There are 85,706 active senior mechanic job openings in the US.
The average senior mechanic salary is $51,569.
Are senior mechanic jobs in demand?
Senior mechanic job and salary trends over time
Senior mechanic jobs over time
Senior mechanic job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 26,663 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 24,067 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 24,609 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 23,906 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 23,326 | 0.01% |
Average senior mechanic salary over time
Senior mechanic salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $51,569 | $24.79 | +4.1% |
| 2025 | $49,528 | $23.81 | +2.0% |
| 2024 | $48,559 | $23.35 | +2.1% |
| 2023 | $47,561 | $22.87 | +2.0% |
| 2022 | $46,650 | $22.43 | +0.8% |
Senior mechanic jobs by state
Most common states for senior mechanics
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 691 | 22% |
| 2 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 219 | 21% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 137 | 18% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 120 | 16% |
| 5 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 292 | 15% |
| 6 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 195 | 15% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 141 | 15% |
| 8 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 85 | 15% |
| 9 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 911 | 14% |
| 10 | Vermont | 623,657 | 90 | 14% |
| 11 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,371 | 13% |
| 12 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 643 | 13% |
| 13 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 219 | 13% |
| 14 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 871 | 12% |
| 15 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 657 | 12% |
| 16 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 508 | 12% |
| 17 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 377 | 12% |
| 18 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 365 | 12% |
| 19 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 243 | 12% |
| 20 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 165 | 12% |
Most common cities for senior mechanics
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garden City | 1 | 4% | $49,453 |
| 2 | Littleton | 1 | 2% | $55,047 |
| 3 | New Orleans | 2 | 1% | $51,389 |
| 4 | Orlando | 2 | 1% | $40,699 |
| 5 | Fairfield | 1 | 1% | $67,202 |
| 6 | Kissimmee | 1 | 1% | $40,697 |
| 7 | Lakewood | 1 | 1% | $59,905 |
| 8 | Jacksonville | 4 | 0% | $41,255 |
| 9 | Phoenix | 3 | 0% | $53,705 |
| 10 | Austin | 1 | 0% | $44,297 |
| 11 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $47,404 |
| 12 | Colorado Springs | 1 | 0% | $54,521 |
| 13 | Dallas | 1 | 0% | $44,340 |
| 14 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $48,759 |
| 15 | Fontana | 1 | 0% | $61,374 |
| 16 | Gilbert | 1 | 0% | $53,432 |
Senior Mechanic job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of senior mechanic experts
Weber State University
Caid Kroeger
Associates Degree Coordinator/InstructorWeber State University
Vehicle Maintenance And Repair Technologies/Technicians
What general advice would you give to a Senior Mechanic?
Caid Kroeger: As the automotive industry continues to develop and manufacture EVs and hybrids, technicians with expertise in high-voltage systems, battery management, and electric powertrains will find their skills in great demand. Alongside this, a deep understanding of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, autonomous driving, and lane assist, will be necessary. This evolution in vehicle technology emphasizes the need for technicians to be well-versed in both EV/hybrid technologies and ADAS. Such a combination of diagnostic and analytical skills will be key to thriving in the constantly evolving automotive industry.
What Senior Mechanic skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Caid Kroeger: As the automotive industry continues to develop and manufacture EVs and hybrids, technicians with expertise in high-voltage systems, battery management, and electric powertrains will find their skills in great demand. Alongside this, a deep understanding of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, autonomous driving, and lane assist, will be necessary. This evolution in vehicle technology emphasizes the need for technicians to be well-versed in both EV/hybrid technologies and ADAS. Such a combination of diagnostic and analytical skills will be key to thriving in the constantly evolving automotive industry.
What will help Senior 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.