Across U.S. metros, auto mechanics typically earn $555 more a year than maintenance technicians (1%). In the 392 metros where BLS publishes both, auto mechanics earn more in 265 and maintenance technicians in 127.
| Auto Mechanic | Maintenance Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $48,885 | $48,330 |
| Lowest metro median | $21,920 | $22,040 |
| Highest metro median | $77,840 | $63,980 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +5.0% | +4.2% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 66,200 | 148,700 |
| Self-employed | 15% | 1% |
| Typical education | Postsecondary nondegree award | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Short-term on-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 204 | 212 |
| Metros with pay data | 392 | 393 |
On safety, maintenance technicians report more injuries that cause missed work (212 vs. 204 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 maintenance technicians the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where maintenance technicians out-earn auto mechanics the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
What each trade does
Auto Mechanic
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.
Maintenance Technician
Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of a building in repair. Duties may involve pipe fitting; HVAC maintenance; insulating; welding; machining; carpentry; repairing electrical or mechanical equipment; installing, aligning, and balancing new equipment; and repairing buildings, floors, or stairs.
Compare one trade across two cities →