Industrial Machinery Mechanics vs. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics: Who Earns More?
Industrial Machinery Mechanics out-earn Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics by $14K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Industrial Machinery Mechanics land at $64,520 and Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics at $50,620. The education gap is real: industrial machinery mechanic programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while automotive service technicians and mechanic programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Industrial Machinery Mechanics is District of Columbia ($87,670); 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 Industrial Machinery Mechanics median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Industrial Machinery Mechanics or Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Industrial Machinery Mechanics earn more nationally. The median is $64,520 for Industrial Machinery Mechanics versus $50,620 for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, a difference of $14K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Industrial Machinery Mechanics or Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Industrial Machinery Mechanics has the better 10-year outlook at 16.1% projected growth, compared to 4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Industrial Machinery Mechanics or Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Industrial Machinery Mechanics 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 Industrial Machinery Mechanics get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Industrial Machinery Mechanics at $87,670/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Industrial Machinery Mechanics vs. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Industrial Machinery Mechanics earn $87,670 vs. $68,660 for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.