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Repair & Maintenance · South Carolina

How to Become a Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in South Carolina

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in South Carolina earn a median salary of $45,950/year, which is 7% below the national average. South Carolina has a state income tax of ~2.9%. After taxes and rent, a automotive service technicians and mechanics takes home approximately $1,725/month. Most positions require Postsecondary nondegree award.

$46K
Median salary in South Carolina
-7%
vs. national average
2.9%
State income tax
13,950
Employed in South Carolina

What a automotive service technicians and mechanics can afford in South Carolina

Gross annual salary$45,950
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 2.9% state tax)$3,137/mo
Median 2BR rent (South Carolina)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home45% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$45,950/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,725/mo

Becoming a automotive service technicians and mechanics in South Carolina

1

Meet education requirements

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics positions in South Carolina typically require Postsecondary nondegree award. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across South Carolina. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many automotive service technicians and mechanics positions in South Carolina require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain South Carolina licensure or certification

South Carolina may require specific licensing or professional certification for automotive service technicians and mechanicss. Requirements vary by state — contact the South Carolina Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in South Carolina

South Carolina employs 13,950 automotive service technicians and mechanics. The highest concentrations are in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal and Charleston-North Charleston.

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics salary by metro area in South Carolina

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal$48K$22.99/hr530
Charleston-North Charleston$47K$22.7/hr2,730
Spartanburg$47K$22.44/hr940
Greenville-Anderson-Greer$47K$22.37/hr2,340
Columbia$46K$22.27/hr2,690
Sumter$45K$21.49/hr210
Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach$44K$21.24/hr1,140
Florence$44K$21.12/hr640

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics salary range in South Carolina

10th percentile (entry)
$28K
25th percentile
$36K
Median (50th)
$46K
75th percentile
$61K
90th percentile (senior)
$78K
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Full automotive service technicians and mechanics salary breakdown in South Carolina
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Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a automotive service technicians and mechanics make in South Carolina?

The median automotive service technicians and mechanics salary in South Carolina is $45,950 per year ($22.09/hr). This is 7% below the national median of $49,670. Salaries range from $28,330 to $77,790.

What are the requirements to become a automotive service technicians and mechanics in South Carolina?

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics positions in South Carolina typically require Postsecondary nondegree award. South Carolina may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the South Carolina licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a automotive service technicians and mechanics afford to live in South Carolina?

At the median salary of $45,950, a automotive service technicians and mechanics in South Carolina would take home approximately $3,137/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 45% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for automotive service technicians and mechanics in South Carolina?

The highest paying metro areas for automotive service technicians and mechanics in South Carolina are Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal ($47,830), Charleston-North Charleston ($47,220), Spartanburg ($46,680). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does South Carolina have state income tax for automotive service technicians and mechanics?

Yes, South Carolina has a state income tax rate of approximately 2.9%. On a $45,950 salary, this means roughly $1,313/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.