Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary in Columbus, IN
The median pay for a automotive service technicians and mechanics in Columbus, IN is $45,550/year ($21.9/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $33K at the entry level to $67K for experienced workers. Cost of living is below average (RPP 93), which stretches that salary to about $48,978 in buying power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,415/month — about 44.7% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $46K get you in Columbus?
About automotive service technicians and mechanics
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Columbus, IN
Entry-level automotive service technicians and mechanics (10th percentile) start around $33K. Mid-career wages sit at $46K.Top earners bring in $67K or more - a $34K spread from bottom to top.
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $71K | +43% | 270 |
| California | $63K | +28% | 62,110 |
| Alaska | $62K | +25% | 1,390 |
| New Hampshire | $58K | +18% | 4,510 |
| Washington | $58K | +16% | 13,740 |
| Maryland | $58K | +16% | 14,310 |
| Massachusetts | $57K | +16% | 12,390 |
| Minnesota | $57K | +16% | 13,500 |
| New Jersey | $57K | +15% | 16,820 |
| Montana | $57K | +15% | 2,720 |
| Oregon | $57K | +14% | 6,900 |
| Virginia | $56K | +13% | 17,740 |
| Connecticut | $56K | +13% | 6,630 |
| New York | $52K | +4% | 31,790 |
| North Dakota | $51K | +3% | 1,850 |
Track automotive service technicians and mechanics salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Columbus numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do automotive service technicians and mechanics make in Columbus, IN?
The median is $45,550 a year - that works out to about $21.9 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $33,340, and experienced automotive service technicians and mechanics can clear $67,110. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $46K enough to live in Columbus?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,104/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,415/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 45.6% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a automotive service technicians and mechanics salary go in Columbus?
Columbus has a Regional Price Parity of 93 (100 is the national average). That's below average - your money stretches further here than the raw salary number suggests. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median automotive service technicians and mechanics salary is worth about $48,978 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do automotive service technicians and mechanics get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.