Do mechanics make $100,000 a year?

Yes—some do—but it’s not the norm. In the United States, typical automotive mechanics earn far less than $100,000, while seasoned specialists such as aircraft mechanics, top-performing dealership master technicians in high-cost markets, heavy-equipment/diesel techs, and supervisors can reach or exceed six figures, often with overtime, incentives, or union contracts. Below is a data-driven look at when $100,000 is realistic and what it takes to get there.

What the data shows

Government wage data underscores the gap between the median mechanic and top earners. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for May 2023, the median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was about $47,770—well below $100,000. Diesel and heavy-equipment technicians earned more, while aircraft mechanics were much closer to six figures, especially at the upper end. Hitting $100,000 typically requires a higher-paying specialty, high-cost labor markets, substantial overtime, a supervisory role, or business ownership.

Automotive service technicians and mechanics

Median pay was roughly $47,770 in 2023, with the top 10% typically topping out in the upper-$70,000s to low-$80,000s. Some dealership master technicians in high-volume, high-cost markets can exceed $100,000 through flat-rate productivity, bonuses, and overtime, but this is the exception rather than the rule.

Diesel and heavy-equipment technicians

Diesel service technicians and mechanics had a median near $59,000 in 2023. Field service roles, work in energy/mining, or remote assignments with per-diem, travel pay, and substantial overtime can push total compensation into the $90,000–$120,000 range for experienced techs.

Aircraft mechanics (A&P)

Aircraft mechanics and service technicians posted a median around $77,000 in 2023, with the top 10% surpassing $110,000. At major airlines, union contracts, shift differentials, tool allowances, and overtime frequently bring experienced A&P mechanics into six figures.

Supervisors and shop owners

First-line supervisors of mechanics often earn more than the technicians they oversee, with upper-tier earnings into six figures depending on industry and location. Independent shop owners can surpass $100,000, but income varies widely after expenses such as rent, payroll, equipment, and insurance.

Who actually makes $100,000?

Several roles and situations make six figures more achievable, particularly where specialized skills, productivity pay, or union agreements apply.

• Aircraft mechanics (A&P) at major airlines or in high-demand markets
• Master automotive technicians at high-volume dealerships in high-cost metro areas (strong flat-rate performance plus bonuses/overtime)
• Heavy-equipment/diesel field service techs in energy, mining, construction, or remote assignments
• Unionized municipal or transit fleet mechanics with significant overtime and differentials
• First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
• Independent shop owners with healthy volume and tight cost control

While these paths don’t guarantee $100,000, they’re the scenarios where mechanics most commonly cross the threshold, especially after several years of experience and credentialing.

What drives pay up or down

Earnings for mechanics vary with market conditions, specialization, and how employers structure compensation.

• Location: High-cost coastal metros and resource hubs pay more than rural or low-cost regions.
• Experience and credentials: ASE Master Tech, OEM factory training, and an FAA A&P license materially raise earning potential.
• Employer type: Airlines, heavy industry, and large dealerships tend to pay more than small general-repair shops.
• Pay structure: Flat-rate systems reward high productivity; hourly roles may offer steadier pay and overtime eligibility.
• Overtime and differentials: Nights, weekends, travel, and union differentials can add 10–30% to annual pay.
• Specialization: EV/hybrid, diagnostics, ADAS calibration, hydraulics, or avionics skills command premiums.
• Union coverage: In sectors like aviation and transit, collective bargaining often sets higher wage floors and benefits.
• Economic cycles: Demand spikes in logistics, construction, or air travel can lift wages and hours worked.

In practice, mechanics who combine an in-demand specialty with a favorable market and pay structure see the largest boosts in total compensation.

How to reach $100,000 as a mechanic

Breaking into six figures usually requires intentional choices about training, employer, and workload.

1. Choose a higher-paying path early: Consider aircraft (A&P), diesel/heavy equipment, or fleet/municipal roles.
2. Stack credentials: Aim for ASE Master + L1, OEM certifications, and, for aviation, the FAA A&P license.
3. Target employers and contracts: Major airlines, union shops, large dealerships, and field service roles offer higher ceilings.
4. Maximize productivity: In flat-rate settings, efficiency, clean diagnostics, and minimizing comebacks are key.
5. Leverage overtime strategically: Nights/weekends and travel assignments can push annual totals over $100,000.
6. Consider relocation: High-cost, high-demand markets often pay significantly more.
7. Track your effective rate: Monitor flagged vs. clocked hours, chargebacks, and unpaid admin time.
8. Build business acumen: For aspiring owners, understand P&L, pricing, and workflow to translate revenue into profit.

With the right mix of specialization, employer, and hours, reaching $100,000 is attainable for a minority of mechanics—especially after several years of experience.

The bottom line

Most automotive mechanics do not make $100,000 per year; the median is closer to the upper $40,000s. Six-figure pay is realistic in higher-paying specialties (notably aircraft), heavy-equipment/diesel field roles, unionized environments, supervisory positions, and successful shop ownership—often aided by overtime, differentials, and performance-based pay.

Summary

Some mechanics do make $100,000, but it’s uncommon outside higher-paying niches and top-performing roles. BLS data for 2023 places typical auto tech pay far below six figures, while aircraft mechanics and experienced heavy-equipment/diesel techs are more likely to reach it—especially with overtime, union contracts, or leadership positions. Certification, specialization, employer choice, location, and workload are the levers that matter most.

How to make 100k as a car mechanic?

Consistently working overtime, taking on complex repair jobs, or running a successful independent shop can also help a mechanic reach or exceed the $100,000 mark.

What is the most money you can make as a mechanic?

The average starting salary you can expect is £23,654 per annum. For those with extensive work experience, your wage could exceed £43,963 and include benefits such as a company vehicle, pension, and overtime rate. Candidates for automotive car mechanic roles could earn a wage of £31,494 annually.

Can a mechanic make 200k a year?

Based on salary data, a skilled automotive technician earns between $59,295 and $74,924 annually. Making $200k as a mechanic is unlikely unless you own a business with multiple employees. Typically, techs earn $35-40/hr, so reaching $200k would require ownership or additional income sources.

What’s the highest a mechanic can make?

Automotive Mechanic Salary in California

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay
Top Earners	$73,524	$6,127
75th Percentile	$60,700	$5,058
Average	$53,635	$4,469
25th Percentile	$42,900	$3,575