Across U.S. metros, machinists typically earn $8,165 more a year than auto mechanics (17%). In the 361 metros where BLS publishes both, auto mechanics earn more in 64 and machinists in 297.
| Auto Mechanic | Machinist | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $48,885 | $57,050 |
| Lowest metro median | $21,920 | $29,310 |
| Highest metro median | $77,840 | $84,410 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +5.0% | +1.0% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 66,200 | 26,100 |
| Self-employed | 15% | 0% |
| Typical education | Postsecondary nondegree award | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Short-term on-the-job training | Long-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 204 | 108 |
| Metros with pay data | 392 | 361 |
On safety, auto mechanics report more injuries that cause missed work (204 vs. 108 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where auto mechanics out-earn machinists the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where machinists out-earn auto mechanics the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, auto mechanics earn more in 5 states and machinists in 46. The gap favors auto mechanics most in California ($7,790) and machinists most in Hawaii ($32,250).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Cramped spaces and awkward positions: sometimes for auto mechanics, rarely for machinists. Outdoors, in all kinds of weather: sometimes for auto mechanics, rarely for machinists.
| Auto Mechanic | Machinist | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Sometimes | Rarely |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Often | Often |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Often | Occasionally |
| Working at heights | Rarely | Rarely |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Rarely | Rarely |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Sometimes | Rarely |
| Loud noise | Often | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Sometimes | Rarely |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Often | Sometimes |
| Sitting | Occasionally | Occasionally |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Auto Mechanic
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.
Machinist
Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments out of metal. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.
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