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Job outlook for shop mechanics in the United States
Shop mechanic job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected shop mechanic job growth rate is 4% from 2018-2028.
About 12,600 new jobs for shop mechanics are projected over the next decade.
Shop mechanic salaries have increased 11% for shop mechanics in the last 5 years.
There are over 215,735 shop mechanics currently employed in the United States.
There are 100,379 active shop mechanic job openings in the US.
The average shop mechanic salary is $47,377.
Are shop mechanic jobs in demand?
Shop mechanic job and salary trends over time
Shop mechanic jobs over time
Shop mechanic job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 215,735 | 0.06% |
| 2020 | 208,418 | 0.06% |
| 2019 | 219,234 | 0.07% |
| 2018 | 217,901 | 0.07% |
| 2017 | 214,177 | 0.06% |
Average shop mechanic salary over time
Shop mechanic salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $47,377 | $22.78 | +3.5% |
| 2025 | $45,772 | $22.01 | +2.4% |
| 2024 | $44,687 | $21.48 | +2.1% |
| 2023 | $43,753 | $21.03 | +2.6% |
| 2022 | $42,630 | $20.49 | +1.5% |
Shop mechanic jobs by state
Most common states for shop mechanics
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 746 | 24% |
| 2 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 246 | 23% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 149 | 20% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 124 | 17% |
| 5 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 307 | 16% |
| 6 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 273 | 16% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 154 | 16% |
| 8 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 978 | 15% |
| 9 | Vermont | 623,657 | 96 | 15% |
| 10 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 87 | 15% |
| 11 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,430 | 14% |
| 12 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 660 | 14% |
| 13 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 187 | 14% |
| 14 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 742 | 13% |
| 15 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 723 | 13% |
| 16 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 639 | 13% |
| 17 | Louisiana | 4,684,333 | 612 | 13% |
| 18 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 546 | 13% |
| 19 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 416 | 13% |
| 20 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 173 | 13% |
Most common cities for shop mechanics
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Decatur | 2 | 4% | $43,468 |
| 2 | Tallahassee | 3 | 2% | $43,876 |
| 3 | Alpharetta | 1 | 2% | $40,593 |
| 4 | Bakersfield | 2 | 1% | $62,178 |
| 5 | Des Moines | 2 | 1% | $48,050 |
| 6 | Norfolk | 2 | 1% | $41,768 |
| 7 | Billings | 1 | 1% | $42,826 |
| 8 | Bolingbrook | 1 | 1% | $49,937 |
| 9 | Denver | 2 | 0% | $51,020 |
| 10 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $57,019 |
Shop Mechanic job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of shop mechanic experts
Julia Johnson
Professor, Automotive TechnologySkyline College
Vehicle Maintenance And Repair Technologies/Technicians
What general advice would you give to a Shop Mechanic?
Julia Johnson: You will be starting out as a Lube Tech for your first job in the automotive industry. You will be expected to perform maintenance services accurately and within the industry standard timeframe. It may seem like it’s not challenging enough or too repetitive, but you will be expected to prove yourself at this level before you can advance.
Caid Kroeger
Associates Degree Coordinator/InstructorWeber State University
Vehicle Maintenance And Repair Technologies/Technicians
What Shop 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 Shop 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 Shop 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.