The United States relies heavily on personal vehicles, making the automotive service technician and mechanic a foundational occupation within the national economy. These professionals inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks, keeping a massive fleet of vehicles operational. Understanding the geographic distribution of this workforce provides insight into job availability, local demand, and compensation trends. The concentration of these jobs is highly uneven, influenced by factors like population density, vehicle age, and local economic conditions.
States with the Highest Total Employment of Automotive Mechanics
The total number of employed automotive mechanics nationwide reached approximately 676,570 in May 2023, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This employment figure is primarily concentrated in states with the largest populations and highest rates of vehicle ownership. These states offer the greatest volume of available positions.
Texas employs the largest number of technicians (67,680 mechanics). California follows closely behind with 55,730, and Florida holds the third position, employing 46,210 professionals. New York (31,760) and Pennsylvania (29,100) round out the top five. This reflects the high demand in states characterized by extensive metropolitan areas and long daily commutes.
Understanding Geographic Employment Concentration
Focusing solely on raw employment totals can be misleading for job seekers, as a high number of jobs in a large state may still mean fierce competition. A more informative metric is the employment concentration, measured by the location quotient (LQ). The LQ compares the proportion of mechanics in a state’s workforce to the proportion nationwide. States with the highest concentration are those where the automotive repair industry is a larger component of the local economy. New Mexico shows a high concentration with an LQ of 1.44, and South Carolina registers an LQ of 1.43.
States Where Mechanics Earn the Highest Average Wages
Compensation for automotive mechanics varies significantly, often correlating with the local cost of living and regional specialization. The national mean annual wage for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics was $51,940 in May 2023. Higher wages often reflect a greater demand for advanced diagnostic and repair skills or the higher pricing power of businesses in high-cost areas.
Alaska offers one of the highest mean annual wages, reaching $62,290, reflecting the high cost of living. California also reports a high average wage of $61,420, driven by expensive metropolitan centers and demand for complex repairs. Washington ($59,060) and New Jersey ($57,820) follow, indicating that higher wages are common on the coasts and in regions with specialized repair facilities.
Educational and Certification Requirements for Automotive Mechanics
Entry into the automotive mechanic profession typically requires a combination of formal education and practical experience. Many technicians complete postsecondary nondegree programs at vocational schools or community colleges, which provide structured training in automotive service technology. These programs build a foundation in vehicle systems, including engine repair, braking systems, and electrical diagnostics.
Professional certification is highly valued and often a prerequisite for advancement. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) provides a nationally recognized standard through a rigorous testing process. Technicians must pass at least one specialized exam and possess two years of work experience, though a two-year degree can substitute for one year of experience. Achieving these certifications is relevant given the rapid pace of technological change in modern vehicles.
Career Outlook for Automotive Mechanics
The career outlook for automotive mechanics nationally is projected to see growth of 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, a rate about as fast as the average for all occupations. This modest increase is sustained by the increasing number of vehicles on the road and the trend of owners keeping their vehicles for longer periods, which increases the need for maintenance and repair services. About 70,000 job openings are projected each year over the decade, primarily to replace technicians who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.
Advancements in vehicle technology are shifting the nature of the work, placing a premium on technicians with specialized skills. The growing prevalence of electric vehicles (EVs) and complex Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) demands expertise in computer diagnostics and high-voltage electrical systems. While basic maintenance remains necessary, future success will depend on a technician’s ability to adapt to these new vehicle platforms.