Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers vs. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics: Who Earns More?
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics out-earn Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers by $11K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers land at $39,630 and Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics at $50,620. The education gap is real: helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair worker programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while automotive service technicians and mechanic programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers is District of Columbia ($54,860); for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics it's District of Columbia ($68,660).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers or Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earn more nationally. The median is $39,630 for Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers versus $50,620 for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, a difference of $11K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers or Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics has the better 10-year outlook at 4.2% projected growth, compared to 2.3% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers or Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics requires postsecondary nondegree award. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers at $54,860/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers vs. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers earn $54,860 vs. $68,660 for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.