There are many different levels and types of auto mechanics.  Therefore, the typical pay scale depends solely on the type of mechanic that one is training to become.  In addition, the amount of schooling an auto mechanic has completed will drastically raise his or her pay scale.  The final issue that can change the amount a mechanic earns is location.  In areas with public transportation, fewer cars are on the road so supply may not always meet demand.  Remote areas with lower cost of living ratios will find their salaries are far lower than more populated areas.  These are all things to contemplate when one is thinking about becoming an auto mechanic.

To examine the varying wages, the different areas of the United States are included.  All of these wages include typical overtime and bonuses.  These are all averages.  Exact wages can only be determined by a prospective employer.  Overtime hours will vary from area to area, but overtime is usually required of any auto mechanic.  Therefore, a person is guaranteed they will be making extra money from time to time.

In Anchorage, Alaska, an auto technician typically makes $36,000 per year, plus another $200 in bonuses and overtime.  This brings the auto technician to $36,200.  Compare this to a Level II auto mechanic who has had between two and five years of training.  A Level II mechanic makes $46,700 a year, plus another $400 in bonuses and overtime.  This is a $10,000 difference.  Finally, a Level III mechanic who is holding ASE certification makes $56,500 plus another $700 in bonuses and overtime.

Checking wages in Los Angeles, California, one will find that an auto technician there makes $34,900 plus $200 in bonuses and overtime.  A Level II mechanic earns $45,500 plus $350 in bonuses and overtime.  Finally, in California, the Level III mechanic earns $54,900 plus $700 in bonuses and overtime.  Los Angeles is loaded with public transportation options.  Therefore, a mechanic will find the demand is not the same as in Alaska.

Moving on to El Paso, Texas, one will find the pay scale drops dramatically.  There an auto technician earns $28,400 plus $150 in bonuses and overtime.  A Level II mechanic earns $37,000 and $300 in overtime and bonuses.  Finally, a Level III mechanic earns $44,700 plus $550 in overtime and bonuses.

In areas surrounding Lincoln, Nebraska, an auto technician earns $28,700 plus $180 in bonuses and overtime.  A Level II mechanic makes $37,300 with an additional $300 in bonuses and overtime.  Finally, a Level III mechanic brings in $45,200 per year with an additional $600 in bonuses and overtime.

Finally heading into New England helps on discover that in Burlington, Vermont an auto technician earns $30,400 with $200 in bonuses and overtime.  A Level II auto mechanic earns $39,500 with an additional $300 in bonuses and overtime.  Last by not least; the Level III auto mechanic pulls in $47,800 plus an additional $600 in bonuses and overtime.

Becoming an auto mechanic is a highly fulfilling career choice.  With plenty of room for advancement and plenty of demand, this is a career to seriously consider!